When you are involved in a lengthy court battle to receive compensation for the injuries you sustained, you may wish there was a way the judge could see exactly what happened. With a dash cam, you may be able to provide this evidence! However, you may have questions about how these devices work and what the benefits of them are. Keep reading to learn more and discover why you should consult a San Angelo, Texas auto accident lawyer before making a decision regarding the footage you’ve captured.
What Are Dash Cams, and Are They Legal?
Dashboard cameras, or dash cams, are small video cameras that a driver can place inside their vehicle to record footage of the road. Some connect through your car’s USB port, while others are powered directly by your car’s battery. They generally record footage so long as your vehicle is on, as they are typically mounted to your windshield or dashboard.
Generally, the use of dash cams is legal in all fifty states. However, careful consideration must be taken when placing the camera in your car. In Texas, you cannot have anything that obstructs your view of the windshield. If pulled over and your camera is considered obstructive, you can be charged with a misdemeanor and a fine of up to $1,000. Placing your camera in the bottom right corner or directly behind your review camera is generally the safest location for these devices.
What Are the Benefits of a Dash Cam After a Crash?
One of the significant benefits of having a dash camera is that they capture evidence of what happened in the moments leading up to and during the incident. Having video proof that the other driver was negligent, such as running through a stop sign or texting while driving, can help make your case irrefutable.
These devices are also beneficial as you may discover they can help prevent your insurance premiums from increasing after the crash. You can submit the footage to your insurance provider to prove you were not responsible for the incident.
A dash cam can also help speed up the process of a court battle, as you can provide irrefutable evidence of the collision. For example, if the other driver accuses you of rear-ending them, but your footage shows they put their car in reverse to back into you in order to commit insurance fraud, it would help prove that they were liable for the damages.
If you were involved in a car crash and have a dashboard camera, it’s imperative to review the footage with an attorney first before submitting it. Though it can show what happened, it may also depict you in a negative light. As such, an experienced lawyer can help determine whether the footage will help or hurt your case.
When you need assistance, you’ll want to contact the Mathis Law Firm as soon as possible. Our dedicated legal team will review the details of your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
