In Missouri, dashcam footage can be a game-changer in proving fault and strengthening your car accident claim.
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving drivers uncertain about what happened. In the aftermath, disputes over fault and the events leading to the crash can complicate resolving claims. That’s where dashcam footage comes in. A dashboard camera, or dashcam, is a small device mounted on your vehicle’s windshield or dashboard that records video footage of your surroundings while you drive.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
The Role of Dashcams in Car Accident Claims
Dashcams record video and, in some cases, audio of your driving experience. This footage can capture critical details about the accident, including:
- The actions of other drivers.
- Traffic signals, road conditions, and weather during the crash.
- The sequence of events leading up to the collision.
- Reckless or unlawful behavior by the other driver, such as speeding, running a red light, or tailgating.
In a car accident claim, the primary goal is establishing liability—who was at fault. Dashcam footage can serve as compelling evidence to back up your version of events and prove the other driver’s negligence.
Benefits of Using Dashcam Footage in a Car Accident Claim
- Provides Objective Evidence
- Dashcam footage is neutral. Unlike witness statements or verbal accounts, video footage captures events precisely as they happened, removing much of the subjectivity. This can be particularly helpful in situations where accounts of the accident differ or where there are no witnesses.
- Helps Establish Fault
- Proving fault is a critical part of any car accident claim. Missouri follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that each party’s level of fault impacts the compensation they receive. Dashcam footage can:
- Prove that the other driver caused the crash (e.g., running a stop sign or texting while driving).
- Refute claims that you were at fault.
- Proving fault is a critical part of any car accident claim. Missouri follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that each party’s level of fault impacts the compensation they receive. Dashcam footage can:
- Captures the Full Context of the Accident
- The moments leading up to an accident are often as crucial as the crash. Dashcam footage can capture:
- Whether the other driver was speeding or driving recklessly.
- Your adherence to traffic laws (e.g., stopping at a stop sign or driving within the speed limit).
- Road conditions, traffic signals, and hazards that contributed to the crash.
- The moments leading up to an accident are often as crucial as the crash. Dashcam footage can capture:
- Refutes False Claims
- Unfortunately, some drivers may exaggerate or fabricate their claims to shift blame or inflate their damages. Dashcam footage can refute false statements, such as:
- Claims that you ran a red light or stop sign.
- Assertions that you were speeding or driving erratically.
- Allegations that your vehicle struck another when, in fact, it did not.
- Unfortunately, some drivers may exaggerate or fabricate their claims to shift blame or inflate their damages. Dashcam footage can refute false statements, such as:
- Supports Your Claim With Insurance Companies
- Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny liability. Dashcam footage can strengthen your negotiation position by proving what happened.
- Documents Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Suppose you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident. In that case, dashcam footage can capture the fleeing driver’s license plate or vehicle description, increasing the likelihood of identifying the at-fault party.
How Dashcam Footage Is Used in Missouri Car Accident Claims
Providing Evidence to Insurance Companies
In most car accident claims, you’ll start by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Dashcam footage can be submitted as part of your evidence package. It shows the insurer what happened and supports your version of events, potentially speeding up the claims process and leading to a fairer settlement.
Using Footage in Court
If your case goes to trial, dashcam footage can be presented as evidence. In Missouri courts, video evidence is generally admissible as long as it is:
- Relevant: The footage must directly relate to the accident.
- Authentic: You must show that the footage hasn’t been tampered with.
- Clear: The footage should be sufficient to see the events.
An experienced car accident attorney can help ensure the footage meets these criteria and is effectively used in your case.
Supporting Police Reports
Dashcam footage can also be shared with law enforcement to help complete the police report. This is particularly useful when the fault is disputed or information between parties is conflicting.
Legal Considerations for Dashcam Footage in Missouri
While dashcam footage can be a powerful tool in a car accident claim, there are some legal considerations to keep in mind:
- Privacy Laws
- Missouri is a one-party consent state for recording audio. This means you can record conversations as long as one party (you) consents. However, if your dashcam records video only (no audio), you generally don’t need permission to record what happens on public roads.
- Tampering or Editing
- Tampering with dashcam footage or editing it to misrepresent events is strictly prohibited. Courts and insurance companies will scrutinize video evidence for authenticity, and any signs of tampering can render the footage inadmissible.
- Footage Ownership
- If the dashcam belongs to you, the footage is your property, and you have control over whether to share it. However, if a court subpoenas the footage, you may be required to provide it.
How to Maximize the Use of Dashcam Footage After an Accident
To make the most of your dashcam footage in a car accident claim, follow these steps:
- Secure the Footage Immediately
- Save the footage immediately to prevent it from being overwritten or deleted. Most dashcams overwrite older footage on a loop unless saved manually.
- Share the Footage With Your Attorney
- Provide the footage to your car accident attorney, who can review it and determine how best to use it in your claim.
- Avoid Posting on Social Media
- Do not post the footage online or on social media. Doing so could complicate your case or give the other party’s insurance company ammunition to downplay your claim.
- Maintain a Backup
- Make a backup copy of the footage to ensure it isn’t lost or damaged.
Should You Invest in a Dashcam?
For many drivers, investing in a dashcam is worth the cost. Dashcams range from basic models that cost $50–$100 to more advanced options with GPS and night vision for $200–$400. A dashcam can provide invaluable peace of mind regardless of the price.
Conclusion: Dashcams Can Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim in Missouri
Dashcam footage is one of the most powerful tools in a car accident claim. It provides objective, real-time evidence of the events leading to a crash, helps establish fault, and can prevent insurance companies from undervaluing your claim.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., we understand the importance of clear and compelling evidence in car accident cases. With over 25 years of experience serving St. Louis and Missouri car accident victims, we can help you use dashcam footage—and other critical evidence—to build a strong case and recover the compensation you deserve.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
Have dashcam footage of your accident? Not sure how to use it in your claim? The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. is here to help. Contact us now, and let us guide you through the process.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.