Posted in Car Accidents on April 17, 2024
Dash cams have become much more popular over the last decade. There are dash cams available for every type of budget, and some vehicles even have dash cams built in when they come from the factory now.
But are our dash cams actually helpful for providing evidence after an incident occurs? Here, we want to discuss dash cam best practices as well as whether or not they can help you if you are involved in a collision.
What Can a Dash Cam See?
If you are not familiar with vehicle dash cams, then your only reference point is probably police shows. The dash cams we are talking about here are not the same as the ones inside of police cruisers, but the idea is the same. Police dash cams are there to record the events that happen, not only for the protection of the officer but also for other individuals at the scene of an incident.
Personal dash cams serve as protection as well. These devices allow individuals to have a continuous recording of their driving activities, and these recordings can capture any major incidents that occur, including car crashes.
Dash cams may not capture every bit of footage needed to prove liability after a collision, but they can help capture a clear view of the front and rear of the vehicle. However, we want to point out that most dash cams only come with a front-facing camera. Individuals can typically purchase a rear camera to attach, but this does come with additional installation steps.
Some dash cams have the ability to record inside the vehicle as well. Many rideshare drivers have this type of camera set up in order to offer themselves and their passengers protection. You can have all three types of cameras inside of your vehicle. You can have one to record what happens in front of the vehicle, one to record the rear of the vehicle, and one to record the inside of the vehicle.
How a Dash Cam Could Help You After a Collision
In the aftermath of a vehicle collision, establishing the facts is crucial. A dash cam can be an invaluable tool in this process, providing concrete evidence that can clarify circumstances and potentially influence legal outcomes. Here are several ways a dash cam can assist after an incident:
- Objective evidence. Dash cams record continuous footage of road conditions, traffic signals, the behavior of other drivers, and the impact moment. This objective evidence can be crucial for law enforcement and insurance claims, helping to quickly establish fault.
- Prevention of fraud. Video evidence can deter and refute false claims made by other parties involved in the accident. It protects against the risk of fraud, where other drivers might claim for non-existent injuries or damages.
- Expedite insurance claims. Insurers can assess the dash cam footage, making it easier to process claims swiftly. This visual proof can be the deciding factor in insurance claim disputes, ensuring you receive fair compensation.
- Protection in hit-and-run incidents. In cases where a driver flees the scene, a dash cam can capture license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions, vital details that can help law enforcement locate the responsible party.
Enhancing road safety. Beyond individual incidents, dash cams can contribute to broader road safety efforts by documenting dangerous locations or intersections, prompting corrective measures from authorities.