A dashboard camera or “dash cam” is aimed out the windshield of a vehicle and records everything that happens on the road while a person is driving. Many of us have seen dash cam videos posted online, especially from countries such as Russia where accidents and insurance fraud are a big problem.
The main purpose of using this type of camera is record exactly what happened in the event of a car accident. But, can these cameras actually help you when it comes to your car accident claim?
How Can A Dash Cam Help?
When your car accident claim evolves into a full-blown dispute, dash cam footage may become a valuable piece of evidence that could help bolster your claim. During a car accident, a dashboard camera can capture what would have been your version of the story as the motorist.
They can be a useful tool since it is sometimes difficult explain or recall exactly what happened during the accident. In addition, the other driver might tell an inaccurate version of the accident and errors can be made on police reports. A dash cam could record occurrences such as a vehicle cutting you off, another vehicle running the red light or failing to yield the right-of-way at the intersection.
So, when an accident occurs, it may be easier for you prove not only that the other person was at fault, but how he or she violated the law. This is also true in cases where there were no eyewitnesses to confirm your story. Additionally, if you are the victim of a hit-and-run, dash cam footage can at least prove that an accident with another driver did, in fact, occur.
As a result, your claim might be bolstered from the dash cam footage and might potentially reduce the time that is needed to settle claims because of less time lost in he-said-she-said disputes. Dash cam footage is not always conclusive evidence of what happened during the accident, but it can be helpful.
Do Insurance Companies Consider Dash Cam Footage?
Insurance companies have their own policies whether dash cam footage will even be considered, if at all. Some of the major insurance companies have yet to set an official policy regarding how they review and use dash cam footage.
Furthermore, many insurance companies equate the videos to photographs and do not give any more weight to them, unless it made someone’s fault extremely obvious. Ultimately, the review and use of dash cam footage would depend on the individual adjuster handling the claim. The insurance company could choose to consider it if they think it would help, but are not required to. However, an experienced car accident lawyer would know how to evaluate and present the video.
Speak With An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
When it comes to being successful with your car accident claim, very little can replace the skill and knowledge of an experienced Rhode Island car accident lawyer. At d’Oliveira & Associates, our car accident lawyers work diligently to strengthen your claim and help ensure that you receive maximum compensation. If you or someone you know has been harmed in a car accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. No fees are received unless you win your case. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us toll free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out our contact form online.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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