When it comes to car accidents, your compensation depends on you being able to present a truthful and more compelling story as well as being able to definitively refute the version that the other side presents. When it comes to presenting a clear, unbiased account of the events, few can match the precision of dashcam footage. As the team at Gabriel Law steps into the shoes of an injury attorney in Manhattan, we will take a moment to demonstrate how dashcam footage, when utilized correctly, can greatly strengthen your case and increase your chances of claiming fair compensation.
What are the types of dashcams that can be installed in your car?
The US has an extensive array of commercially available dashcams, which are primarily categorized based on their camera setup, features, and intended use. Therefore, you are more likely to encounter and even install yourself the following types of dashcams:
- Single-lens (front-facing): only record the view from the front.
- Dual-lens: records footage from both the front and the back of the vehicle. The front camera will be mounted on the windshield, while the rear camera may be attached to the bumper or rear window.
- Multi-channeling (360-degree): records simultaneous footage from multiple views, depending on the setup configuration.
How can dashcam footage support your claim?
Establish fault and support your version of events.
As we mentioned above, your ability to secure a favorable settlement depends on presenting a compelling case that is backed by evidence. Therefore, being able to present dashcam footage during the trial or negotiation can help strengthen and protect your claim against any tactic used by the other party to reduce your compensation.
For example, when a car accident occurs at an intersection, if your dashcam catches that the other driver ran the red light when the crash occurred, you can make a solid case to show that the accident was entirely their fault. Even if you yourself share partial blame for the accident, you can use the footage to show that the majority of the fault lies with the other driver, thus negating the negative impact of the pure comparative negligence rule.
Supplement expert witness testimony
If you have called in an expert witness such as an accident reconstruction specialist or doctor, they can refer to the dashcam footage and testify as to the cause and severity of the accident. The combination of expert testimony and unbiased and unedited dashcam footage will allow the judge and the jury to visualize the accident as if they were there themselves.
Record incriminating statements.
Most modern dashcams have built-in microphones, and they can record any conversation you and the other driver might have after the accident. In the event the other driver apologizes or admits fault for the accident, a recording of that can be presented in court and help protect you from any attempt to shift blame. But this can also be a double-edged sword if you’ve similarly apologized or admitted fault.
Assisting with hit-and-run accidents
When a car accident occurs, the next course of action is to document the accident and get the contact information of the other driver to get the ball rolling on insurance proceedings. This becomes next to impossible when the accident is a hit-and-run. If your dashcam was able to record the other car leaving the scene, law enforcement can use the footage to track down the perpetrator and help hold them accountable.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of a car accident, proving your case for compensation is easier said than done. As such, presenting the right evidence at the right time is crucial to secure the most favorable outcome, and few can top the significance of dashcam footage. However, to best utilize the evidence at your disposal, working with a top accident injury attorney in Manhattan is a must. Contact us at Gabriel Law to schedule your free consultation. With our legal guidance and expertise, we will work on building the case that maximizes your chance of securing fair compensation and moving forward.