How Dash Cam Evidence Can Strengthen Your North Carolina Car Accident Case

Car accidents can happen in a split second, and in the moments that follow, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what happened. This is especially true when drivers and witnesses have conflicting accounts. Today’s advancements in technology have made it easier to capture evidence that can help establish what really happened. If you’ve been involved in a car crash in North Carolina, having a dash cam can make the difference between a smooth claims process and a drawn-out legal battle.

What are dash cams, and how do they work?

A dash camera (or dash cam) is a small mounted device that records video footage. The video may show the road ahead, behind, or even inside the vehicle. These cameras continuously record while your vehicle is in motion and sometimes even when it’s parked. This footage can provide a clear picture of any road incidents, including car accidents, reckless driving, and hit-and-run collisions.

Dash cams usually store their footage on a memory card. The majority of models feature loop recording, which means that when storage is full, the older footage is overwritten to make room (unless you save it). More advanced models offer motion detection, night vision, and cloud storage options. Cloud storage helps make sure you have the footage available when you need it the most.

What are the different types of dash cams?

There are a variety of dash cams available on the market. The one that’s right for you will depend on your driving habits, budget, and the level of coverage you need:

• Front-facing dash cams are the most basic type of cam and record video footage of the road ahead. They’re useful for capturing incidents involving vehicles in front of you, but don’t provide coverage for things like rear-end collisions.
• Rear-facing dash cams are mounted on the rear window and record activity behind your vehicle. They’re particularly useful for capturing footage of rear-end collisions.
• Dual dash cams record both the front and rear of the vehicle, providing a more thorough view of any accidents that might happen.
• Commonly used by rideshare drivers, interior dash cams capture footage inside the vehicle. This is especially useful for providing evidence in cases of disputes between drivers and passengers.
• Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) dash cams come with additional safety features, like lane departure warnings, collision alerts, and speed monitoring.

How can dash cam evidence help my case?

Think of dash cam footage as a digital eyewitness to your case, providing a real-time account of what happened. This evidence can be key in proving fault, disputing false claims, and supporting your case.

Dash cam footage can help prove fault in a car accident. Determining fault in the accident is critical because of our state’s contributory negligence rule. Here in North Carolina, even if you’re found even 1% at fault for an accident, you can be barred from seeking compensation. Having clear and indisputable dash cam evidence can help demonstrate that the other driver was entirely responsible for the collision.

Having a dash cam can also protect you against false claims. Not all drivers are honest when reporting an accident. They might try to shift the blame onto you or even attempt to commit insurance fraud. Your dash cam footage can protect you from these false accusations by providing a true account of the incident.

Finally, if your Charlotte car accident case goes to court, having dash cam footage can be a game-changer. Having video evidence of the accident can support your claims and disprove opposing arguments, making it easier for our attorneys to build a strong case on your behalf.

Is dash cam footage admissible in North Carolina courts?

Generally, dash cam footage is admissible in North Carolina courts, but you should keep the following legal considerations in mind:

• The footage must be relevant and directly related to the accident and not altered in any way. It must be demonstrated that the footage is authentic and hasn’t been tampered with.
• North Carolina is a one-party consent state, which means you can record video in public spaces without permission, but audio recordings may require consent from at least one of the parties.

If you’re not sure about the legal admissibility of your dash cam footage, talk to the Charlotte car accident lawyers at Price, Petho & Associates for further guidance.

How do I ensure my dash cam operates properly?

Your dash cam is of little use if it’s not functioning properly or fails to record evidence. Follow these maintenance tips for the best results:

• Periodically review your dash cam footage to make sure the device is recording properly. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is positioned correctly.
• Use a high-quality memory card. Cheap memory cards can become corrupted, leading to lost footage. Invest in a high-capacity, reliable memory card to make sure your recordings are stored safely.
• Some dash cams offer cloud storage or automatic file backups. Use these features, as they can help make sure your footage isn’t lost in the event of an accident.
• Manufacturers frequently release software updates to improve performance and fix bugs. Regularly update your dash cam’s firmware to make sure it keeps functioning optimally.
• A poorly-mounted dash cam can fall or shift position, resulting in poor footage quality or missing critical moments of an accident. Use a sturdy mount to keep it in place.

At Price, Petho & Associates, we are dedicated to helping accident victims navigate the legal process. If you have been in a car accident and have dash cam footage that may support your claim, contact our Charlotte car accident lawyers today. We will review your case, advise you on your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation at one of our Charlotte, Rutherfordton, or Rockingham offices today.