How Dashcam Footage Can Help Your Car Accident Claim
Dashcam videos can be a critical component in supporting your auto accident claim by providing an accurate account of what occurred at the time of the accident. Dashcams give a visual account of all parties and vehicles involved in the accident; therefore, they are often some of the most compelling evidence an injured driver has.
As Columbia, S.C., has become increasingly populated over recent years, there are more commuters on the roadways each day. As a result, more and more vehicles are traveling on smaller and busier roadways in the suburbs, cities, and downtown areas of Columbia. Therefore, no matter how safe a driver is, it is easy to find oneself in an unexpected collision.
Fortunately, when an accident occurs, a skilled Columbia accident lawyer can assist in reducing the stress associated with making a claim. An attorney knows how to interpret the dashcam footage, utilize it properly, and develop a strong case based upon it.
Why Is Dashcam Video Important?
Dashcam video provides a fair and unbiased perspective of the actions of all parties before, during, and after an accident. In this manner, dashcam video can help alleviate confusion as to who was responsible for the accident, since memories can fade, and drivers will frequently dispute responsibility for the accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over ninety percent of all motor vehicle accidents occur due to human error. Thus, dashcam video can help eliminate the ambiguity surrounding an accident.
The dashcam video can show if anyone ran a red light, failed to yield, or was speeding. Additionally, dashcam video can capture minor details such as braking patterns and vehicle positioning in lanes, while written statements cannot.
What Can Dashcam Evidence Show?
Dashcam video is beneficial in several ways:
- Liability: Dashcam video can show which driver was negligent.
- Sequence of Events: Dashcam video provides a time-stamped depiction of how the accident developed.
- Road and Weather Conditions: Dashcam video depicts the visibility, flow of traffic, and any hazards.
- Driver Behavior: Dashcam video can show driver distraction, aggressive driving, and/or other unsafe actions.
By combining dashcam video with police reports, witness statements, and photographs, the video provides clarity and enhances your claim.
Protecting and Utilizing Your Dashcam Video
Following a crash, protect the video by taking a couple of easy steps:
Step# 1: Please save the file as soon as possible to prevent it from being overwritten.
Step# 2: Save the video to another device or back up to cloud-based storage.
Step# 3: Take note of the time and place of the accident.
Step# 4: Send a copy to your attorney as soon as possible.
Your attorney can review the video, identify useful information, and advise as to the best method of presenting the video to insurance companies.
Key Takeaways
- Dashcam video provides clear, real-time evidence of an accident.
- Dashcam video can establish fault, depict conditions, and substantiate your version of events.
- Saving and sharing the video promptly will enhance your claim.
- Working with an experienced attorney will ensure that the video is presented and utilized appropriately.
