If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, you know how stressful and overwhelming it can be to prove what really happened. That’s where dashcam footage can make all the difference. As any New Jersey car accident lawyer can tell you, this type of evidence can be a game-changer in proving fault and ensuring fair compensation for damages and injuries.
In this guide, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the role of dashcam footage in car accident cases, how it can support your claim, and what to do if you don’t have dashcam footage.
If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, you know how stressful and overwhelming it can be to prove what really happened. That’s where dashcam footage can make all the difference. As any New Jersey car accident lawyer can tell you, this type of evidence can be a game-changer in proving fault and ensuring fair compensation for damages and injuries.
In this guide, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the role of dashcam footage in car accident cases, how it can support your claim, and what to do if you don’t have dashcam footage.
What is Dashcam Footage?
Dashcams are small cameras installed on the dashboard or windshield of a vehicle that record real-time events happening on the road. These cameras can face forward, capturing the road ahead, and some can face backward to record activity behind the vehicle.
Dashcam footage can provide crucial evidence in the event of an accident, offering an objective, real-time account of the moments leading up to a crash. This footage can reveal key details such as:
- Who was at fault
- Whether any traffic laws were violated
- Road conditions at the time of the accident
The value of this evidence in legal proceedings, insurance claims, and personal injury lawsuits cannot be overstated.
Why Dashcam Footage Matters in New Jersey
New Jersey follows a “comparative negligence” rule, which means that each party involved in an accident can be assigned a percentage of fault. This directly affects the outcome of insurance claims and personal injury cases.
For example, if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault in a New Jersey car accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries or damages. Because of this, dashcam footage can be incredibly valuable to ensure that you’re not unfairly assigned blame.
Without dashcam footage, it can be your word against the other driver’s. The other party may try to shift blame onto you, making it more difficult to prove your case. In these scenarios, dashcam footage provides concrete, visual proof of what actually occurred.
How Dashcam Footage Can Prove Fault
Dashcam footage is particularly useful in identifying negligent or reckless driving behavior. Your NJ car accident attorney can review the video to find key evidence that supports your claim. The footage may capture:
- Speed and Position of Vehicles: Proving whether vehicles were speeding, tailgating, or making improper lane changes.
- Traffic Light Compliance: Showing if the other driver ran a red light or failed to stop at a stop sign.
- Reckless or Distracted Driving: Evidence of aggressive driving behavior, distracted driving (such as using a phone), or failure to yield.
- Weather and Road Conditions: Dashcams often capture weather conditions like rain or fog, which can play a role in determining fault.
- Unexpected Road Hazards: Footage of potholes, debris, or sudden obstacles that may have contributed to the accident.
By reviewing this footage, your lawyer can identify moments of negligence and use this evidence to support your claim during negotiations with insurance companies or in court.
Is Dashcam Footage Admissible in Court?
In most cases, yes. Dashcam footage is generally admissible in New Jersey courts as long as it is relevant to the case and hasn’t been tampered with. However, it’s important to ensure that the dashcam was installed legally and that its use does not violate any privacy laws.
To avoid any legal pitfalls, it’s wise to consult with a personal injury lawyer in NJ who can guide you on how best to present dashcam evidence. They can help ensure that the footage is properly authenticated and admitted into evidence without complications.
What if You Don’t Have Dashcam Footage?
While dashcam footage is an incredibly valuable form of evidence, it’s not the only way to prove fault in a car accident. If you don’t have dashcam footage, other forms of evidence can be just as effective, such as:
- Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses can provide an account of what they saw and help corroborate your version of events.
- Police Reports: A police officer’s official report can contain important details about the accident and who was likely at fault.
- Traffic Camera Footage: In some cases, traffic cameras may have captured the accident from nearby intersections or highways.
Even without dashcam footage, an experienced NJ car accident attorney can help gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case.
Benefits of Having a Dashcam
- Unbiased Evidence: Dashcams provide an objective account of what happens during an accident, which can be crucial when fault is disputed.
- Faster Insurance Claims: With clear evidence of fault, you can speed up the claims process and avoid unnecessary disputes with the insurance company.
- Protection Against Fraud: Dashcams can help protect you from staged accidents or false claims, where the other driver might intentionally cause a crash to collect insurance money.
- Accurate Record of Events: Dashcams help clear up any discrepancies in testimony, ensuring that the facts of the case are presented as they happened.
Consult the Best Car Accident Attorney in NJ
Whether you’re looking for a car accident attorney near you or need advice from a personal injury lawyer in New Jersey, we’re here to help. With years of experience in personal injury law, our team at Sekas Law Group knows how to use evidence like dashcam footage to build a compelling case and get you the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait—contact Sekas Law Group today to schedule your consultation and receive the dedicated support of an experienced NJ car accident lawyer. Call us at (201) 816-1333 or (212) 695-7577.