How Does Having a Dashcam Affect My Car Accident Claim?

If you have ever experienced a car accident, you understand the challenges of demonstrating liability to an insurance company. A dashboard camera, commonly known as a dashcam, can serve as an invaluable tool for establishing liability in the event of a car collision.

According to Cool Gadgets, the car dashcam industry has experienced steady growth since 2012. It is estimated that by 2022, the market size of car dashcams will reach $5.94 million.

Understanding Dashcams

A dashcam is a compact video camera that you can mount on your vehicle's dashboard or windshield. Its primary function is to record the events that take place in front of your vehicle. The dashcam remains in recording mode as long as your vehicle is in gear.

Furthermore, certain advanced models also capture internal audio and video, offer rear-facing video capabilities, display on the rearview mirror, or stream directly to the internet.

It's important to remember that dashcams remain impartial. In the event of an accident where someone else is at fault, the camera will dutifully capture the evidence. Conversely, if you are the driver responsible for the incident, the dashcam will not shy away from recording that as well.

The Power of a Dashcam: Unveiling What It Can Capture

If the dashcam footage clearly captures the events leading up to, during, or immediately following an accident, and includes a timestamp, it is unlikely that the recording will be disputed.

For example, in the event of your car being sideswiped, a dashcam can capture crucial details such as the color, make, model, and license plate of the vehicle responsible for the incident. This information becomes invaluable in hit-and-run situations, providing you with vital evidence and aiding in the resolution of the incident.

Additionally, a dashcam can record the following:

• You were proceeding in a straight line, remaining in your designated lane.
• You were driving at the correct speed for the circumstances.
• You were struck by another driver on either the left or right side as they passed by.
• The vehicle ahead of you moved forward and abruptly changed lanes, crossing into your path.

A dashcam may also be useful for showing the events that occurred after the collision, such as the following:

• The apology from the other driver.
• The animosity displayed by the other driver.

• The impairment of the other driver due to drugs or alcohol.

The Impact of a Dashcam on Your Car Accident Case

Recalling and accurately recounting the details of an accident can often prove to be quite difficult. Likewise, the other driver involved in the collision may not provide an entirely truthful account of what took place. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for errors to be present in police reports.

A dashcam has the potential to capture crucial evidence, such as instances of reckless driving, running red lights, or disregard for right-of-way at intersections. This evidence is invaluable as it not only establishes the fault of the other driver but also provides a clear display of their specific violation of the law.

Utilizing dashcam footage can greatly enhance your auto insurance claim by reducing the time spent in he-said-she-said disputes. While the footage may not serve as conclusive evidence, it can significantly expedite the claims process and provide valuable assistance in supporting your case.

Dashcam footage can serve as compelling evidence in your car accident claim. When you submit the footage to the insurance company, they will carefully consider its contents. The potential influence it may have on a deliberating jury will be taken into account and assessed.

The timestamped recording holds the potential to provide sufficient evidence for the insurance company to settle your claim without resorting to a trial. However, it is important to acknowledge that insurance companies will make every effort to undermine the validity of dashcam evidence. For instance, if the recording is compromised by graininess or darkness due to weather conditions such as rain, fog, or the time of day, the insurance company may question its value and significance.

To ensure a fair trial, it is crucial that the recording accurately depicts the events in question. The judge will likely need to review the recording before allowing the jury to do so. If the judge permits the jury to view the recording, it could greatly influence their assessment of liability and damages.

WHEN A DASHCAM IS NOT HELPFUL TO YOUR CASE

As mentioned before, a dashcam does not favor your side. If you were at fault in the accident and the dashcam provides evidence of that, the auto insurance company may seek a court order to use the recording against you.

Imagine this scenario: your dashcam footage reveals that you had switched lanes a couple of times before being sideswiped. An expert can provide a testimony, based on projections, that you were speeding at the time of the collision. Similarly, the audio captured by the dashcam may capture you discussing your fatigue, the blaring music in your car, or hint at your distraction during the accident.

Auto insurance companies consistently prioritize their own interests, often at the expense of accident victims. It is a given that the insurance company will exploit any available footage to their advantage, regardless of its impact on your situation.

In some instances, dashcam footage can greatly impact your claim if it can establish your liability in any way.

The Car Accident Attorneys at Strong Law Can Help

If your injury was caused by someone else in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Strong Law, our attorneys are experts in handling car accident cases and have assisted countless individuals, just like you. We are here to determine if we can provide assistance to you as well. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our office if you have any questions.