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Is It Important to Have a Dash Cam in My Vehicle?
The impact of a car crash can have devastating consequences. While you can pursue compensation to ease the pain, it can be hard to prove what happened if you don’t have evidence to show you were not at fault. Evidence often includes police accident reports, eyewitness testimony, and skid marks on the road.
However, lawyers from a law firm in Oklahoma say these types of evidence may not be as reliable as clear video footage. That’s why many people install dash cams in their vehicles, and many manufacturers incorporate them into standard safety features in some models. If you’re thinking of installing one, here are some crucial considerations:
- Having a dash cam can give you peace of mind: If you get into an accident and your dash cam captures the event, you can significantly avoid the blame game that often follows, where both parties blame the other for the crash.
- Consider a dash cam with night vision: Driving at night can be more dangerous than during the day, and it is more likely to cause severe injuries and fatalities. A dash cam with night vision makes it easier to see what’s happening in the dark. It can also give you a clearer picture of other vehicles’ locations and movements.
- Don’t mount it on the windshield: While dash cams are legal in Oklahoma, it’s against the law to mount them directly on the car’s windshield. That’s because they can distract the driver’s view of the road and nearby vehicles. Instead, have it installed where it will record what’s happening in front of your car without obstructing your view.
Can Dash Cams Help My Car Accident Claim?
Personal injury lawyers in Tulsa say that a dash cam could be your witness if it captures events leading to and during an accident. In Oklahoma, the admissibility of dashcam footage depends on how well it meets specific standards, primarily relevance.
Section 2401 of the Oklahoma Evidence Code defines relevant evidence as information that is highly likely to make an existing fact that is of consequence to the determination of action more or less probable than it would be without the evidence. If you prevent clear dash cam footage during court, you can prove that an accident happened and who is to blame.
Objective Account of Accident Circumstances
Tulsa personal injury lawyers add that dashcams can be a reliable source of impartial and unaltered records of events before and during the accident. An objective account can be crucial in establishing the sequence of events, the parties’ actions, and the prevailing road conditions. With concrete evidence, there is less room for misinterpretation or unreliable testimony.
Critical Visual and Audio Evidence
Many dash cams record audio in addition to visual footage. That means anyone can see what happened and hear statements, conversations, or sounds crucial to the accident claim. Audio evidence can be vital in determining whether there was a violation of any laws or regulations.
Establishing Fault and Liability
Dash cams are not passive observers and can actively protect your rights and interests. Solid evidence from dash cam footage can provide a significant advantage in helping your Tulsa personal injury lawyers establish fault and determine liability.
The recording shows whether you obeyed traffic laws and whether the other party acted negligently or recklessly. This information can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies or legal proceedings to pursue compensation.
Dissuading Fraudulent Claims
Unfortunately, insurance fraud is a common occurrence. Some people may try to make false claims against you, blaming you for an accident that wasn’t your fault. You can powerfully deter others from making fraudulent claims to protect your finances and reputation with clear dashcam footage.
Faster Claim Resolution
Compensation claims can sometimes drag on for months or years as adjusters sift through conflicting accounts and evidence. Their objective is often to shortchange claimants or pay as little as possible to protect the company’s profits.
Providing clear and concise dashcam evidence can enhance the chances of resolving the claims process sooner. The evidence can also reduce the likelihood of disputes. Besides, skilled Tulsa personal injury lawyers can fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve and protect you from the back and forth with insurance companies.
What Should I Not Do After a Car Accident?
Installing a dash cam on your car is not everything you need to do to protect your rights after an accident. Knowing what not to do after an accident is equally vital to avoid complicating the situation. Legal experts recommend that you remember the following:
- Don’t ignore the importance of reporting the accident to the police
- Avoid saying anything that could incriminate you, such as apologizing or admitting fault for the accident
- Don’t flee the accident scene
- Don’t discuss the accident with the other involved parties
- Don’t agree to give a recorded statement to insurance adjusters
- Don’t forget to seek legal counsel and support from experienced personal injury attorneys in Oklahoma to protect your rights
A Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer Helping You Utilize Dash Cam Footage in a Personal Injury Claim
A car accident can cause devastating injuries for which you may need to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. For your claim to be successful, you must have sufficient evidence. Evidence in the form of dashcam footage can be vital in proving your case.
It’s also essential to have the representation of skilled personal injury attorneys to help you argue your case.
Parsons, Graham, & Day, LLC, is a reputable law firm in Oklahoma with knowledgeable personal injury lawyers. Let us help you collect the evidence you need to strengthen your claim. Call our office at 918-553-5771 to schedule a FREE consultation.
