Electronic Control Module - Black Box

A black box is also referred to as an Electronic Control Module (ECM) or an Electronic Data Recorder (EDR) can help provide valuable information, evidence, and data in the aftermath of a crash or accident. The black box can record important technical information as to the vehicle itself and occupant information. It is interesting to note that the black box collects information and data for a short period of time before, during, just after a car accident. It should be further noted that not all vehicles are equipped with black box equipment or technology. Vehicles manufactured under the makes of Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and Pontiac began equipping the vehicles with black box in 1994. In the ensuing years, there were additional vehicle manufacturers that put in black box technology into vehicles. Beginning in September 2014, all new vehicles in the United States must be equipped with black box technology.

Black box technology records certain information including the following:

• The use or non-use of a seatbelt;
• The deployment or lack of deployment of an air bag;
• The depth or depression of the accelerator pedal;
• The force or trauma from the accident;
• The angle of the steering mechanism; and
• The application or non-application of the brakes.

The information obtained and retained on a black box needs to be downloaded by an engineer or other technical expert to make sure that the information is retrieved using manufacturer recommendations and requirements. Thereafter, the data and information retrieved will require an expert or specialist to interpret the data and information. The black box information could help a case, hurt a case, or have no effect whatsoever on a case. Of course, each car accident must be evaluated on its own facts and merits which may or may not include black box data information. Due to the cost, time, and expertise in retrieving black box data information, it is a case-by-case decision for the automobile accident attorney to retrieve the data on a particular accident case or claim.

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, David Wolf is an experienced automobile accident attorney with over 30 years of experience. He is the author of 12 books that focus on personal injury matters including those involving car accidents. He is the author of the book titled - Florida Automobile Accidents - Personal Injuries - Keys to Protecting and Enforcing Your Legal Rights and the book titled - Big Trucks - Big Problems - When a Truck Driver Wrecks Your Day and Life - Legal Rights of the Injury Victim and Family. The book has information on Medical Bills and Insurance, Driver Training, Black Box Technology, and other topics. You can get this and other books for free by visiting and completing the form on the Contact Us Page of this website.

In the aftermath of a car accident, there are a number of issues and challenges to deal with. An injury victim should reach out to discuss the situation and recommended courses of action with an experienced car accident attorney. Insurance companies have adjusters, investigators, and yes, attorneys in place to protect the interests of the insurance companies. You, as the injury victim, or family member who has been injured as a result of the negligence or fault of another person, business, or government entity should also have legal representation in place.

David Wolf provides a Free Consultation for all personal injury cases including car accident cases. Contact David Wolf today and find out more about your legal rights and actions you can take to best pursue your case or claim. Get D Wolf - On Your Side - At Your Side. If David Wolf accepts the case for representation, the case will be handled on a contingency basis which means that there will be no attorney fees or costs charged by David Wolf is there is no financial recovery on the case.