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Can a Dash Cam Benefit Me in a PI Case?

On Behalf of | Jan 17, 2020 | Personal Injury |

Historically, after a car accident, a New Jersey personal injury attorney and insurance companies would rely heavily on the testimony of witnesses and those involved in the accident. Although not perfect, this was the best way to help piece together what happened and who is liable. Through dash cameras, modern technology has given us more options to help learn more about what caused a car accident.

Before you run out and purchase one of these cameras to place in your car, it is crucial that you understand how a dash cam works, what it will or won’t record, and its pros and cons.

What is a Dash Cam?

A dash camera is a small video camera that can be mounted to your car’s dashboard or windshield. Its purpose is to record anything that happens in front of it. Most begin recording when the vehicle is in gear and stop when it is taken out of gear. Advanced model dash cams that record video on the inside of the car are also on the market.

What Dash Cams Can Show

If your dash cam captures clear footage that is time- and date-stamped showing what happened before, during, and immediately after an accident, it can be extremely valuable, as few people can argue with what it reveals. A dash cam has the potential to show the color, make, model, and license plate of other cars around you and their movements. It can also reveal the following about your driving behaviors:

  • If you were driving the speed limit
  • If you were driving straight and staying in your lane
  • If you were driving erratically
  • If you ran a stoplight or a stop sign

After an accident, a dash cam can also track the behavior of other drivers, such as acting as if they are impaired or if they verbally take responsibility for the accident.

The Pros and Cons of Dash Cam Footage

Footage from your car’s dash cam can add nearly irrefutable evidence to your personal injury case. While this can work in your favor if the accident was not your fault and you were obeying the rules of the road, it can also work against you if you did something to help cause the accident, and it was caught on camera.

This footage can be used by the insurance company and their attorneys to refute your claims and implicate you for the damage that is done. If you have dash cam footage of your accident, it is best to meet with a knowledgeable New Jersey personal injury lawyer to determine what your next steps should be. You should not erase or otherwise destroy any such evidence or you can face potential serious consequences.

How a Personal Injury Attorney in Freehold, New Jersey Could Help You

While dash cams won’t forget what happened, give biased information, or have their memory skewed by time or other factors, they may or may not be beneficial in your personal injury case. Call a New Jersey personal injury attorney from Lomurro Law today at 732-482-9285 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your dash cam footage and your accident case.