Whether Dash Cameras Lessen Truck Accidents
Dash cams do not reduce truck accidents, they just record them. It’s up to the driver to prevent accidents from happening and keep other road users safe. Safe driving involves refraining from driving while intoxicated, texting behind the wheel, and speeding.
Dash cam footage can serve as invaluable evidence in an accident claim or lawsuit. Did you suffer injuries in a truck accident? Our truck accident lawyer wants to hear from you. To explore your next steps, dial (954) 633-8270.
Dash Cams Don’t Prevent Accidents, Safe Driving Does
Every motorist, whether they operate a truck, bus, or car, has a duty of care. This means they have a civil obligation to act reasonably behind the wheel. This involves:
- Adhering to the posted speed limit
- Turning one’s phone on “silent” to reduce distractions
- Paying attention to the roadway ahead
- Avoiding driving in inclement weather conditions (such as heavy rainstorms)
- Properly maintaining the truck (for instance, checking the tire pressure)
- Maintaining a recent driver’s license
- Using alternate transportation when intoxicated or fatigued
When a motorist acts carelessly or recklessly, they breach their duty of care. If they cause an accident, they could bear liability for any resulting damages.
With Coaching, Dash Cams Could Make the Roadways Safer
The National Safety Council (NSC) notes that dash cams alone don’t make roadways safer. Yet, when combined with coaching, truckers can improve their skills and prevent accidents. The footage from dash cams lets instructors evaluate a trucker’s habits and offer constructive feedback.
Dash Camera Footage Is Just One Piece of Evidence in Your Case
As the injured party in a car accident, you need evidence to pursue damages. Dash camera footage offers a wealth of information, showing the before, during, and aftermath of an accident. Yet, that’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Other supporting information in your case could comprise:
- The police report. Florida Statutes § 316.066 requires you to report an accident that results in injury or death. This generates a report that you can use to supplement your case.
- Witness testimony. Bystanders may have seen your accident happen. You could use their statements to bolster your claim. If you work with a Florida truck accident lawyer, they can also consult with accident reconstruction specialists who can testify to other details.
- Photos of your car’s damage. One picture of your car’s damage can tell a thousand words. For instance, an accident reconstruction specialist can use these pictures to learn how your accident happened and who is responsible.
- Traffic camera footage. The more videos you have to support your case, the better. While dash cam footage offers a first-person view of what happened, traffic camera footage can offer another angle.
In addition to the items listed above, you need information that supports the value of your damages. For example, you could use receipts to verify the money you spent on fixing your car. You could use bills to demonstrate the cost of your medical bills and other related expenses.
Questions You May Have About Dash Cams in Truck Accidents
You may have many questions in the aftermath of your collision. You deserve answers, so you can make informed decisions. Some of your questions may include:
How Can I Get Dash Cam Footage?
If you were in a commercial truck accident, dash cam footage could support your case. Yet, unless the dash cam was in your vehicle, you likely don’t have immediate access to its information. That’s when partnering with a truck accident Miami truck accident lawyer could benefit you.
They can send a spoliation letter to the commercial trucking company, preventing it from deleting the footage. Then, once your Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer gets that footage, they can watch it and possibly determine fault.
How Long Do Dash Cameras Keep Data?
How long dash cams keep data varies from device to device. To save memory, some dash cameras delete footage within minutes of recording. Others have memory cards that let them hold onto data for months.
One thing’s certain: if you want to use a truck’s dash cam footage as evidence in your case, it’s crucial that you act as quickly as possible. The trucking company could delete that footage to erase evidence. Or, the device could automatically delete data.
A lawyer from our firm can secure the information needed to supplement your case, including dash cam footage and other details.
Do Dash Cams Record All the Time?
Many dash cams record in a loop, constantly saving and deleting data. However, it’s not until the camera senses a collision does it save information. This functionality allows dash cameras to save battery and conserve memory.
Learn More About Truck Accident Cases by Consulting the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato
You don’t have to navigate the post-accident landscape alone. Instead, entrust your case to a Fort Myers truck accident lawyer from our injury firm. With more than 20 years of experience, we offer a wealth of legal services, including free case reviews. Contact us to consult with our team about your Florida truck accident lawyer claim or lawsuit, dial (954) 633-8270.
