Dashcam use is on the rise, and for good reasons: These devices can provide real-time records of car accidents. However, the footage may not always work in your favor. It can just as easily show behavior that weakens your claim. Either way, the footage captured by a dashcam can play a significant role in how your case is evaluated by insurance companies, courts, and other parties.
What Is Dashcam Footage?
“Dashcam footage” refers to video recorded by a dashboard camera installed in a vehicle. These devices can record while the car is operating and sometimes when parked. They may capture the road ahead, the interior, or the rear, depending on the model.
Can Dashcam Footage Support My Claim?
Yes. Dashcam footage can support your insurance claim or lawsuit if it shows that the other driver was at fault. For example, it may reveal that another motorist ran a red light, failed to yield, or struck your vehicle. It may also show that you followed traffic laws. Courts and insurers often find these recordings persuasive.
Can Dashcam Footage Be Used Against Me?
Yes. If the footage shows that you were distracted, speeding, or breaking traffic laws, the opposing party may use it. Even minor actions, like rolling through a stop sign, can harm your position. If audio is recorded, your statements after the crash may also be introduced as evidence.
Is Dashcam Footage Admissible in Pennsylvania Court?
Pennsylvania courts typically allow dashcam footage as evidence if it is relevant and properly authenticated. The footage must be time-stamped and unedited. If it was obtained illegally or violates privacy laws, the court may exclude it.
Can I Choose Which Footage to Share?
Not always. During litigation, both parties share relevant evidence, including dashcam recordings. Withholding or deleting video that does not support your version may result in legal consequences or negative inferences drawn by the court.
Does Dashcam Footage Affect Insurance Settlements?
Potentially. Insurance companies may use dashcam footage to assess liability and damages, and a clear recording may result in a quicker settlement or a better offer. However, if it shows you were partially at fault, your compensation could be reduced. Adjusters closely examine footage submitted by both sides.
What Should I Do if I Have Dashcam Footage After a Crash?
Preserve the footage immediately! Save the file to a reliable location and create a backup. Avoid editing or deleting the video. Document the time and date of the recording and review it before providing it to insurers or legal representatives.
Should I Use a Dashcam While Driving?
Many drivers install dashcams to document events in case of a crash. However, users should understand that the recording may also reveal conduct that harms their legal claims. Using a dashcam involves legal risks as well as potential benefits.
Are Dashcams Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Dashcams are legal in Pennsylvania, but must follow state laws. Audio recording generally requires consent from all recorded parties under wiretap laws. Cameras must also be placed so they do not obstruct the driver’s view. Improper placement or use can create legal issues and could render the footage inadmissible.
Skilled West Chester Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Use Dashcam Footage to Build Stronger Cases for Their Clients
Dashcam footage could be the strongest evidence in your case, but it must be handled carefully. To learn more, contact our West Chester car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. For an initial consultation, call today at 610-565-3700 or complete our online form. With office locations in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.