How Can Dashcam Video Help You Win a Car Accident Case?

You might have installed a dashcam so you can record videos for personal safety¹ or unexpected things on the road while you’re driving. But did you know that dashcam footage can also be used as evidence in a car accident case?

If you’re involved in an accident, the footage from your dashcam can be used to show what really happened. This can be helpful in proving who was at fault and in some cases, may even help you get an insurance settlement.

How can Dashcams help in Car Accident Cases?

When it comes to car accidents, there is often a lot of finger-pointing and confusion about who caused the accident. But what if there was video footage of the accident that could help determine the at-fault party? That’s where dashcams come in.

If you have a dashcam, be sure to get the other driver’s insurance information so that you can send them a copy of the footage. In many cases, the insurance company will accept responsibility for damages once they see the dashcam footage.

Is Dashcam Footage helpful?

Solving a car accident case can be long and difficult, but if there is video evidence of the accident, it can help to speed up the process. Video footage from a dashcam can provide clear evidence of what happened, who was at fault, and what damages were caused. This can help to settle a case quickly and avoid costly delays.

For example, if your car is hit by a hit-and-run driver, the footage can be used to track down the driver and hold them accountable. In some cases, dashcam footage has even been used to catch criminals in the act.²

How to Use Dashcam Footage to Your Advantage in a Car Accident Case?

Take note of the following pointers which will guide you to use dashcam footage to your advantage in a car accident case:

1. Make sure the footage is clear. If the footage is blurry or otherwise difficult to see, it may not be helpful to your case.
2. Be sure to get the other driver’s information. In order to use the footage from your dashcam, you will need to get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information.
3. Know what happened leading up to the accident. The footage from your dashcam can help corroborate your story of what happened leading up to the accident, but it cannot tell the entire story.

Recoverable Damages in a Personal Injury Case

In any personal injury case, the goal is to recover damages. These are the losses that can be compensated for financially, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Some of the most common recoverable damages in a personal injury case include:

• Medical expenses: This can include doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgery costs, and medication costs.
• Lost wages: If your injuries have prevented you from working or have caused you to miss time from work, you may be able to recover your lost wages.
• Property damage: If the accident caused damage to your personal property or damaged the property of another person, then you may be able to recover damages for that. 

The Disadvantages of Dashcam Footage

If you were recorded speeding or breaking the road rules while driving, that footage could be used against you in court. This could result in harsher penalties, such as a fine or even jail time. Additionally, your insurance rates may increase if your insurer finds out about the infraction. 

In some cases, your insurance company may even refuse to pay your claim if they determine that you were at fault for the accident. So while dashcam footage can be helpful in some situations, it’s important to follow the road rules at all times. 

Key Takeaways

When it comes to car accident cases, dashcam footage can provide invaluable evidence of what actually happened. This can be especially helpful if there are no witnesses or if the other driver is trying to deny responsibility. The dashcam footage can also be open to interpretation. What one person might see as clear evidence of negligence could be less convincing for someone else. 

Ultimately, whether or not dashcam footage will help you win a car accident case will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case.

FAQs

1. Does dashcams saves the footage?

Ans. Yes, you can save the video on your SD Card or on any connected cloud where you can later go through it.

2. Does the dashcam record every detail?

Ans. As long as power is there in the dashcam and is connected well, it will record everything in its perimeter.

3. For how long dashcams can keep recording?

Ans. Generally, for 2 hours dashcams can keep on recording.

1. Schroeder, Herbert W., and Linda M. Anderson. “Perception of personal safety in urban recreation sites.” Journal of leisure research 16.2 (1984): 178-194. ↩︎
2. Martin, Susan E., and Lawrence W. Sherman. “Catching career criminals: Proactive policing and selective apprehension.” Justice Quarterly 3.2 (1986): 171-192. ↩︎

Last Updated on July 26, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology