Benefits of Dashcam Evidence: Your Ally in Car Crash Claims

What a Dashcam Can Capture

Dashcams are mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard or windshield, capturing everything that happens before, during, and after an accident. These small cameras can record key details such as the other vehicle’s license plate, make, model, and color, providing crucial evidence for establishing fault.

For example, if you’re driving straight and another driver runs a red light or speeds through an intersection, the dashcam captures the entire incident, clearly showing that you were not at fault.

But it doesn’t stop there. After a collision, dashcams can also record how the other driver behaves. It can show whether they immediately get out to check the damage or attempt to flee the scene in a hit-and-run.

Dashcams can also capture if the other driver is acting aggressively, failing to call the police, or trying to move their vehicle to alter the scene before law enforcement arrives. This footage becomes invaluable when the other party disputes their role or provides conflicting stories to the insurance company.

Additionally, if the dash cam has advanced features like motion sensors and night vision, you can ensure that the camera captures clear footage, even in poor lighting. This makes it a powerful tool for presenting the full picture of an accident, no matter the location or time of day.

What Are the Legal Frameworks for Dashcam Admissibility?

Dashcam footage can be powerful evidence in personal injury lawsuits and insurance claims, but its admissibility in court depends on meeting certain legal requirements. In the United States, courts generally allow dashcam footage as evidence, but only if it meets the following criteria:

Relevance

The footage must be directly related to the case. It should capture key moments of the accident or violation, such as the other driver’s actions, the traffic conditions, or the circumstances leading up to the crash. Irrelevant footage—such as clips from unrelated events or non-incriminating scenes—may not be considered helpful in determining fault or liability.

Lawful acquisition

The footage must be legally obtained, meaning the dashcam’s use must comply with local and state laws. This goes beyond just recording the incident—where the dashcam is mounted can also affect its legal status. Different states have specific regulations regarding dashcam placement.

For example, it is illegal in Delaware to mount a dashcam on the windshield; it must be placed on the dashboard without obstructing the driver’s view.

Conversely, in Minnesota, dashcams must be mounted behind, above, or below the rearview mirror, and placing them on the dashboard is prohibited. Failure to abide by these laws could result in insurance companies challenging the footage or making it inadmissible in court.

Additionally, dashcam footage must adhere to state laws concerning privacy and consent. If the footage you capture requires audio to provide crucial context—something that could make or break your case—it’s important to understand the rules for audio recording in different states.

For example, in Florida, two-party consent laws require that all recorded parties consent for the audio to be legally admissible. Audio captured without everyone’s consent may not be used in court and could weaken your claim.

By contrast, Georgia is a one-party consent state, meaning only one participating person, usually the recorder, needs to consent to the audio recording.

Authentication

Dashcam footage must be properly authenticated to be admissible. This means the video must be continuous, clear, and tamper-free. Interruptions, unclear footage, or any signs of editing can make the evidence less reliable.

Courts also look for additional details, such as timestamps, GPS data, and speed information, which can strengthen the authenticity of the footage by verifying when and where the incident occurred. Footage tampered with or lacking these elements may be challenged and ultimately rejected as evidence.

Dashcam Benefits in Car Accident Claims

• Proving liability: One of the key benefits of dashboards is their ability to help prove liability in a car accident. Since the video footage can show exactly what happened during the incident, it can clarify conflicting stories and offer a more objective account of the event. Police officers and insurance companies often rely on this footage to assess fault and determine how long each party had to react, making it a great way to strengthen your case
• Protect against insurance fraud: Dashcams are also a powerful tool for fighting insurance fraud. Some individuals stage accidents, hoping to blame another driver and collect insurance benefits. With dashcam footage, you can prove that the accident was not your fault and avoid costly insurance fraud claims. This footage can also prevent false claims of property damage or personal injury, as the recording captures the actual events
• Expediting insurance claims: Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements as a first offer, and they may use tactics like delaying the claims process to pressure you into accepting an amount far less than what you deserve, especially if you’re not at fault. However, you can avoid these low initial offers and prevent delays with clear dashcam footage. Dashcam evidence allows insurance adjusters to quickly assess the facts of the accident, leaving little room for dispute and expediting the claims process. This can lead to faster, fairer compensation, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and ensuring you receive what you’re entitled to
• Enhancing witness testimonies: Eyewitness accounts are valuable in car accident cases, but they are often imperfect due to the stress or confusion of the situation. Dashcam footage can supplement these testimonies, providing a clear and objective record of the accident. Whether it’s capturing the actions of law enforcement on the scene or providing crucial details about the accident, the footage can strengthen your claim and ensure the full story is presented
• Hit-and-run accidents: In hit-and-run accidents, where the other driver flees the scene, dashcams can capture important information, such as the fleeing vehicle’s license plate, direction of travel, and distinguishing features. This footage can significantly impact law enforcement’s ability to track down the responsible party and help with the legal process to recover damages

