How Dash Cam Footage Can Strengthen Your Accident Injury Case
When determining who was responsible for an accident, evidence can make all the difference. One increasingly valuable source of evidence is dash cam footage. Video captured before, during, and immediately after a collision can provide objective information that may strengthen an accident injury claim.
Provides an Objective Account of the Accident
After a crash, drivers and witnesses may have different recollections of what happened. Stress, confusion, and the sudden nature of an accident can affect a person’s memory. Dash cam footage can provide a visual record of the events leading up to the collision.
Depending on the camera’s position and recording quality, the footage may show traffic signals, vehicle speeds, lane positions, turn signals, braking, and the actions of other drivers. This information can help establish how the accident occurred and who may have been responsible.
Helps Establish Fault
Texas follows a modified comparative responsibility system. Generally, an injured person may recover damages if they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident, although their recovery can be reduced according to their percentage of responsibility. Because fault can directly affect compensation, evidence that clearly demonstrates another driver’s actions can be extremely important.
For example, dash cam footage might show another driver running a red light, changing lanes without signaling, following too closely, or failing to yield the right of way. Such evidence can help counter inaccurate allegations that the injured driver caused or contributed to the collision.
Supports Your Version of Events
Insurance companies often investigate accident claims before agreeing to pay compensation. If the other driver provides a different account of the collision, dash cam footage can help corroborate your statement.
Video evidence may also be useful when there are no independent witnesses or when witnesses disagree about what occurred. Rather than relying solely on conflicting statements, an attorney may be able to use the footage to demonstrate what actually happened.
Can Document the Severity of the Crash
Dash cam footage can sometimes capture the impact itself and the immediate aftermath. This may provide useful evidence regarding the force and circumstances of the collision. Footage taken after the accident may also document vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic conditions, and other relevant circumstances.
Additionally, if the camera records audio, it may capture statements made immediately after the crash. These statements can potentially provide additional information about what occurred, although their legal significance depends on the circumstances.
Preserve Your Footage
If you have dash cam footage of an accident, preserve the original recording as soon as possible. Avoid editing, deleting, or overwriting the file. Save backup copies and provide the footage to your attorney or insurance representative as appropriate.
Dash cam footage is not automatically conclusive in every accident case, but it can be powerful evidence when it clearly captures relevant events. If you have been injured in a Texas car accident and believe dash cam footage may document what happened, an experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate the footage and help determine how it may support your claim.
IF YOU’VE BEEN HURT IN AN ACCIDENT, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION.
Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.
We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.
