Importance of Dash Cam Footage in an Auto Accident in Nashville
A dashboard camera, also known as a dash cam, is a camera mounted on either a vehicle’s dashboard, windshield, or behind the rear-view mirror that records traffic as you drive. A dash cam does not have to stop recording when your car turns off; instead, it acts as a surveillance camera. This can provide answers behind who dinged your car when opening their door or who bumped your vehicle while backing up in the parking lot.
Whether your accident is considered minor or has resulted in significant injuries and vehicle damage, the Tennessee car accident attorneys at Bednarz & Bednarz will fight for the compensation you deserve. In this article, we provide insight into how dash cam footage can be invaluable in an auto accident case.
Dashcams: Everything You Need to Know
A dash cam mounts to a car’s dashboard or windshield, allowing you to record the road and, in some models, the interior of your vehicle. Typically, the camera turns on when you start the engine and off when you shut it off. However, there are dash cams that continue rolling long after your ignition is shut off.
Not all dash cams are the same; higher-end models include GPS tracking. This feature can track your location, speed, and even your acceleration rate. Additionally, some dash cams contain G-force sensors that automatically save footage when they detect a strong impact to your vehicle. However, most dash cams record on “loop,” meaning that older footage will be recorded over with newer footage after a certain amount of time has passed. It is important to obtain footage immediately following a crash before it is gone.
Proving Negligence in an Auto Accident
Dash cam footage can provide missing details on how the accident occurred. Footage may show how fast the other motorist was driving or if they broke any traffic laws. Dash cam footage can provide an unbiased perspective on what happened, helping to support your claim. A dash cam will also include timestamps, clarifying when certain events occurred. While most accidents do not involve a single driver being 100% liable, the footage may discredit the other driver if they attempt to avoid liability.
Tennessee Law on Using Dash Cams
Tennessee allows the use of dash cams. Under T.C.A. §55-8-199 (b)(2), any device on the windshield cannot block the driver’s view. Since the law prohibits windshield mounting, it is best to mount your dash cam on the dashboard or behind the rear-view mirror. If your dash cam blocks your view and police pull you over, you could face legal penalties.
Tennessee does generally permit dash cam footage to be admitted at trial. To use dash cam footage in court, you must verify that it is relevant to your case, authentic, and that you can trace how it was exchanged (known as a chain of custody). A chain of custody is the documentation of who handled the evidence and the dates during which the evidence was in their possession. A chain of custody ensures that evidence is untampered and usable in court.
A car accident attorney will assist with requesting dash cam footage and evaluating the video or images stored on the device.
Injured? Speak with Our Tennessee Car Accident Attorneys Today
A crash can have a strong impact on you and your family. These injuries can force you to put your life on hold. Your schedule may be filled with doctor’s visits, treatments, and physical therapy. You will likely have to reduce your work hours as you recover.
If you have recently been injured in a motor vehicle crash, you deserve experienced advocates on your side. The Tennessee car accident lawyers at Bednarz & Bednarz are ready to support you every step of the way, helping you file your claim so you can prioritize your recovery. Take the first step toward justice, schedule your free consultation by contacting us online or calling (615) 623-8789 today.
