Videos from a dash cam can be used in accident investigation — both for and against you.
As technology continues to improve, the prices on many gadgets has dropped to the point that many items that once seemed like something from the Jetsons are now relatively commonplace. For example, a video camera mounted to a car’s dashboard is now a fairly inexpensive way to monitor what happens on the road around you. For as little as $50 to $200, you could record or even stream the highway or even your rearview mirror as you drove through town. Many of these cameras even offer audio recording and video of multiple angles. So what is the benefit of these dash cams — and can they be used in a car accident case?
Dash cams can be a great way to provide evidence in case you are in an accident. If you are driving along and someone slams into you, there is a good chance that you didn’t even see what happened to you — but the camera may have caught it. The camera’s recording could be conclusive proof that the other driver was at fault in the accident, making it far easier for you to collect an insurance settlement than it otherwise would be. Just as insurance companies will accept pictures taken from cell phones that have electronic data to prove their authenticity, data from dash cam videos can also be used to back up your claim, proving that you were not at fault in an accident. These videos can also be used in court to bolster witness statements and show that the other party was at fault.
However, it is important to realize that the same video that can be used to prove your case could also be used to show you did something wrong. Perhaps the video can be used to prove that you were going slightly above the speed limit, or that you were distracted by a crying child in the back seat. Even if the video shows that the other driver was mostly at fault, a video of the accident itself could reduce the total award if the insurance company shows that you were doing something wrong at the time of the accident.
You should also be aware that dash cams can be a distraction, and they may not be legal in your jurisdiction. It may not be legal to have something mounted on your dashboard in that way, and you may need the permission of your passengers before video or audio records them. Be sure that you are complying with the law before you install a dashboard camera, and always make certain that any technology you put into your car makes you safer — and does not actually cause an accident.
If you have been in a car accident, contact the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com for a free initial consultation. Our attorneys can assist you in getting the best possible recovery for your injuries, and will work with you throughout the process. We have helped more than 100,000 people get the money that they deserve for their injuries, and have recovered more than $2 billion dollars on their behalf. With a 95% success rate, our firm is an ideal choice to represent you if you have been hurt in a car accident. Contact us today to learn how we can help you! We never charge a fee unless we get money for you.
