As experienced car accident attorneys, we know how imperative the strength of the evidence surrounding a personal injury case is to the outcome of a claim. When it comes to automobile collisions, though, we must often rely on potentially biased eyewitness testimony. Thankfully, however, with a significant rise in use over the past few years, dashboard cameras provide both lawyers and insurance companies a more accurate account of the events surrounding a car accident and can potentially help expedite the personal injury process.
Mounted in a vehicle, a dashboard camera–also known as a “dash cam”–has the ability to record what is going on inside and/or outside the vehicle. Legal in all 50 states, the only stipulation when using a dash cam in Ohio is that the camera cannot be mounted on a car’s windshield. Instead, they are most frequently mounted on the rearview mirror or dashboard.
If you’re involved in a car accident caused by another driver, video footage from a dash cam can provide strong proof that the other driver was both driving negligently and caused the car crash. Such video footage carries significant weight in the eyes of an insurance company, judge, or jury as it provides a more accurate and unbiased account of the events leading up to, during, and immediately following a car accident. Dash cam footage can also help depict critical circumstances surrounding an accident such as road conditions, traffic patterns, and weather.
When it comes to automobile collisions, insurance companies are notorious for prolonging the claims process after an accident as well as offering policyholders less-than-adequate settlements. Presenting your insurance company with video footage from a dash cam, however, will make it incredibly difficult for them to dispute your claim. Thus, having this footage can help expedite the settlement process.
In addition to helping identify the at-fault party in a collision, dash cams also provide drivers peace of mind when they’re not in their car. Thanks to “park” mode–a setting available on select cameras–drivers are able to utilize a dash cam as a security camera while they are away from their parked car. This setting can be beneficial in helping identify both hit-and-run drivers and the culprit in a car break-in or vandalism.
It’s important, however, to be aware dash cam footage can also hurt you and a potential car accident claim. Video footage will be recorded regardless of whether you or another party was at fault. If you happen to be the at-fault driver in a car accident and the injured party knows you have dash cam footage of the crash, his or her attorney will likely be successful in gaining access to the footage. In this instance, it will be hard for you to refute liability.
At Obral, Silk & Pal, we have nearly a century of combined legal experience representing clients who were injured in motor vehicle accidents. Even in the absence of dash cam footage, we can and will evaluate your car accident claim at no cost to you. It is our goal to stand up to the insurance companies, hold negligent parties accountable, and obtain the settlement you deserve.
Injuries change lives…so do we.