Law enforcement agencies have been using dashboard cameras in official vehicles for many years. Today, many consumers install them in their own cars. But are dashcams useful if you’re in a crash? Below, the Vancouver car accident lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP explain how dashcams can be a big help or major hindrance when it comes to securing compensation after a wreck.
What Is the Purpose of Dash Cameras?
Dashcams are small cameras mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle to record what’s happening in front of and around the car. Some drivers mount their cameras from the roof of the cabin or the windshield, but the overall purpose is the same. Depending on the camera model and how it’s mounted, it can record footage of either the car’s exterior or the interior.
Law enforcement initially used dash cameras to record traffic stops and other interactions between police and the public. Everyday users can use the cameras to record what happens if the police stop them or if they’re involved in an accident. Some users will also take the footage and upload it to their social media feeds.
How Can Dash Cameras Help in an Insurance Dispute?
Determining who wins an insurance dispute often hinges on which side has the better evidence to back up their claim. Dashcams can provide a relatively objective viewpoint of a car accident. If your insurance provider or another party is trying to blame you for a crash, you could potentially use the dashcam footage to show how you were not to blame. On the other hand, dashcam footage could be harmful to your case if it shows that you played a role in the collision.
Dash Camera Video in a Car Accident Case
Unsurprisingly, dash camera video often makes for compelling evidence. It can be used to show you were not at fault for the crash and the party who is actually responsible. If you have a dashcam and you’re involved in an accident, you should do your best to preserve whatever footage may have survived the crash. It may be crucial evidence later on.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Having a Dash Camera
The pros of installing a dashcam are relatively straightforward. They’re a way to potentially help defend your rights and help you claim compensation for your injuries if you’re involved in an accident.
However, the more gadgets we install in our cars, the easier it is to become distracted, and distracted driving is a major cause of accidents. You do not want to record yourself or anyone else in your vehicle while it’s moving. Furthermore, the objectivity of a dashcam can potentially cut both ways. Depending on the particulars of the accident, the footage could either show you were not at fault or could be used against you.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’re involved in a car accident in Vancouver, dashcam footage is just one potential piece of evidence in a complicated legal puzzle. The car accident lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP will help you fight for full compensation for your injuries. Get a free initial consultation today by calling our Vancouver office or by filling out our contact form.
