Dashboard cameras, which are often referred to as dash cams, are becoming more common in personal vehicles all across this country. These devices record video from either inside or outside of a vehicle, which means that they can record events that occur before, during, and after a crash. In New York, dash cams are legal and can be used to show what happened during a traffic incident.
These cameras aren’t required equipment, but they can be very useful if there is a motor vehicle crash. In many of these cases, factual accuracy is one of the most important facets of the case. Disagreements in these cases may be centered on things like speed, right of way, sudden braking, lane position, or traffic signal status. The dash cam footage can show what actually happened in these situations.
What can dash cam footage show?
Dash cam recordings are most helpful when they can show the conditions surrounding the crash. This may include traffic flow, lighting, weather, road markings, or the actions of other drivers on the road. These videos can capture the full sequence of events that led to the crash instead of showing only the moment of impact. This is sometimes a significant fact that can sway a case in a certain way.
Courts will typically evaluate dash cam footage in the same manner as other evidence. In order to be used in a legal case, they must be authentic, relevant to the issues in the case, and unaltered. If footage from the dash cam is blurry or incomplete, it may not be as effective in court. In most cases, the footage is most useful when it can clarify disputed issues.
Anyone who plans to use a dash cam in their vehicle should remember to keep it in good condition so the footage will be as clear as possible. Motor vehicle crash cases that include disputed facts can be challenging. Determining if dash cam footage is useful and how to use it might require the assistance of someone familiar with these matters.