Many drivers install dashcams in their vehicles, and many newer model cars come equipped with dashcams. In the event of an accident, footage from your dashcam can generally be used in support of your claim, and it can potentially make it that much stronger. In other words, the answer to do I need a dashcam is yes, it’s a good idea to equip your vehicle with a dashcam, and if you’ve been injured by another driver’s negligence in a car accident, an experienced Texas car accident attorney from Moore Law Firm can help.
Dashcams
Dashcams – or dash cameras – are small cameras that are either mounted on a car’s dash or window or are installed in the vehicle during manufacture. These cameras create an ongoing record of the driver’s view of the road ahead, and some models also record what’s going on in the vehicle’s cabin, which can include both audio and video. If you’re involved in a car accident, the footage from the moments leading up to the accident and the footage recorded during the accident can prove invaluable when it comes to demonstrating the other driver’s negligence.
The Law in Texas
There are no specific laws in the state of Texas that address dashcams, which means they are legal as long as the device doesn’t obstruct your view – which must be clear in order to drive safely – and doesn’t obstruct airbag deployment in the event of an accident.
A final note about dashcams is that – if they include audio recording – federal law requires you to inform any passengers in your vehicle that they’re being recorded or to turn off the feature. It’s legal to have a dashcam in your vehicle, and the footage your camera records could work in your favor if another driver leaves you injured in a car accident.
Dashcam Footage and Admissibility in Court
Generally, the footage from dashcams is admissible in court for car accident cases and can provide compelling evidence. The footage, however, must meet certain legal criteria.
Reliability
The footage obtained from the dashcam must be reliable, which means that it can’t have been tampered with or otherwise altered. Before the footage will be allowed as evidence in your case, there are matters that must be verified, including each of the following:
- The timestamp on the footage
- How well the dashcam functions
- The chain of custody – which refers to who had control of or access to the footage –from the time of the accident to the time that your case is heard
Authenticity
In order to present your dashcam footage in court, you’ll need to verify its authenticity, which means you’ll need to verify that it is genuine footage that was generated at the time of the accident and that it hasn’t been edited or altered. As such, you’ll likely need to testify regarding the veracity of the recording.
Relevance to the Case
Before dashcam footage can be used in a court case, its relevance must be established. This means that what’s depicted must help further support specific facts of the case, including any of the following:
- How the accident happened
- Where the accident happened
- The parties involved in the accident
- Whether any laws were broken or any driver negligence was involved, such as distraction, impairment, or excess speed
Do I Need a Dashcam?
While you’re not required to have a dashcam in your vehicle, doing so can go a long way toward bolstering your case if you’re ever injured as a result of another driver’s negligence. There are a range of primary advantages that come from having dashcam footage on your side.
Proving the Other Driver’s Fault in the Matter
In order to bring a successful car accident claim, you’ll need to prove the other driver’s negligence, and your dashcam footage could potentially be all the evidence you need.
Challenging the Testimony of Eyewitnesses
Eyewitness testimony can be a powerful form of evidence, but memory isn’t as accurate as we tend to believe, and it has a hard time competing with clear footage that’s captured in real time by a dashcam.
Bolstering Your Claim
The insurance company handling your claim is invested in keeping your settlement low, and they’ll use every tool available to them to help make that happen. Dashcam footage, however, can be very difficult to refute, which can help move your claim effectively and efficiently forward toward a favorable resolution.
Turn to An Experienced Texas Car Accident Lawyer for the Help You Need Today
The seasoned Texas car accident attorneys at Moore Law Firm dedicate their imposing practice to skillfully guiding even the most challenging car accident claims toward optimal outcomes that support our valued clients’ rights and rightful compensation. We’re here for you too, so please don’t put off contacting us online or calling 956-400-0000 for more information about what we can do to help you today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are dash cams legal in Texas?
Yes, dash cams are legal in Texas. There are no specific state laws prohibiting their use. However, they must be placed in a way that does not obstruct your view while driving or interfere with airbag deployment. If your dash cam records audio, you must inform any passengers in your vehicle that they are being recorded, as required by federal law.
Can insurance companies use dash cam footage?
Yes, insurance companies can use dash cam footage. In many cases, dash cam footage can be used to help determine fault in an accident. It can provide clear, unbiased evidence of what occurred, which can help expedite the claims process and lead to a fairer settlement. Insurance companies may request the footage or you may choose to provide it to support your claim.
What is the best dash cam to buy?
The “best” dash cam depends on your specific needs and budget. Some factors to consider include video quality (resolution), field of view, night vision capabilities, storage capacity, and additional features like GPS tracking or parking mode. Researching reviews and comparisons online can help you find a dash cam that meets your requirements. Look for reputable brands and consider features that are most important to you.