Got a Dash Cam? It Could Help Your Case, but Only If the Matter Is Handled Correctly
Driving with a dash cam, or even a cell phone mounted onto the dashboard, has become more common as people have started trying to record their trips on the road. Some people do this for fun; they want to record long road trips to show friends and video-channel followers. Others want to protect themselves, thinking the dash cam will show what happened while they were on the road if they get into an accident and have to go to court or convince the insurance company of the sequence of events. This is true, kind of. A dash cam can help in many cases, but the footage has to be handled correctly, lest you wind up complicating your case.
Does Prove Something Happened
Dash cams will record whatever is in front of them, so if you get into an accident, the camera will show that something happened. If you end up hitting a fire hydrant, for example, because you had to swerve to avoid someone who ran out in front of your car and then ran away before police could get to the scene, the camera should record that. For that alone, having a dash cam could be valuable because you would be able to prove that bizarre incident happened. Without the dash cam and without other witnesses, you could be treated as if you were just a reckless driver.
Could Also Prove You Did Something Wrong
However, the dash cam footage could also show that you did something to make you the person at fault, even if you're convinced you were in the right. You don't want to hide footage, of course; that would be withholding evidence. But instead of waltzing into court, ready to show footage that could turn the court against you, you need to talk to a car-accident attorney who can advise you on the best way to handle the footage and how to behave in order to minimize any consequences you might face.
Handles Only One View, but That's Not Necessarily Bad
The dash cam will record what's in front of it, so if you've got it pointed in front and you get rear-ended, the camera won't record the actual accident. But it can show the time and force of impact, potentially helping you in your case. A good car-accident lawyer can help ensure the footage is evaluated by investigators.
Car accidents that lead to court are never fun, but if you handle the aftermath correctly, you can get reimbursement for bills and win your case. However, you'll need a good attorney on your side.