What Is Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) for Large Trucks?

Automatic emergency braking (AEB) for large trucks is a technology that helps prevent truck accidents. The AEB system applies the brakes whenever a driver fails to respond to warning signals about a potential collision. If the driver’s braking is insufficient to prevent an accident, the AEB system can supplement their braking and apply greater force to stop a crash from happening. 

While AEB systems are designed to prevent as many accidents as possible, truck accidents can still occur. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a collision with a large truck, such as a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, you might qualify to pursue compensation. A truck accident attorney from our firm can manage your case and help you take legal action to hold the at-fault driver or liable party accountable.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Helps Reduce Accidents for Large Trucks

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice in June 2021 about its Unified Agenda, which mandates that all heavy and light vehicles, including large trucks, must have automatic emergency braking. This is an effort to make roadways safer for all vehicle drivers and occupants. 

Per the Institute for Safer Trucking (IST), AEB:

• Potentially reduces truck crashes by 31 to 37 percent, which could ultimately result in fewer injuries and fatalities
• Reduced front-to-rear collisions by 20.7 percent for trucks
• Helps trucks cut their speed in half after a trigger alert to avoid a collision, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Trucks without AEB are more likely to get into collisions with other vehicles, especially if the truck driver is distracted, under the influence, or fatigued. 

AEB Technology Prevents Different Kinds of Truck Accidents

An IIHS study announced that AEB technology “could eliminate more than 2 out of 5 crashes” regarding rear-end accidents. Findings from the Truck Safety Coalition supports this notion, as their research found that AEB technology reduced rear-end collisions by 71 percent. 

Other types of accidents that AEB helps prevent include:

• Side-impact collisions
• Collisions caused by improper lane changes
• Crashes due to unsafe following distances
• Head-on collisions
• Accidents caused by a distracted driver
• Collisions caused by speeding

The critical component behind AEB technology is that these systems do more than warn drivers. AEB systems implement functions to apply brakes to ensure the driver’s safety, which prevents more accidents because these reflexes are technically based. 

What Damages Can I Recover from an Accident with a Large Truck?

If a truck collided with your vehicle and caused you to suffer an injury, you may qualify to take legal action and demand compensation from the at-fault driver or liable party. A truck accident attorney from our firm can review your case and calculate your damages, which may include:

• Medical care expenses, including future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Reduced earning potential 
• Current and future loss of income
• Permanent disability, including vision or hearing loss
• Physical disfigurement, including scarring or burn markings
• Reduced quality of life
• Emotional distress
• Property damage costs, including the cash value of your vehicle if it was totaled

You may qualify for other damages not listed, which your lawyer will inform you about as they review your case and calculate its value. With our legal team, we want you to be as honest about your experience as much as possible so that we can reach an accurate figure that reflects the damages you suffered from the accident.

How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You

Part of the convenience behind retaining a truck accident lawyer is that they can handle legal responsibilities for you while you attend to your physical, financial, and mental recovery after the accident. 

When you choose to work with our legal team, we offer to:

• Conduct our own investigation into your accident to confirm details in the crash report and search for evidence to support your claims.
• Contact potential witnesses or parties that may have evidence for your case, such as industry experts who can provide testimony.
• Handle communications with the other party’s insurance provider and legal team as well as court officials relaying messages about your case.
• Prepare legal paperwork for your case and submit your claim or lawsuit by its filing deadline dictated by state law.
• Attend negotiation meetings or court hearings on your behalf to present your case and advocate for your interests.
• Answer any questions or concerns about your case you may have.

If you would like to learn more about our services, we offer free consultations for prospective clients.

Contact Our Law Office Today to Learn More About Your Rights to Compensation

If you or a loved one sustained an injury in a truck accident where automatic emergency braking (AEB) was not utilized or driver negligence contributed, you may qualify to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Our team at Hammack Law Firm can review your case and see whether you have grounds to demand compensation from the at-fault or liable party. 

Call (864) 326-3333 today for a free case evaluation and consultation. We will explain what legal options you have, then take steps to move your case forward.