Dashcams are becoming more and more common, and they can provide much clearer and more reliable views of traffic accidents. While dashcam footage can provide you with a better understanding of an accident, you may be wondering how useful it is when it comes to your car accident claims. The truth is that it depends.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, working closely with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney is always in your best interest.
Missouri Dashcam Law
According to Missouri vehicle regulations, the state is one of few that doesn’t have any laws on the books in relation to dashcams, including laws regarding their placement.
Further, your car accident claim will very likely be settled with the insurance company of the at-fault driver, and some insurance companies have policies in place regarding the role dashcam footage will play in car accident claims.
For example, some insurance companies accept dashcam footage but don’t assign it any more significance than more traditional forms of evidence.
Regardless of the insurance company’s policy, however, your footage may prove useful in the successful resolution of your claim. If, for instance, your case needs to be resolved in court, your footage can prove instrumental in proving the other driver’s fault.
How a Dashcam Can Help in an Accident
Dashcams capture whatever’s happening on the road ahead in video form, which leaves little room for the kind of error that is associated with the following:
- The drivers’ memories from the heat of the moment
- The fuzzy memory of eyewitnesses at the scene
Because the footage from a dashcam is neutral in terms of bias and emotion, it is generally considered a very reliable witness.
Dashcam Footage Quality
Your dashcam footage will only be as useful as its quality allows. For example, factors like the following can render a recording unhelpful:
- Grainy footage
- Blurry footage
- Dark footage
For example, if the dashcam isn’t up to the task of recording in low light, it’s unlikely to provide you with any useful footage that’s taken at night.
Contact an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Attorney Today
The St. Louis car accident lawyers at Walton Telken Injury Attorneys have an impressive range of experience helping clients like you resolve their car accident claims favorably. Learn more by contacting or calling us at 844-836-3535 today.
Car Accident Case FAQs
Can dashcam footage be used against you?
Dashcam footage can potentially be used against you, such as if it captures negligence on your part.
Can I afford an attorney?
Reputable car accident attorneys in the St. Louis region generally work on contingency fees, which means your attorney won’t get paid unless you receive a settlement or court award.
Will my claim go to court?
It’s unlikely that your claim will go to court. The majority of car accident claims settle.