Using Dashcams in California Injury Cases
Dashcam is short for “dashboard camera.” A digital video recorder mounted on your vehicle’s dashboard can act as a silent witness in an accident. These cameras are designed to record what occurs on the road accurately. Dashcams became legal in California in 2011. Courts accept dashcam footage as evidence in legal matters, including injury claims.
How Do Dashcams Work?
Dashcams record video footage of the road ahead, but they do more than that. They can also record audio and footage from inside the vehicle and information about how fast the car was traveling, its direction, steering, braking, road conditions, and seat belt usage. This data could be beneficial as evidence in a claim for compensation if you were involved in an accident that was not your fault. It can be used not only to identify the other vehicles involved and what happened just before the crash but also to show that you were following the rules of the road and driving safely.
If you or another driver involved in a crash has dashcam footage, either party can request it from the other party or produce it as evidence. It is vital to obtain dashcam footage as soon as possible after an accident to prevent it from being lost or overwritten. This footage can be used as evidence to demonstrate fault for a collision.
What Are Your Legal Options if You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident?
After a serious wreck, you may file a claim with the insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in civil court. Your best chance of recovering full compensation for your losses is to have an experienced California personal injury attorney handling your case. Damages you may be entitled to claim may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or earnings
- Loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
Dashcam footage can be used as evidence in insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. Your attorney can present this footage in negotiations with the insurance company for a fair settlement. If your case goes to trial, dashcam footage could be presented to the jury to prove the other driver’s fault for the accident in court.
Should You Purchase a Dashcam for Your Vehicle?
Car accidents are a common occurrence in California. No matter how carefully you drive, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. If you do not already have a dashcam, consider purchasing one and installing it in your vehicle to provide evidence of who was at fault in case you are involved in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
If you were involved in a crash and did not have a dashcam in your car, the other driver may have had one recording footage of what happened and how the accident occurred. Speak with an experienced Long Beach car accident lawyer as soon as possible, so the dashcam footage can be requested from the other party before it is lost or destroyed. Whether your case is settled out of court or goes to trial, the evidence contained in this footage may be used to support your claim for compensation if you were not at fault for the accident.
At The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, we have secured hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients to date. Our firm is dedicated to upholding your rights and fighting for the compensation you are entitled to receive. Contact us at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 to schedule a free consultation after a serious car accident.