Is Your Case Stronger With Dashcams? Examining Their Effects in Auto Accident Cases
Yes, dashcams can strengthen your case. In Florida, they provide accident documentation that can positively impact the validity of your auto injury claim. They can help establish who was at fault and corroborate your story.
A auto accident attorney can review the video footage of a dashcam and other cameras to prove fault in your car accident claim. They can investigate the accident, determine the value of your losses, and negotiate with the insurance companies for a fair settlement. This comprehensive service gives accident victims like yourself the time to heal.
There Are Many Ways a Dashcam Can Strengthen Your Case
Dashcams are mounted to the inside of a car, typically on the windshield in front of the rear-view mirror. In recent years, they have become more prevalent with our advances in technology. Their primary function is to provide a recording of the incidents and accidents the driver may encounter.
Obviously, the advantage of having a dashcam is a video recording of your car accident. They are a powerful tool to support insurance claims. The following list explains that advantage in more detail:
Video Evidence of the Car Accident
First and foremost, the dashcam records the sequence of events in an accident. Most cameras are usually facing forward, so the videos record the events as they happen in front of the car. Some people mount cameras to the front and back of their cars so that any rear-end collisions are recorded. The videos capture events before, during, and after the accident.
Establishing Who Was at Fault
Like any video recording, dashcams can be used to establish how the accident occurred and who was at fault. It can record where the parties were, signs and signals, traffic conditions, and weather. It can be useful in fighting disputes over percentages of blame as well.
Validating Your Claims
Dashcams can help to corroborate your memory of the events and any witness statements. If there is a discrepancy between stories, the dashcam video can clarify what actually happened in the accident.
Settlement Negotiations and Courtroom Arguments
Your personal injury lawyer can clarify the laws regarding dashcam footage, but in most cases, it is admissible evidence. As such, your auto accident lawyer can use the video during settlement negotiations to justify your demands. If those negotiations fail, it can be used as valuable evidence in a trial.
Exposing Lies and Fraud
It can be quite satisfying to know you have dashcam evidence that can squash any embellishment from the other party on your actions during the accident. Video evidence can correct any exaggerated tales or a greater percentage of blame placed on you for the accident.
Limitations to Dashcam Footage in an Auto Accident Case
Having a dashcam mounted in your car to protect your rights in the event you are in an accident is a wise decision. However, as a valuable tool, there are certain limitations you should be aware of with their use.
Limited Field of View
Mounting a camera on your dash is a great way to legally protect yourself in an accident, but keep in mind that the field of view is only of the road in front of you. To record what happens in front and behind you, you will need a system that mounts cameras on the front and rear windshields. Larger vehicles have even incorporated side-view cameras. And there are audio options available.
Legal Recordings and Privacy Rights
In most cases, you may record what occurs on a public road and use that video as evidence in your case. However, issues of privacy come up when you are recording something on private property. Also, most dashcams can record audio from inside the vehicle. Without consent, you cannot record private conversations inside your vehicle.
The placement of the camera is also a legal issue. Under Florida Statute § 316.2004, the dashcam cannot be mounted in any way that obstructs the driver’s field of vision. If the camera is too large or placed too low, you could receive a citation.
Video Is Unbiased
The video recording from your dashcam could also expose any of your fault in the accident. If you were speeding, making an illegal turn, or committing any traffic violation, it could affect your personal injury claim. Per Florida Statutes § 768.81, if you are greater than 50% responsible for the accident, you may not collect compensation for your losses.
Call Today, and We Can Review Your Claim and Dashcam Video
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for a free case review. Our Florida auto injury lawyers can review the legal strength of your case and inform you of your options. We can investigate your accident, including the dashcam footage, to identify the cause and the liable party. We can explain how your dashcam recordings can strengthen your case and the video evidence impact they will have on your auto injury claim. Reach out to us today. Call (954) 633-8270. There’s no risk involved. We only get paid if we win a settlement or court award in your favor.
