If you have been involved in a vehicle accident, evidence will play a huge role. Read on and find out what to do if a dashcam saw the way an accident occurred.

Evidence to Prove Fault

A dashcam is a dashboard camera mounted to the dashboard or on the windshield of a vehicle. It records constantly and may also record when the car is not on (for theft detection purposes). More and more drivers are using these devices as they become more popular, and the price becomes more affordable. These devices deliver surprisingly clear footage accompanied by audio as well. While a dashcam can serve as evidence when an accident happens, how it affects your case depends on several factors.

You Might Be at Fault for the Accident

The driver found to have caused an accident will likely be the one who must pay for all the damages of both drivers. Sometimes drivers can be found to be partially responsible for an accident also. However, in places with comparative negligence laws, drivers that share responsibility for an accident are not paid for any damages.

That means that having a dashcam onboard can produce mixed results for some drivers after an accident. With a dashcam, the law enforcement officer responding to the scene will be interested in viewing the accident from your angle and using it to help determine fault. It can be very beneficial if the dashcam clearly shows that the other driver is at fault.

However, if the footage shows that you were at fault or that you contributed to the accident in some way, things could get complicated with your case. For instance, you might be heard saying that you are tired and ready to be home. Unfortunately, being tired could be seen as contributing to the accident.

What Victims Need to Do

The actions you take after an accident are important. They could affect how much money, if any, you are paid for your accident damages. With that in mind, take these actions:

1. If you believe the other driver had a dashcam, let the responding officer know. Drivers who are afraid that they have caused the accident might try to conceal the dashcam from sight.
2. Your actions behind the wheel prior to the accident could affect the case. That includes driving recklessly, moving from lane to lane in a reckless manner, speeding, and more. Having a dashcam on your vehicle just for fun could prove unwise if you are not a safe driver and are involved in an accident. Even if you believe the other driver was at fault, your actions might be seen as contributing to the accident.
3. Some states have laws about the use of dashcams in accident cases. Know what the law is before you use one.

To learn more about how a dashcam can influence your accident case, contact a local law firm.