Dash cam footage can provide an objective, real-time account of a car accident for a lawsuit or insurance claim. This footage can clarify fault, show the extent of damage, and support or refute other parties’ testimony. The evidence it provides can expedite the claims process and lead to fairer outcomes.
If you have dash cam footage of the collision that injured you, get in touch with an attorney at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., immediately. They can review this evidence, determine its quality and admissibility, and potentially use it to build a case on your behalf.
What Is a Dash Cam?
A dash cam is a hands-free device that a driver can mount on their dashboard or windshield to record what’s happening in front of their vehicle while driving. Some dash cam systems also record the view behind or inside the vehicle. Newer vehicle models may have dash cam systems built in by the manufacturers.
Dash cam systems can record video footage internally or transmit the footage wirelessly to other computers or servers. Some dash cam models also record other information about vehicles’ operations, including:
- GPS positioning
- Speed
- Steering movements
- Braking data
- Acceleration
How Does a Dash Cam Work?
Most dash cam systems require hardwiring the camera into the vehicle’s electrical system. Hardwired dash cams can run continuously while the vehicle’s engine is on. When engines are off, some dash cams use motion detectors or sensors to turn on if they detect movement outside a vehicle or from an impact.
Dash cams might store recorded data locally on the device or automatically send it to the cloud or specific computers via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular data. Dash cams that record data locally continuously write over the oldest footage on their hard drives or SD cards to make room for new data.
Is It Legal to Use a Dash Cam?
Georgia permits drivers to use native or third-party dash cam systems in their vehicles. However, Georgia law states drivers may not install dash cams or other features blocking their views of the windshield. Drivers who want to mount dash cams on their windshields typically place the devices behind their rearview mirrors so the cameras do not block any part of their views.
More and more drivers are choosing to install dash cams in their vehicles, while many newer vehicle models come with dash cam systems pre-installed. Some states place additional restrictions on dash cams, including limits on the size of devices or requirements to obtain consent before recording.
How Can Dash Cam Video Be Used in My Car Accident Claim?
Dash cam footage can provide clear, unbiased video evidence of what happened in a car accident. For example, let’s say you get into a car accident at an intersection. If you and the other driver disagree over who had the green light, your dash cam footage could resolve that question. Even if your dash cam doesn’t capture footage of a collision itself, it could still provide other data to prove what caused the accident.
Can a Dash Cam Cause Distracted Driving?
An improperly installed dash cam has the potential to distract a driver. For example, a dash cam could make it harder for a driver to pay attention to the road if it’s located on the windshield or dashboard in a way that blocks the driver’s view. Even if dash cams don’t block drivers’ views, many have small monitors visible that can distract them from the road. Dash cams can also distract drivers with warning lights or signals if cameras lose power or suffer technical glitches in transit.
Is It Possible My Dash Cam Video Might Hurt My Case?
It’s possible that dash cam footage could hurt your case if it contradicts your account of events. While dash cam footage might prove that the other driver caused the accident, it could also suggest that you bear responsibility in some circumstances. For example, if you thought you entered an intersection while the light was yellow but your dash cam footage shows the light had already turned red, the insurance company or a court could find you at fault for an accident.
Should I Have a Car Accident Lawyer Review My Dash Cam Video Before Filing a Lawsuit?
If you were driving a car with a dash cam when the accident occurred, you should keep copies of the dash cam footage. If your dash cam stores footage on an SD card or hard drive, replace and save the SD card or download a copy of the data to your computer or the cloud as soon as possible so you do not accidentally record over or lose it.
When you hire a car accident lawyer to help you pursue a claim, give your lawyer a copy of the dash cam footage to review. Once you file your car accident lawsuit, the other driver can file a discovery request for a copy of your dash cam footage. In civil litigation, you must turn over the footage if the other party requests it – no matter how it could affect your case. Your lawyer can advise whether the footage could help or hurt your case and prepare a legal strategy accordingly.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
Were you hurt in a car accident someone else caused? Did your dash cam capture the collision as it unfolded? Then contact Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Georgia car accident lawyer about using this valuable evidence to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions. You deserve compensation for the harm you suffered, including your medical bills, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. Let us demand this money on your behalf.
