The Role of Dashcams in Providing Evidence for Accident Cases
Accidents are an unfortunate reality for drivers in Arden-Arcade, Sacramento, California. With the region’s growing traffic congestion, the likelihood of car accidents is relatively high. According to recent statistics – Arden-Arcade sees around 1,000 traffic-related accidents annually – making the region among the more accident-prone areas in the county.
Minor fender-benders and more severe collisions are all too common on busy roads like El Camino Avenue and Watt Avenue. These incidents usually leave drivers grappling with disputes over fault and insurance claims.
Despite frequent accidents, less than 30% of Arden-Arcade drivers have dashcams, which is lower than in other regions. After an accident, when you raise claims with the insurer, it might lead to denial in the accident claims – which can be disastrous. An experienced Arden-Arcade car accident lawyer ask for dashcam footage to make the case rock solid.
We’ll go into more detail about these tools as well as offer some legal insights about how the footage is useful in the courtroom or while filing for claims.
How Do Dashcams Operate?
Dashcams are small video recorders that are installed on the windshields or dashboards of cars. It continuously films the road ahead. They use a loop recording technology, which means they keep adding video to a memory card until it is full and then overwrite the oldest clips. Here are some of the features of a dashcam –
1. Video Recording
Dashcams with large-angle lenses offer a wide field of vision, typically ranging from 120 to 170 degrees. This ensures that all crucial details, including multiple lanes and surrounding areas, are captured, enhancing the overall coverage of incidents.
2. Loop Recording
Loop recording automatically overwrites the oldest video once the memory card is full. It ensures continuous recording without interruption, so you never miss capturing important footage during long drives.
3. Impact Sensors
G-sensors, which are included in advanced dashcams, are used to detect impacts or abrupt braking or acceleration. These sensors preserve the video as evidence by locking it when they are triggered, preventing it from being rewritten.
4. Resolution Options
Dashcams offer various resolution options to capture clear, detailed footage. These range from standard definition (SD) to high definition (HD) and ultra HD (4K). Higher resolutions provide sharper images, making it easier to identify crucial details such as license plates.
5. Mounting and Power
Dashcams are typically powered either through the car’s cigarette lighter socket or by being hardwired directly into the vehicle’s electrical system. They are mounted on the dashboard or windshield using suction cups or adhesive attachments, providing a secure placement for continuous, unobstructed recording during trips.
What Are The Types Of Dashcams Used In Cars?
Here are the types of dashcams used in cars –
1.Single Lens Dashcam
Single-lens dashcams focus only on recording the front of the car, providing a clear view of the road ahead. It is often more affordable and easy to install and is best for drivers who primarily need front-facing footage.
It can capture important events, like accidents or traffic violations. These dashcams have fewer technical issues, which makes them a reliable option for basic monitoring.
2. Dashcams with Dual Lenses
Dual-lens dashcams record both the front and rear of the vehicle simultaneously. It offers 360 coverage, which is particularly useful for capturing accidents from both angles – whether you’re hit from the front or rear.
These devices protect drivers from rear-end collisions – which can sometimes be disputed in insurance claims or court cases. They capture footage of both the road ahead and behind. Hence, drivers can present the complete picture of any incident as evidence, which helps increase their chances of fair claim resolution.
3. Infrared Dashcams
Infrared dashcams use advanced infrared technology to capture clear, high-quality footage. It provides reliable video evidence regardless of lighting conditions. Thus, making them the best choices for those who frequently travel at night.
They are particularly helpful for preventing vandalism or theft in poorly lit environments. This is because of the infrared feature that ensures even in the dark, certain critical details remain visible and clear.
4. GPS-Enabled Dashcams
GPS-enabled dashcams capture video footage – for sure. But also, they record real-time speed and location data. This is useful in understanding driving conditions during an accident, such as the speed at which the car was traveling or its exact location.
A GPS-enabled dashcam provides important information in case of a dispute over speed or location. This serves as foolproof evidence in insurance claims or legal proceedings. Additionally, GPS data can help drivers track their routes.
How Dashcam Provides Evidence For Accident Cases?
Although California does not have a specific rule governing the use of dashcam footage in accident claims, the evidence can be extremely useful in establishing responsibility and carelessness.
Dashcam footage can provide important pieces of evidence, like –
1. The Other Driver’s Estimated Speed
Dashcams can determine the estimated speed of the other driver involved in the collision. This is considered important when assessing who is responsible – especially if the other car was speeding or driving erratically.
A West Sacramento car accident attorney uses this evidence to support your case and prove the other driver’s negligence in court. Thus helping you get just the compensation you deserve.
2. The Make, Model, and License Plate Number of the Other Car
Dashcam footage can clearly capture the other vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number. This information is essential for identifying hit-and-run drivers or tracking down drivers who deny involvement.
It also helps in pursuing legal actions or filing insurance claims. Your lawyers ensure that this is presented as solid proof of the other party’s identity, even if they attempt to flee the scene.
3. Weather and State of the Roads
Dashcams also record environmental conditions like rain, fog, or icy roads – that might lead to an accident. This footage helps clarify if adverse weather or road conditions have anything to do with the crash or if the other driver failed to adjust their driving accordingly.
Such evidence is invaluable when negotiating settlements, as it provides context to the incident that might otherwise be missed. A Fair Oaks car accident attorney can use this data to build a strong case supporting your claim.
4. Lane Changes or Traffic Infractions
Dashcams can record illegal lane changes, abrupt turns, or traffic violations made by the other driver. This footage can provide vital evidence of reckless driving or traffic law infractions. Your lawyers use this to ensure your claim is getting the weightage.
Also, in case of police misconduct, people are entitled to obtain dashcam footage from law enforcement by following the procedures outlined in the dashcam California law from 2018. It includes requests made to the California Highway Patrol labeled as “Request for AB 748 Information” and under the Public Records Act.
Takeaway
Dashcams are incredibly useful tools for drivers since they can be used to collect evidence, improve safety, and perhaps save money. Getting a dashcam may greatly increase your safety while driving, whether it is for insurance claims, legal protection, or to discourage fraud.
Even your car accident lawyer asks for dashcam footage – as these help build a strong case to prove you are not guilty.
Keep yourself informed, make sensible decisions, and drive with assurance.
Looking For The Best Arden-Arcade Car Accident Lawyer? Contact Doyle O’Donnell Now!
At Doyle O’Donnell, we help you pursue claims for auto accidents to secure their futures. Our legal team doesn’t take any upfront fees – we only charge when we win a settlement on your behalf.
Car accidents can be really taxing – mentally, physically, and financially. Hence, our lawyers will help you have peace of mind. They work on your case, gathering evidence and negotiating with your insurer and the court – to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Get in touch with an experienced West Sacramento car accident attorney to find out how we can help you get your compensation.