Ways In Which Dash Cam Footage Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim

Motor vehicle collisions tend to happen fast and unexpected. As a result, it can be extremely difficult to accurately retrace how exactly an accident occurred and who was ultimately responsible for causing it. Without concrete facts, witness testimony is often the evidence used to back up a claim. However, testimony by multiple witnesses who saw the same thing may not lead to a clear judgment. Statements are likely going to vary. Sometimes even greatly so.

This is where dash cam footage comes in. Video footage is objective and cannot become blurry or altered like the memories of witnesses can. Video footage is subjective and lasting. The accuracy is undeniable.

What exactly are dash cams?

Dash cams are specifically designed cameras which are installed in or on motor vehicles as means of capturing what is happening in front of the vehicle. That way, drivers can provide video evidence in the event of a collision, regardless of whether they were directly involved or just bore witness. These dash cams will start to record whenever the ignition is turned on and will stop when the ignition is turned off again.

However, you should be aware that this also means that the footage recorded by it can be used against you in the event that you are at fault for causing an accident, or are caught partaking in any form of criminal activity. With video evidence, your personal injury lawyer in Stouffville will find it easy to pin liability on the at-fault party as the video will be considered in the court of law. However, it takes the skill and experience of a good lawyer to help you win higher amount of compensation.

How can dash cam footage help your case?

For one, you and your lawyer will be able to retrace the series of events which lead up to the accident. Furthermore, it will also help identify other people involved, such as passengers, drivers and on-site helpers, as well as bystanders and witnesses who could be tracked down for questioning. In the event that one of the involved vehicles sped off as means of avoiding the situation and denying involvement, the footage could also be used to identify them via license plate, car model, and so on.

The legality surrounding dash cams

No laws have been implemented which could stop you from utilizing a dashboard camera, though that also means that it can always be used as legally evidence in the courtroom. However, you should also be aware that this camera cannot become a distraction for you, since distracted driving has been made illegal and punishable by fine.