If you are involved in a car accident and have a dashcam, will it help your accident case? Are there situations in which it could hurt? Keep reading to get the latest details on dashcams and learn how they can help with accident cases in California. Then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
What is a Dashcam and How Do I Get One?
First, let us cover what a dashcam is and how you can get one. Dashcam is actually short for “dashboard-mounted camera.” It is a device that digitally records, and that is attached either to the windshield or the dashboard, usually via a suction cup. They are usually designed to point at the road in front of you, though you could get one that is mounted to record what happens behind your vehicle, too.
Most dashcams are powered via your vehicles’ battery, usually through the USB or cigarette lighter dash. You can spend a lot of money for the highest quality, but the most affordable options usually start at around $50. You can buy this cam online or at most electronic stores.
Dashcams Record on a Continuous Loop
When you turn your vehicle on, the dashcam will start recording right away and it will record for hours. This continuous loop is then gradually replaced with new footage as it is recorded. There are a variety of options, some of which record sound as well as those with night vision.
How Dashcam Footage Can Be Used
If you are involved in a car accident with a truck, bus, or even a pedestrian, the dashcam can record the event and be used as evidence. It can show if you were at fault, if someone else was at fault, and what other factors were involved. Of course, while it can be used to show that you were not at fault, it could also be used to show that you were at fault.
Not All Insurers Accept Dashcam Footage
While dashcam footage is legal to use in California courts, not all insurers will accept it as evidence. This means that if you have a driver on camera swerving in front of you and causing an accident, the insurer could potentially say this is not relevant evidence and deny your claim. However, will know that a court of law will likely allow it and are therefore likely to at least negotiate a higher settlement.
If you have questions about how your dashcam footage could be used in your case, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.