Challenges & Limitations of Dashcam Evidence

While dashcams provide significant benefits, they are not without their challenges and limitations.

• Quality and reliability: The usefulness of dashcams depends largely on the camera’s quality. Low-quality footage, poor positioning, or malfunctions can hinder its ability to provide crucial evidence. For instance, a dashcam with poor night vision might not capture a car accident at night, limiting its reliability as evidence. Maintaining your dashcam and ensuring it functions correctly is essential to avoid such issues
• Limitations in complex accidents: In multi-vehicle accidents or situations with multiple perspectives, dashcam footage may only capture part of the story. For example, in a rear-end collision involving three or more cars, the footage from a front-facing camera might not show what happened behind your vehicle. Similarly, dashcams mounted on the front windshield might miss crucial details about a side collision. While the footage can still be useful, it may need to be supplemented with police reports, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence to provide a comprehensive view of the accident
• Disclosure requirements to insurance companies: When filing a third-party claim, you must disclose that you have dashcam footage early to ensure transparency and avoid doubts about its authenticity. In a one-party claim against your insurer, disclosing the footage is crucial to avoid potential violations of your insurance agreement. Insurance companies may also have specific guidelines for submitting footage, so following their procedures ensures it’s considered valid and doesn’t harm your claim

Effective Dashcam Use for Claims & Legal Success

To maximize the benefits of your dashcam, it’s important to follow these best practices:

Placement and settings

Ensure that your dashcam is installed correctly on your vehicle’s dashboard or windshield, following state-specific laws regarding windshield obstructions. A poorly placed dashcam can affect video quality and may even be illegal in some states.

Depending on your preferences, opt for a suction cup or adhesive mounts, but always ensure the camera has a clear, unobstructed view of the road.

Regular maintenance

Like any electronic device, a dashcam requires regular maintenance to function properly. Periodically check the SD card to ensure it has enough space to record footage and that the camera settings are configured for optimal recording.

Keep the camera’s firmware updated to avoid glitches or errors in recording. A well-maintained dashcam is critical, where footage might be your primary evidence.

Understanding state laws

Before using a dashcam, familiarize yourself with your state’s laws regarding their use, especially for audio recording. Ensuring compliance with local laws will help you avoid disputes over the admissibility of dashcam footage and make it easier to use this footage in court or for insurance claims.

Working with a personal injury lawyer

Even with dashcams, navigating the legal system can be complex. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer after a car accident can help ensure your dashcam footage is used to its full potential. A lawyer can assist with the legal processes, from submitting the footage to your insurance company to presenting it effectively in court.

They can also ensure that the footage is authenticated and meets all legal standards, increasing the chances that it will be admitted as evidence and strengthening your case. Legal counsel is especially crucial in cases involving severe injuries, disputes over fault, or complex insurance policies.

Conclusion

Dashcams are crucial tools for capturing clear, objective evidence during car accidents. They provide a reliable record to help prove fault, prevent insurance fraud, and streamline claims.

From recording the other driver’s actions to preserving essential details of the accident, dashcams offer drivers peace of mind in an otherwise chaotic situation. However, using the footage effectively requires understanding the legal aspects, maintaining the device properly, and complying with state laws.

At YourAccident.com, we understand the complexities that can arise after a car accident and how essential proper evidence is to your case. Our platform helps you connect with experienced personal injury lawyers who can guide you through the legal process.

Additionally, you can use our free settlement calculator to estimate your potential payout, browse expert help guides for every stage of your claim, and read in-depth articles to stay informed.