After an accident — especially an accident that someone else caused — it can be exceptionally frustrating to realize that the at-fault driver, their insurer, and in some cases, their attorney are all working towards paying you as little as possible regardless of what you are rightfully owed.
The insurance company may send out an adjuster who will try to place as much of the blame on you as possible, or they may even deny your claim outright. If the other driver was clearly at fault, their insurance company should be taking responsibility and working to make sure that you are fairly compensated for any damages. But this does not always happen.
One way to help ensure that you are fairly compensated is by having dashcam footage of the accident. This can be critically important in proving what happened and who was at fault without leaving any room for interpretation or disagreement.
Why Are Dashcams Important?
Dashcams can be important for a number of reasons, but the most common reason to use one is to provide video evidence in the event of an accident. You can use this footage to prove who was at fault and help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Dashcam footage can also be used to document other incidents while driving, such as reckless driving or road rage. In some cases, dashcam footage has even been used to exonerate drivers who were falsely accused of causing an accident.
This technology is becoming increasingly popular and is likely to become even more widespread in the coming years. As dashcams become more common, it is important to know how to use them and what to do with the footage if you are involved in an accident.
What Is a Dashcam?
A dashcam is a small, discreet camera that can be mounted to the dashboard or windshield of your car. The camera records video and audio of everything that happens while you are driving, providing a record of events in the event of an accident or other incident. Many dashcams also have GPS capabilities, which can be used to document the location of the incident.
If you are involved in an accident, the footage from your dashcam can be used to help prove what happened and who was at fault. If the other driver was clearly at fault, their insurance company should take responsibility and work to make sure that you are fairly compensated for any damages.
Using Your Dashcam
If you have a dashcam, make sure that it is turned on and recording whenever you are driving. If you do not have a dashcam, now might be a good time to invest in one and learn to use it before you need it.
Most dashcams are relatively easy to use, and many come with suction mounts or adhesive pads that make it simple to attach the camera to your dashboard or windshield. Once the camera is mounted, you will need to connect it to your car’s power supply — usually through the cigarette lighter port or USB port — and turn it on. Some dashcams will start recording automatically as soon as they are powered on, while others may require you to press a button or switch to start recording.
Of course, your dashcam will come with specific instructions that will include directions on both installation and use, so be sure to read the manual before you get started.
It is important to keep your dashcam in good working order by regularly checking that it is properly mounted and has enough power. Many dashcams will have a built-in battery, but this is typically only used for short-term storage of footage in the event of a power loss; for continuous recording, the dashcam must be connected to your car’s power supply.
What To Do After an Accident
The following steps are just meant to provide basic guidelines on how to stay safe after a car accident while taking all of the necessary steps to ensure that you will be compensated fairly for any damages.
Prioritize Your Safety
If you are involved in an accident, the first thing you should do is check to make sure that everyone is okay and that there is no immediate danger. If it is safe to do so, move your car to the side of the road. Once you have ensured that everyone is safe and that the scene of the accident is secure, you can begin gathering information.
Call 911
Even if it seems like it might be unnecessary, calling 911 is a guaranteed way to have experienced professionals on the scene who can guide you through the process and check your condition. The police will also create an official report of the accident, which can be used as evidence later on.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Exchange your insurance information with the other driver. It is important to get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance company. If they are uncooperative or refuse to give you any information, wait until the police arrive to avoid further escalating a tense situation.
Document the Scene
You should also take pictures of the damage to both vehicles, as well as any visible injuries. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.
File a Police Report
Once you have collected all of this information, you can file a police report and begin the process of filing an insurance claim. Your insurance company will likely require you to provide a copy of the police report, as well as any other documentation or evidence that you have collected. This is where dashcam footage can come in handy.
Download Your Dashcam Footage As Soon As Possible
Download the footage from your dashcam as soon as possible after the accident so that it cannot be tampered with or erased. It is also a good idea to make copies of the footage and store them in a safe place. Many dashcams are programmed to “dump” footage after a certain length of time to keep space on the hard drive for new HD footage. Before an accident happens, it’s important to know how long your camera will hold footage and be 100% certain to recover any important footage before it is wiped from the drive forever.
Contact 1-800-Injured To Connect With a Personal Injury Attorney For Free
1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service. We can connect you with an experienced car accident attorney for your case, free of charge. The attorneys that you can connect with all work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they do not get paid unless they win your case.
Give us a call today at 1-800-Injured to get started. We are here to help!