Using Dashcam Footage in California Car Accident Cases
Dashcams are dashboard cameras, typically mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard. They have been legal in California since 2011. State law specifies that dashcams must not be placed in a location that could interfere with airbag deployment, and any passengers in the vehicle must be notified that their conversations are being recorded. Dashcam footage can serve as valuable evidence in a car accident case.
These cameras provide a visual recording of the road ahead of the vehicle. They can also show the speed at which your vehicle was traveling by capturing the speedometer and help demonstrate that you were driving responsibly before the accident occurred. Dashcam footage can show the actions of other drivers leading up to a crash, whether they were wearing seatbelts, steering and braking patterns, license plate numbers, and other evidence.
How Can Dashcam Footage Help Your Case?
Dashboard cameras record the road ahead and what occurs leading up to a crash. The camera footage can be used as evidence to help establish the liability of another party and to clear you of responsibility for the crash. If there are conflicting accounts of how the accident happened, dashcam footage can provide irrefutable evidence of exactly what occurred. It can also help demonstrate the severity of the crash. Our California personal injury attorneys can use this evidence in negotiations with the insurance company for a fair settlement or in court.
How Can You Obtain Dashcam Footage?
If you have a dashcam mounted in your vehicle, the footage can be made available to your attorney immediately to help support your claim. If you do not have a dashcam and the other driver does, your attorney may subpoena the footage, after which it cannot be destroyed or withheld. Your attorney may also subpoena camera footage from nearby businesses or government agencies. Another possibility is to reach out to other drivers who may have been involved in or witnessed the crash.
How Can Dashcam Footage Be Used in Court?
If your case goes to trial, your personal injury lawyer can use dashcam footage to create a clear timeline of events for the jury. This footage may also be used to refresh your memory and prepare you to testify about how the accident occurred. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your lawyer may use an expert witness to explain the technical aspects of the footage.
What Are the Potential Challenges and Limitations of Dashcam Footage?
If you do not have a dashcam installed in your vehicle, footage may not be available to support your claim. There is a possibility that the clarity or quality of the footage may be inadequate. You could also encounter issues with the chain of custody or objections from opposing counsel.
How Can a San Diego Car Crash Attorney Help?
After a serious car accident that was someone else’s fault, your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have an experienced personal injury lawyer handling your claim. Our San Diego car accident attorneys can investigate your crash to determine fault and liability and secure evidence, including dashcam footage, to support your case. We can calculate the full extent of your damages, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for your rights in court if necessary. Our firm has the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively pursue the compensation you deserve while you recover from your injuries.
At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we have a 99.7% success rate and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients. Our seasoned trial lawyers will not back down from tough cases. Contact us at (619) 209-6066 to schedule a free consultation after a serious California car accident.
“I would highly recommend Eugene Bruno & Associates! They helped me out with a case of mine and everything worked out perfectly. I worked with Amir, one of the lawyers and he was amazing. Definitely would work with him again. Thank you!”
- Mona Hakim, Google Review- “This people deserve more than 5 stars. I would highly recommend them to anyone.”
- Faisal A., Google Review - “You will not be disappointed hiring these guys. Eugene Bruno & Associates are the best car accident lawyers in San Diego and I recommend them 100%!!”
- Adam C., Google Review - “Take the time to speak with Mr. Bruno, he will definitely help you and guide you and make you feel like family! Best decision I have made, I went with the best. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!!!”
- Lakeisha E., Google Review
“I would highly recommend Eugene Bruno & Associates! They helped me out with a case of mine and everything worked out perfectly. I worked with Amir, one of the lawyers and he was amazing. Definitely would work with him again. Thank you!”