The Role of Dashcam Footage in Proving Fault After a Collision

Want solid proof that you weren’t at fault after a crash?

Being involved in a collision is overwhelming. But proving what happened can be downright maddening. It’s your word against theirs and they’re used to lying through teeth!

Except…when you have video.

Dashcam footage has revolutionized the ability to prove fault and recover damages from car accidents. A little camera could be what tilts your claim in your favor.

Keep reading to learn…

• Why Dashcam Footage Should Be Used In Accident Claims
• How Dashcam Footage Can Prove Fault
• Exactly What Your Dashcam Records
• How to Use Dashcam Footage With Insurance Companies
• Dashcam Recording Laws

Why Dashcam Footage Should Be Used In Accident Claims

Dashcams are everywhere now.

According to recent research, over half of American drivers will have used a dashcam by the end of 2020. That’s nearly 69 million people driving around with these cameras.

But why are they so popular?

Simply because they provide an objective record of anything that happens while driving. Someone gets into an accident? The dash cam captures it.

There’s no fuzzy memory to deal with. Traumatic brain injuries won’t impact video recall. Dash cams don’t “run out of witness protection” just when you need them most.

The facts and the footage are there for anyone who wants to use it.

For anyone fighting car accident damage claims, dashcam footage is a game changer. A knowledgeable Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyer can leverage video evidence to build your case and recover maximum compensation.

How Dashcam Footage Can Prove Fault

It’s not always easy to determine who caused a collision.

Accidents happen so fast and drivers are always saying they didn’t do anything wrong. When you file a claim, the insurance companies argue over who has the facts.

Until someone shows them video footage.

Dashcams are great for revealing exactly what happened leading up to an impact. Was the other driver speeding? Did they roll through a stop sign or drive right through a red light?

Whatever occurred is right there on camera. Recorded factually so there’s no disagreement about what happened.

Dash cam footage is considered legal evidence throughout the United States. Insurance companies can’t ignore what’s literally right in front of them.

If you have footage that proves the other driver was negligent, there’s no way for them to claim you were responsible.

Exactly What Your Dashcam Records

Dashcams don’t just watch the road in front of your car.

Many modern dash cams record…

• Speeding
• Ignoring traffic signals
• Illegal lane deviations
• Actions other drivers take before hitting you
• Road hazards that may have contributed to damages
• Weather conditions that could have caused or contributed to the crash
• The precise moment of impact and positioning of vehicles
• ANY evasive maneuvers you made to avoid getting hit

Dashcams even record audio in some cases. A built-in microphone allows you to capture everything anyone says. Emergency vehicle sirens, tire screeching, brakes and even horn use can be captured.

The better the quality of your camera, the more you can use the footage for.

Clear resolution means investigating officers can make out license plates easier. Some dash cams even feature overlay software that records speed and location data.

How to Use Dashcam Footage With Insurance Companies

When there’s a dispute about fault, insurance claims take forever.

But when you have solid video evidence that proves who caused the accident, things move faster. Insurance adjusters like to argue over claims. But they hate it when the proof is right there watching.

Statistics show that dashcams help…

Researchers found that installing dashboard cameras led to a 22% drop in organized insurance fraud. This is especially helpful considering fraudulent claims are at an all-time high.

Basically, uploading your dashcam video along with your accident damages claim is like adding an extra eyewitness.

A witness that cannot lie. A witness that taped the entire incident as it happened. You’ll probably see faster claim resolutions. Fraudulent counter-claims will be reduced. And you’ll likely be offered a better settlement.

Just don’t forget to save the footage after an accident. Transfer it to the cloud or a separate device immediately so it doesn’t get overwritten.

Dashcam Recording Laws

Recording laws depend on where you live.

Some states require all parties to consent to being recorded. Others have specific regulations about where a dash cam can be mounted on your windshield.

One thing is true no matter where you live…

Dashcam footage can almost always be used as evidence in civil cases. Damage claims with insurance companies being a perfect example.

Since the video doesn’t lie, judges and insurance companies around the country allow dash cam footage in arguments.

That being said…dash cams don’t care who’s at fault.

If you made a mistake along with the other driver, your dash cam captured that too. Review footage carefully before assuming it’ll only support your claim.

Your state may have comparative negligence laws that can reduce your compensation if you were partially at fault.

Having an attorney review your footage can help you understand local laws and how they impact your unique situation.

Protecting Yourself After A Collision

A dash cam won’t help you if you don’t preserve the evidence.

Immediately following an accident, you need to do more than just turn on your dash cam. They usually record over older footage unless you instruct it not to.

Take these steps after any collision:

• Secure or download the footage you want to use
• Upload the video to cloud storage or another physical location
• Don’t edit the footage in any way
• Share copies of your video with your lawyer and insurance company
• Store the original media in a safe location

If police officers seize your camera, give them access to the footage. But let your attorney know it’s happening. You don’t want your dash cam entering “evidence quarantine” just because someone decides to hide it.

The Bottom Line…

Dashcam footage doesn’t lie and that’s why it’s so powerful.

Two drivers who can’t agree what happened won’t stand a chance against cold hard video facts. If you’re filing a claim for car accident damages, lean on that dash cam footage.

Don’t think your camera is enough on its own? Think again.

Devices that used to cost hundreds now retail for under $100. And they could save you thousands by validating your damage claim.

Dashcams are wildly popular for a reason. When forgetful witnesses and human error fail you, a simple camera doesn’t.

If you were in an accident and have footage that could support your claim, seek legal guidance. There’s no shame in getting help understanding your options.

Your dash cam may have what it takes to prove you deserve maximum compensation.