The Importance of Dashcam Footage in Car Accident Cases in Florida

According to state highway safety and motor vehicle records, Florida has recorded over 150,000 crashes in the past five months, with over 41,000 of those hit-and-run cases. One of the most traumatic experiences is being hit by another car and the driver flees the accident scene. While it becomes difficult to prove liability to the insurer, recorded dashcam accidents can provide indisputable evidence of what happened, compelling wrongdoers to own up to their mistakes.

Ideally, the two most important reasons people contact the experienced Winter Haven car accident lawyers at JustCallMoe in Florida are to hold the at-fault party accountable and provide proof of their liability. This is where a dashcam plays a significant role.

What is a Dashcam?

Dashcams, or dashboard cameras, are small video recording devices mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard, rearview mirror, or windshield. They record real-time footage of your drive and other road events. These devices are very useful in the event of an accident, as their recordings can give your lawyer a clear understanding of the series of events that led to the crash.

Are Dashcams Legal?

Yes, dashboard cameras are legal in Florida. However, you must comply with the obstruction and electronic audio surveillance laws.

• Obstruction Law: This law requires drivers to ensure their dashcam does not obstruct their view of the road. The dashboard and the rearview mirror are ideal places to mount a dashcam.
• Audio Surveillance Law: This law applies to dashcams with audio recording capabilities and requires the driver to obtain consent from anyone who will appear in the footage.

What Is the Role of Dashcam Accident Footage in a Car Accident Claim?

In Florida, dashcam footage is admissible evidence in a court of law. Here’s why:

     1. Provides reliable evidence of the accident

One of the hardest things in a car accident is determining who is at fault. Without a clear indication of what transpired, accidents can become a blame game. Unfortunately, the at-fault party often tries to shift the blame to the other driver. Dashcam footage in a car accident can provide an unbiased account of all events leading up to the collision. Whether it’s a case of speeding or an abrupt change of lanes, the video recording can help establish liability.

     2. Supports your version of events

After a car crash, you’ll likely feel confused, and your thoughts may be hazy, making it hard to recall everything that happened. That means your description of the story may lack important details, leaving many questions unanswered.

Dashcam footage can support your version of the incident by providing an impartial record of events leading up to, during, and after the crash. This helps clarify the situation, especially when dealing with dishonest drivers or witnesses who might have given conflicting stories.

     3. Protects you from insurance fraud

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, staged accidents are a “big business.” Some drivers purposely cause accidents to extort money from other drivers. If you own a high-end vehicle, be wary of drivers who will suddenly pull up in front of you and slam on breaks or attempt to sideswipe you.

You’re their primary target, and they intend to get you to cause an accident so they can talk you into a settlement. Dashcam footage recordings of car accidents can help document potential fraud cases.

     4. Speeds up your claim

How long it’ll take to resolve a car accident case will depend on the clarity of your evidence of fault. Dashcam footage provides unambiguous proof of what happened and helps speed up the claims process, reducing time that would have otherwise been spent on investigations.

Does Dashcam Footage Guarantee an Easy Claim?

Footage from a dashcam will provide powerful evidence for determining who is at fault in an automobile accident. However, some scenarios may require an extra layer of proof. For example, the dashcam footage can be grainy or unclear if an accident happens during heavy rains or at night in a dark environment.

Also, depending on where a car is struck, the dashcam may fail to capture all of the details of the crash needed to prove liability. And not all insurance companies will accept dashcam footage as reliable evidence. As such, you will have to supplement your footage with other evidence such as:

• Statements from witnesses
• Police report
• Collision reconstruction report
• Photographs
• Surveillance footage
• Cell phone recordings

What You Need To Know

Dashcam accident footage can be a two-edged sword.

It is important to note that dashcam footage can work against you if not handled properly.

Therefore, be careful not to make statements that can implicate you when the camera is on.

Also, seek medical treatment immediately if you sustain injuries during a car accident.

Most importantly, do not hand over the footage to the insurance company or try to handle the case yourself. Make sure you have a Florida auto accident lawyer by your side. Otherwise, you can reduce your chances of getting fair compensation.

The Importance of Consulting an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney

Dashcam accident footage can help establish who is at fault and what led to the accident.

However, it does not eliminate the need for skilled legal help. If you were involved in a car crash, consult an experienced car accident lawyer who can use the irrefutable evidence on your dashcam to build a winning case and get a fair settlement.

JustCallMoe has a proven track record of success in handling car accident cases. Our team of dedicated lawyers can provide the legal support needed to ensure justice is served in your case.

Let’s use the dashcam footage to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.