[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dashboard cameras, often called dash cams, are car-mounted cameras that continuously record footage in case of an unexpected incident on the roadway. They've long been a staple in police cruisers, but are now creeping into more and more consumer vehicles on the roads. Dash cams have long been popular in Russia and other countries with high rates of attempted insurance fraud, but are now seeing a rise in popularity across the United States. Dash cams are becoming seen as an affordable way to protect oneself in the event of a car crash.
Having recorded footage in the event of a car crash can be beneficial in numerous ways. Dash cam footage can help prove a driver is not at fault in a crash, document the seriousness of a collision, help identify possible hit and run drivers, and even expedite insurance claims when there are questions of liability. One of the things the Law Offices of Scott Warmuth recommends to drivers after a car accident is to identify witnesses, get their contact information, and collect their eyewitness statement. A dash cam can essentially function as an eyewitness who has perfect recollection.
When can a dash cam become beneficial? Let's say you're driving on the freeway and someone merges into your lane, causing a collision. When police arrive, the other driver says it was you who swerved into their lane. The police report indicates that fault cannot be determined because of conflicting statements. Your dash cam, however, shows you driving properly in your lane when the collision occurs. A similar situation could happen if your vehicle was cut off or if someone backs into your vehicle, both common insurance fraud schemes. In almost every circumstance, a rear-end collision is the fault of the trailing vehicle, but if you have video of the other driver merging in front of you and then slamming on the breaks or your stopped vehicle being struck from the front, you can prove you aren't at fault.
Dash cams do not prevent auto accidents, but they can provide clarity in the event of one. But, it's important to understand that the clarity may not always be in your benefit. The mixed overall effect of dash cams may be why no major insurance companies offer premium discounts yet. Dash cam evidence may help insurance companies accept liability more quickly, but there's no guarantee that the insurance company will even accept the footage. An experienced car accident lawyer can use your dash cam evidence to bolster your case. If you have been injured in a car crash, call the Law Offices of Scott Warmuth today at 888-517-9888 to receive a free consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
