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Dashcams and Car Accident Liability

By Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. on July 30, 2024

In recent years, dashcams have become increasingly popular among drivers. These small, windshield-mounted cameras capture footage of the road ahead—or behind—and are widely used by individuals seeking to protect themselves in the event of a car accident. As their popularity grows, dashcams play a more significant role in determining liability during car accident claims and legal proceedings.

What is a Dashcam?

A dashcam, short for “dashboard camera,” is a small video recording device that’s mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard or windshield. Depending on the type of dashcam, it continuously records the view through the car’s front windshield, rear windshield, or both.

Types of dashcams include:

• Front-Facing Dashcams: These record only the road ahead of the vehicle and are the most common type.
• Dual-Facing Dashcams: These cameras capture the road ahead and the car’s interior, making them popular with rideshare drivers.
• Rear-Facing Dashcams: These are mounted on the rear window and record the view behind the vehicle, providing additional coverage in the event of a rear-end collision.

Modern dashcams often come equipped with features that enhance their functionality:

• HD Recording: High-definition video capture ensures clear and detailed footage, which can be crucial in legal scenarios.
• GPS: Integrated GPS records the vehicle’s speed and location, providing additional context to the video.
• Night Vision: Infrared sensors or enhanced low-light performance allow for recording in dark conditions, ensuring round-the-clock coverage.

The Role of Dashcam Footage in Car Accident Cases

Dashcam footage can play a pivotal role in car accident cases by providing an objective, real-time record of the events leading up to, during, and after an accident. Unlike eyewitness accounts, which can be subjective or unreliable, dashcam footage offers a precise and unaltered view of what transpired. This can be instrumental in:

• Proving Fault: Dashcam footage can clearly show traffic violations, reckless driving, or other actions that contributed to an accident, helping to establish liability.
• Disputing Claims: In cases where the fault is disputed, dashcam footage can serve as critical evidence to support or refute statements made by those involved in the accident.
• Supporting Insurance Claims: Insurance companies often use dashcam footage to assess claims, potentially speeding up the process and ensuring a fair settlement.

Legal Considerations for Using Dashcam Footage

While dashcam footage can be incredibly valuable, several legal considerations must be considered when using it in car accident cases. In many jurisdictions, dashcam footage is admissible in court as evidence, provided it meets specific criteria. The footage must be relevant to the case and show that the video has not been tampered with. The admissibility may also depend on how the dashcam was installed and whether it complies with local laws regarding privacy and surveillance.

Having a dashcam installed in your vehicle offers several advantages. Dashcam footage can provide critical evidence to prove who was at fault in an accident, potentially shielding you from unjust liability. Knowing that you have a clear, objective record of events can provide peace of mind when driving, especially in areas prone to accidents or in cases involving road rage incidents.

Despite their benefits, dashcams are not without limitations. In some situations, dashcam footage may not be as helpful as one might hope. If the dashcam does not capture the entirety of an accident or the footage is unclear, it may not provide definitive proof of fault. Poor lighting, bad weather, or technical glitches can affect the quality and reliability of the video, making it less useful in legal proceedings.

How an Experienced Gillette Car Accident Attorney Can Help You

Without legal assistance, knowing how to best utilize dashcam footage in a car accident case can be challenging. However, an experienced lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring the footage is legally obtained, preserved, and effectively used to support your case.

At Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., we are committed to helping clients leverage all available evidence, including dashcam footage, to achieve the best possible outcome in their car accident cases. If you’ve been involved in a Campbell County car accident and have dashcam footage, our attorney can help you protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., at (307) 257-7800 for a consultation with our Gillette car accident lawyer.