How Do Dashcams Impact Car Accident Claims?

In recent years, dashcams have gained popularity among drivers as a valuable tool for capturing events on the road. Nearly 70% of drivers who intend to buy a car in the next few years are looking for a dashcam feature in the vehicle.

These compact, windshield-mounted cameras continuously capture footage while the vehicle is moving, recording everything from scenic routes to unexpected events. For auto accident claims, dashcam footage provides crucial evidence that delivers an unbiased perspective on the incident and establishes fault.

Discover how a Wisconsin car accident lawyer can help you obtain dashcam footage after a crash and use it to strengthen your car insurance claim.

What Are Dashcams?

Dashcams, or dashboard cameras, are devices installed in vehicles to record real-time video footage. Depending on the model, they can capture the car’s interior and exterior views. Some advanced dashcams offer features like GPS tracking, night vision, and multi-camera setups.

Dashcams’ primary purpose is to provide an objective record of driving conditions and incidents, which can be invaluable in a car accident.

How Dashcam Footage Can Influence Vehicle Accident Claims

Dashcam footage influences accident claims by providing clear, objective evidence of the crash. It can assist investigators and victims in the following ways:

• Capturing the Sequence of Events: Dashcams are valuable for crash victims because they can capture the sequence of events leading up to an accident. This can include traffic conditions, the behavior of other drivers, and sudden maneuvers or signals that preceded the collision. It provides a clear timeline that helps establish a factual basis for what transpired.

• Determining Fault: In many car accident cases, determining fault is a contentious issue. Dashcam footage can offer objective evidence that clarifies which driver was responsible for the accident. For instance, if a driver runs a red light or makes an illegal turn, the dashcam can capture these violations, making it easier to attribute fault accurately.

• Documenting the Accident Scene: The scene can be chaotic immediately after an accident, and witness accounts may be unreliable. Dashcam footage provides an unaltered view of the accident scene, including the position of vehicles, road conditions, and contributing factors like weather or obstacles. This documentation aids in reconstructing the accident and supporting claims.

Benefits of Dashcam Evidence in Legal Proceedings

Dashcam evidence provides objective and reliable documentation, strengthening your legal case.

• Objective Documentation: Unlike witness statements, dashcam footage is not subject to human error or memory lapses. These devices provide a consistent and objective record of events, which can bolster your case. 

• Supporting Claims: Dashcam footage can support a driver or passenger’s account of the accident, potentially speeding up the claims process with insurance companies. It can also be persuasive evidence in court, helping secure a favorable outcome.

• Deterring Fraud: Dashcams can help prevent fraudulent claims, such as false injury reports or staged accidents. The presence of a dashcam may discourage dishonest behavior, as the footage could expose the truth and result in legal penalties.

Limitations and Challenges of Dashcam Evidence

Despite its benefits, dashcam evidence can face admissibility, privacy concerns, and interpretation challenges. The following limitations may complicate its use in legal proceedings:

• Admissibility: Dashcam footage must meet specific legal standards to be admissible in court. It must be relevant, clear, and authenticated to ensure it has not been tampered with. Lawyers must carefully present dashcam evidence to meet these criteria.

• Privacy Concerns: Recording without consent may raise privacy issues. In Wisconsin, public video recording is generally allowed, but audio recording is regulated under the one-party consent law. If your dashcam records audio, your consent makes it admissible in court, though this could vary in other jurisdictions.

• Interpretation: While dashcam footage is objective, interpreting the footage accurately can be challenging. The camera’s angle, quality, and coverage may affect perceived events. Legal and forensic professionals must analyze the footage thoroughly to draw accurate conclusions.

Protect Yourself with Dashcam Evidence in Car Accident Claims

Dashcam footage can be decisive in establishing liability and securing the compensation you deserve. At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, our team can obtain, preserve, and use this evidence to build a strong compensation case.

Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can maximize your settlement with dashcam evidence.