A car crash can occur in seconds. Afterward, you and the other driver involved may remember the incident differently. You may believe you had the right of way, while the other recalls the sequence of events from a different perspective. Witnesses may also provide conflicting accounts.
This is where dashboard cameras, often called dash cams, can make a difference. As a Delaware driver, you might use one to record your trips. Although a dash cam cannot prevent a collision, it can create an objective record of the moments leading up to the crash. Understanding the value of this evidence before an accident occurs can help you make informed decisions if questions arise later. Knowing what dash cam footage can document is the next step.
Dash cams can document key evidence
A dash cam records the road as you drive. Depending on the model, it may also record your vehicle’s speed, the date and time.
Footage may capture details such as:
- Traffic signals or stop signs
- Lane changes and vehicle positions
- Weather and road conditions
- The actions of nearby drivers
- The moments leading up to a collision
Even if the recording does not capture the entire crash, it can still provide valuable context before or after the impact. Even with video evidence, investigators and insurance companies also consider other forms of documentation.
Dash cam footage as supplemental evidence
Insurance companies and courts review many forms of evidence after a vehicular collision. They may compare your dash cam recording with photographs, witness statements, police reports and vehicle damage.
In Delaware, fault can affect whether you recover damages. Under state law, if you are found to be at 50% or less at fault for the collision, you may be able to cover damages. Any more than 50% fault, however, and you may be barred from recovery. Reliable evidence can help establish how the collision occurred and clarify each driver’s actions. Preserving the footage remains just as important as recording it.
Preserve the recording promptly
Many dash cams automatically overwrite older recordings once the storage card is full. From a legal standpoint, preserving the original metadata and avoiding any form of alteration is crucial for the footage to be considered reliable evidence. If you are involved in an accident, you must back up the footage immediately and, if possible, preserve the physical memory card itself.
It is vital that you do not trim, filter, or re-save the file, as these actions can compromise its integrity. Keep the original file instead of editing it to help maintain its reliability and authenticity in a legal setting. Additionally, be sure to record the exact date, time and location of the collision to provide a complete record.
Reviewing Delaware comparative negligence laws and learning more about car accident claims can help you better understand the claims process after a crash.