A pivotal aspect of the personal injury claims process is collecting information to use as evidence in proving (or disproving) who is at fault for causing an accident. Commonly, this process will see your attorney collecting eyewitness testimony and other forms of relevant data to support an insurance claim. When your car has a dash cam or GoPro attached to it, this process is streamlined.
Practically every accident involves some aspect of conflicting testimony evidence, i.e., a “he said she said” situation. Video footage is often indisputable proof of how an accident occurred. This footage can serve as crucial evidence in establishing liability and determining fault. Believe it or not, even with video, sometimes liability is disputed or challenged, but in front of a jury, there’s no doubt that video is compelling. Today, most commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers, come equipped with video cameras facing both the front of the tractor and the interior where the driver sits. Why? So that companies that hire drivers can monitor their drivers’ safety and driving.
A dash cam or GoPro in your own vehicle can significantly influence the outcome of a personal injury case, particularly in instances involving traffic accidents. These devices provide real-time, unbiased visual and audio evidence, capturing the moments before, during, and after an incident. Additionally, dash cam footage can clarify disputes over fault in accidents, potentially prevent the payment of excess charges, and protect no claim discounts, which may lead to lower car insurance premiums. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence or carelessness of another driver or party, you must partner with an experienced personal injury lawyer to prosecute your claim for damages today.
What is a Dash Cam? And Why Do You Need One?
A dash cam is a small camera mounted on a car’s dashboard, windscreen, or rear-view mirror, designed to record video footage of your drive. These devices provide a visual record of events on the road, capturing everything from scenic drives to unexpected incidents. Modern dash cams come equipped with features like GPS tracking, night vision, and even audio recording, making them versatile tools for any driver.
Having a dash cam installed in your vehicle can offer significant peace of mind, especially in areas prone to car accidents. In the unfortunate event of a collision, the video evidence captured by your dash cam can be invaluable. It provides an unbiased account of the incident, which can be crucial in resolving disputes with other drivers or insurance companies. Moreover, dash cams can deter fraudulent insurance claims and help you monitor your driving habits, contributing to safer driving practices.
Choosing the Right Dash Cam
Selecting the right dash cam involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. First, decide on the type of camera: single-channel dash cams record the front view, while dual-channel dash cams capture both front and rear views. For comprehensive coverage, 360-degree dash cams are also available.
Key features to look for include parking mode, which records video footage even when your car is parked, and high-resolution video recording, which ranges from 720p to 8K. Higher video quality ensures sharper images and more detailed evidence. Night vision is another essential feature, allowing the dash cam to record clear footage even in low-light conditions.
Additionally, consider the memory storage options. Most dash cams support memory cards ranging from 32GB to 256GB, allowing you to store hours of video footage. GPS logging is another useful feature, as it records your vehicle’s speed and location, providing additional context to the video evidence.
How Can Dashcam Video Footage or a GoPro Affect My Personal Injury Case?
Dash cam evidence can be pivotal in establishing the facts of the case, as it offers a clear and objective perspective that is not influenced by the often unreliable and subjective nature of human memory (or false statements).
Certain cars, like Teslas, today come standard with video surveillance video capturing many angles. This video is often saved in a thumb drive in the glove box, however, audio is not usually captured. Still, the video footage is the critical aspect of evidence. If you were driving a Tesla, in an accident with a Tesla, or someone in a Tesla was nearby the collision, your personal injury attorney must work fast to preserve that evidence! Additionally, while dash cams may not directly reduce your insurance premium, they can indirectly impact costs by helping to resolve disputes and expedite claims.
Insurance Claim Disputes
In cases where the fault is disputed or the insurance company attempts to shift the blame, dashcam footage from a dash cam or GoPro can be instrumental in determining liability. It can demonstrate the drivers’ behaviors, road conditions, traffic signals/lights, and the impact of the collision. This can help in accurately reconstructing the event, thus aiding in the ultimate determination of fault.
