What Is the Role of Dashcam Footage in Car Accident Cases?

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Dashcams are increasingly becoming a staple for drivers and offer a real-time record of the road. In Maryland, countless drivers use dashcams. With their ability to capture high-definition video, dashcams play an important role in car accident cases by providing impartial evidence that can make or break a legal claim.

But what happens to this footage when accidents occur? Can it be used in court, and how does it affect insurance? Read on to learn what these devices show, how long footage lasts, its admissibility in court, its impact on insurance, and how to get this footage.

What does dashcam footage show?

Dashcams offer an unbiased view of what transpired before, during, and after a car accident. Most modern dashcams record continuously in high definition, and can capture traffic signals, road conditions, vehicle speeds, and driver behavior.

These devices can help prove who was at fault in a car accident case. They can identify reckless driving or clarify whether a traffic law was violated. Some dashcams also have audio recording capabilities, which can document conversations or sounds, which can offer additional context.

How long does footage stay on a dashcam?

The length of time footage remains on a dashcam depends on the device’s storage capacity and settings. Most dashcams use loop recording, which overwrites older footage when the memory card fills up. Depending on the size of the memory card, recordings can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.

Many dashcams allow users to manually save specific clips to prevent them from being overwritten. After a car accident, this feature can preserve key footage for insurance claims or legal cases. Some devices also have impact-detection features that automatically save footage when a collision occurs.

Does dashcam footage hold up in court?

Dashcam footage is generally admissible in Maryland courts, provided it meets specific legal standards. For the footage to hold up, it must be relevant, authentic, and unaltered. The court may also consider whether the recording violates privacy laws, but footage taken in public spaces, such as roads, is typically allowed.

A car accident attorney can use dashcam footage to corroborate witness statements, prove fault, or challenge opposing claims. For example, video evidence showing a driver running a red light can be compelling in a liability dispute.

However, it’s important to handle the footage carefully. Tampering or editing can render it inadmissible and undermine your case. If you’re involved in a car accident in Maryland, it’s best to give this evidence to your attorney, unaltered. They can ensure the footage is presented correctly in court and that it complies with all legal requirements.

Do dashcams affect car insurance in Maryland?

Dashcams can indirectly influence car insurance claims in Maryland by providing clear evidence of fault. While having a dashcam doesn’t currently lower insurance premiums, the footage can speed up claims processing and strengthen your case in disputes with the other driver’s insurance company.

Maryland follows an at-fault system for car insurance, meaning the driver responsible for the accident must pay for damages. Dashcam footage can help prove your innocence or counteract false claims from the other party, which could potentially save you from increased premiums.

What should I do with dashcam footage from a car accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident, getting your dashcam footage is an important step to building your case. Here’s what you should do to ensure your footage is preserved and used effectively:

Immediately back up the footage

Transfer the footage to an external hard drive, USB device, or cloud storage to prevent it from being overwritten by your dashcam’s loop recording feature. Double-check that the backup was successful and that the file is intact.

Document key details

Note the exact date, time, and location of your car accident and ensure that this information matches the video metadata. If your dashcam has GPS capabilities, confirm that the location data is accurate. Share the footage with the appropriate parties

Also, provide a copy of the footage to your attorney so they can analyze it for evidence that supports your claim.

Be cautious about sharing the footage publicly

Avoid posting the footage on social media or sharing it with unauthorized individuals, as this could affect the outcome of your case. Publicly shared footage could be misinterpreted, taken out of context, or even used against you by the opposing party. Additionally, releasing the video prematurely might breach privacy considerations or violate court protocols.

Follow legal obligations

If requested during a legal discovery process or subpoenaed, be prepared to provide the footage to the appropriate parties. It’s important to preserve the original file in its unaltered state, as tampering or editing could render the footage inadmissible in court.

Your attorney can guide you through the process of submitting the footage, ensuring it meets all legal requirements, and is presenting it effectively to support your claim.

Can I request a copy of dashcam footage from a witness?

If another driver’s dashcam captured your car accident, you might be able to request a copy, but the process can be challenging. Maryland law doesn’t require drivers to share their dashcam footage unless subpoenaed or requested during a legal discovery process.

To obtain the footage, you can ask the other party directly or have your attorney issue a formal request. If the footage is critical to your case and the other driver refuses to cooperate, your attorney can seek a court order compelling them to release it.

In cases involving commercial vehicles, such as delivery trucks or rideshare services, the company may also have dashcam footage. Your attorney can request this evidence and ensure it is preserved and submitted appropriately.

Let our Maryland attorneys build a strong case for compensation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Maryland, you need strong, indisputable evidence to prove liability and get the compensation you deserve. The Maryland car accident lawyers at Goldberg Finnegan can gather the facts to build a case that insurance companies can’t ignore.

When insurance companies try to reduce or deny your claim, we step in to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Whether it’s covering medical bills, lost wages, or the pain and suffering caused by the crash, our lawyers will advocate relentlessly for your rights. We have a proven track record of success, including $4.975 million to the family of a crash victim who died in a car accident.

Best of all, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay unless we win your case. Don’t wait to take action. Contact us online or call our law offices in Silver Spring or Rockville today to schedule your free consultation. Our legal team is ready to help you understand your legal options and pursue justice.

“Goldberg Finnegan are the gold standard for personal injury legal representation. The firm takes the time to listen, offers strategic proactive advice and develops creative legal strategies. Importantly, the firm dots each ‘I’ and crosses every ‘t’ to best serve client needs. A firm that is highly recommended!” – IA

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