Car Accidents And DashCams

A dashcam is a small digital recording device you can mount on the dashboard or windshield to record the view in front of the vehicle continuously. Most of the cameras begin recording automatically when the automobile is running. They also start recording after specific events trigger the dashcam. While the basic models focus on the view in front of the vehicle, there are options to upgrade to models with more advanced technology and premium features. The higher-quality models provide dual cameras and opportunities to record rear-facing videos, interior video and audio, and more. If you have a dashcam and get in a car accident with a negligent driver, you have critical evidence needed to hold them financially accountable.  If it would be helpful, schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer at Heiting & Irwin at 951-682-6400 to learn more about car accidents and dashcams.

Reasons You Might Consider Installing DashCams

The installation of dashcams in vehicles offers many benefits and protections. The most significant benefits include the following:

• The videos dashcams provide are solid evidence to prove negligence and severity of the accident, as well as aiding to recover damages after car accidents.
• The visual records can help prove what is true during accidents or even when drivers receive a traffic citation for a violation they did not commit.
• They provide substantial evidence and protection against insurance fraud tactics, including crash-for-cash scams.
• They can be reliable security systems to monitor vesicles and other personal property in the car.
• They are excellent for monitoring other people’s use of the vehicle, including those such as teenagers.

Dashcams offer vehicle owners countless features and advantages. They improve driver awareness, safety, security, and protection involved with liability claims and insurance scams. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, dashcams are crucial in reconstructing accidents during investigations. The reconstruction and analysis of accidents have always been a significant challenge in forensic pathology, especially in cases with little circumstantial evidence.

Circumstantial evidence can be crucial, especially if the accident leads to serious injuries that cause mental impairment or fatal injuries and gaps of missing information. It does not directly prove facts but provides data to interpret evidence logically.  It can include information such as eyewitness statements. Recorded data goes far beyond statements or circumstantial evidence.  Seeing is believing and dashcam video and data recordings can be invaluable when dashcams are active and collecting data when accidents occur.

The Effect of DashCams in Liability Claims

One significant issue in civil liability claims depends on witness statements’ factual reliability and accuracy. Is the witness credible?  Accurate? Knowledgeable?  Car crashes are often traumatic, and that can lead to problems with perception and with memory. It can also be challenging to describe verbally the actions and conditions leading to the accident.  Not only do the dashcam devices begin recording the front view after starting the car, but some events trigger dashcams to capture footage. Some events that trigger the devices can include, depending on the device:

• When the car behind is following at an unsafe distance, they may monitor and keep records of the distance between vehicles
• Erratic driving behavior, such as sudden maneuvers or changes in speed or direction
• “Emergency” braking

The videos from dashcams are typically accurate and reliable. It would be nearly impossible for the defendant to assert alternate facts if there were visual records of the event.  Of course, this can cut both ways, but to support the truth of what actually happened, this is great evidence.

DashCam Installation Is Legal in California

Dashcams are legal when drivers install them, as the statute requires, and if the owner follows other compliance regulations. According to the California Vehicle Code § 26708 (13)(A), it is legal for motorists to mount dashcams in the lower corner of the windshield, as long as individuals follow regulations and comply with the traffic safety regulations.

A personal injury attorney at Heiting & Irwin could review the complete list of regulations with and answer questions on car accidents and dashcams during the consultation.

Meet With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today

The civil court process is complex, and recovering a fair award from the at-fault driver after an accident can be challenging. One of the significant hurdles is collecting the proper evidence to prove the other party’s negligent actions caused the accident. Installing a dashcam into your vehicle can provide security and protections that were not possible before (or were too costly).   If you have been the victim of a negligent driver, schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer at Heiting & Irwin at 951-682-6400 to learn more about your car accident.