Dash cams, small devices perched on dashboards or windshields, have quietly revolutionized the handling of car accident claims. Beyond recording each driver’s trip, these cameras provide crucial evidence in car accident liability disputes, sometimes making the difference between a resolved claim and a contentious legal battle.
Evidence is crucial in the claims process, especially to prove the other driver’s negligence. Images of the collision scene and witness accounts are valuable for piecing together the events right after the incident. However, your vehicle’s dash cam footage is even more informative, offering a comprehensive view of the moments leading up to, during, and following the accident. In case of a car accident, enlisting the support of the skilled car crash attorney at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, is instrumental. We guide you through the claims process and assist in acquiring the necessary evidence to achieve a favorable outcome in your claim.
5 Benefits of Using a Dash Cam in a Car Accident Claim
The impact of dash cam footage in car accident claims is profound. It corroborates or contradicts the statements of drivers and witnesses, providing an objective perspective that is often free from the biases and inaccuracies of human recollection.
The following includes the benefits of using dash cams in car accident claims:
- Evidence in accidents: Dash cams provide clear footage of car accidents, which are crucial in proving the fault of the other driver. This helps you obtain rightful compensation for any injuries or damage. In hit-and-run situations, dash cam footage captures vital details such as the other vehicle’s make, model, and license plate.
- Insurance claims support: Often, car accident claims become a matter of dispute. Dash cams with incident reporting features substantiate your claim of innocence in such scenarios. They are also useful in situations such as traffic stops, where they prove compliance with speed limits.
- Deterring insurance fraud: Dash cams are effective in preventing scenarios where fraudsters intentionally cause accidents to claim money from unsuspecting drivers. These cameras document the lead-up to such incidents, protecting owners of high-end vehicles, who are often targeted, from being wrongfully accused and extorted.
- Monitoring inexperienced drivers: For parents of teen drivers, dash cams offer a way to ensure safe driving habits. Knowing that his or her actions are being recorded, a teen is likely to adopt more responsible driving behaviors. This also applies when friends or relatives borrow your vehicle, helping protect one of your most valuable assets.
- Parking protection: Dash cams equipped with motion detectors protect your car while parked. They automatically start recording in response to nearby movement, capturing incidents like break-ins or hit-and-run damages, thus providing your vehicle an extra layer of security.
To understand whether your dash cam footage is beneficial to your car accident claim, speak with the award-winning car accident lawyer, Avery T. “Sandy” Waterman, Jr., Esq.
How Dash Cam Footage Impacts Your Car Accident Claim
Recalling and accurately describing the events that led to a collision is a daunting task. The opposing driver is also likely to provide an unreliable account, and even police reports are not immune to errors, plus are not admissible in evidence in Virginia courts. Dash cams record key pieces of evidence, capturing crucial moments like another car cutting you off, running a red light, or failing to yield at an intersection. Such footage is invaluable as it identifies the other driver’s fault and clearly proves his or her specific legal violations.
When presented to an insurance company, dash cam footage is taken seriously, influencing its assessment and potentially swaying a jury’s decision. The timestamped recording may prompt an insurance settlement without the need for a trial. However, be aware that insurance companies still may challenge the footage, especially if it is compromised by poor visibility due to inclement weather or low light.
Of course, dash cams are impartial witnesses. If the footage shows that you contributed to the accident, it is likely to be used against you. For instance, if it reveals rapid lane changes or captures audio that suggests distraction or fatigue, this will be detrimental to your claim. Insurance companies, always protecting their interests, will use such evidence to their advantage.
Contact the Award-Winning Lawyer at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC Today
If you were injured in a car accident, speak with the experienced lawyer at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC. Attorney Avery T. “Sandy” Waterman, Jr., Esq. was named to The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury during 2007-2024 and was voted its “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury by his peers in Southeast Virginia in 2022; and Waterman Law Centers has been listed as a Metropolitan Tier 1 Best Law Firm for Personal Injury in U.S. News & World Report and in The Best Lawyers in America for 2021-2024.
Call us today for a free consultation at (757) 881-9881 or fill out a contact form.