Surveillance Cameras From Nearby Buildings
Another video to preserve these days is video footage captured by surveillance cameras on nearby and surrounding businesses and homes.
Again, today, almost every business, commercial property, and private residence has a Nest, Ring, or similar cameras facing their driveways and properties. When a crash happens, your personal injury lawyer needs to work fast to locate and preserve video surveillance that may have captured the collision. Businesses and residences do not typically keep video for long periods of time, and these video systems overwrite or delete video after a short period of time.
Expedite Legal Processes
Moreover, the presence of visual evidence from a dash cam or GoPro can expedite the legal process by providing concrete proof that may lead to quicker settlements. Insurance companies, often skeptical of claims and eager to minimize payouts, are more likely to offer a fair settlement (or at least properly evaluate liability) when presented with irrefutable video evidence. This can reduce the need for prolonged legal battles on liability issues and help the injured party receive compensation quickly. Dash cam evidence is crucial in supporting legal claims by establishing the elements of negligence and advocating for rightful compensation.
Are Dash Cams Legal?
Dash cams are legal in most states, but it’s crucial to check the specific laws and regulations in your area. Generally, dash cams are permitted as long as they do not obstruct the driver’s view. However, some states have specific rules regarding the placement of dash cams on the windshield or dashboard.
It’s also important to be aware of privacy laws. In many states, recording audio or video inside the vehicle without the consent of all parties involved is prohibited. Therefore, ensure that your dash cam complies with local regulations to avoid any legal issues. Alternatively, make sure you clearly communicate with all parties who enter your vehicle so they are adequately informed according to the law.
Dash cams can be powerful tools in insurance claims and court cases, providing clear and objective video evidence. However, it’s essential to ensure that the footage is admissible in court. This means the video must be clear, unaltered, and relevant to the case. By adhering to these guidelines, you can maximize the benefits of your dash cam while staying within legal boundaries.
How Does Partnering With a Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
Pajman Jassim of Jassim Law is an aggressive, experienced, and skilled personal injury attorney with a thorough understanding of California’s laws. When you work with our firm, you can trust you are in good hands. We are prepared to handle all aspects of your case with the efficiency and dedication necessary to obtain the full and fair justice that you are entitled to.
While you focus on recovering, we provide:
- Personalized and full service with access to the actual lead personal injury lawyer on your case
- Thorough investigation into your case with expert resources
- The gathering and preserving of evidence of the other party’s fault and your damages
- Negotiations and litigation against the at-fault party’s insurance company as well as your own insurance
- Assisting you in gaining access to quality medical care quickly, and without unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy of the health insurance process.
- Calculations of the appropriate and fair monetary compensation, including future expenses, you are entitled to
- Protection from an award-winning California lawyer
We live up to our motto: “Insurance companies protect their money, we protect you.” We can help take your dash cam or GoPro footage, as well as any other surveillance, and utilize it as a tool in our mission to secure the monetary justice you are entitled to in your personal injury claim. Additionally, our gaining a better understanding of your driving style can provide further insights into the incident.
Dashcam footage can be crucial in establishing fault and liability, thereby strengthening your position in seeking rightful compensation. With a thorough understanding of how a personal injury affects the victim’s life and their family’s, we are prepared to help you and the facts unique to your case in any way possible.
Injured in a Car Accident? Jassim Law Can Help Today
Securing expert legal representation throughout the complexities of a car accident case is invaluable. Navigating this journey without a skilled attorney can jeopardize your rightful compensation and accident claims. At Jassim Law, we recognize the obstacles you encounter and are committed to zealously advocating for your cause, aided by your dash cam or GoPro footage. This footage serves as objective evidence, providing an unbiased and factual account of the accident. Modern dashcams, much like those used by police officers, offer high-definition video and impact detection, enhancing safety and accountability.
With over two decades of practice, our firm boasts an impressive history of securing substantial settlements for our clients, amounting to millions in damages. Our depth of experience and understanding is key to ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to. To discuss your case at no cost, reach out to us by calling (619) 630-2680 or filling out our contact form today.