Dash Cam Footage In Auto Accident Cases

How Dash Cam Footage Can Help Strengthen Your Auto Accident Claim

Dash cam accidents can be somewhat less uncertain than a typical crash without any relevant video footage. That’s because any video of the incident will provide an objective account of what happened before, during, and after it. 

However, time is still of the essence. You need to file a lawsuit within the car accident statute of limitations. In Colorado, you typically have three years from the day of your accident to initiate a lawsuit. If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, don’t wait; we are here to help. 

Why Dash Cam Footage Matters In Auto Accident Cases

Dash cam footage is so important because a car accident attorney from Bachus & Schanker can use it to do the following during your case:

Establish Fault

Proving liability is the first step to pursuing compensation under Colorado car accident laws. Dash cam video footage can demonstrate who violated traffic laws or acted negligently. For example, your camera may show that you had a green light, and that the other party violated your right-of-way by running the opposing red light.

Once your attorney establishes that the other party was at fault, they can focus on calculating potential damages, and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf. 

Corroborate Witness Statements

Gathering evidence, like witness statements, is an important part of building a strong case, no matter the scenario. However, when those statements can be backed up by video, it makes their accounts that much stronger.

Suppose that your dash camera captures the majority of the incident, but an on-scene witness saw the crash from a different angle. If the dash cam footage corroborates parts of the collision that overlap with witness testimony, jurors may view the other aspects of the person’s statements as more credible in turn. 

Document Road And Weather Conditions

Road and weather conditions provide context about external factors that may have contributed to the accident. For example, if the dash cam video shows that it was raining during your crash, it may help prove that the at-fault party was driving too fast for such inclement conditions. 

How Dash Cam Footage Can Clear Up The Facts Of Your Case

According to Colorado Revised Statutes 13-80-102, you are still eligible to recover compensation in an accident you contributed to, so long as your degree of fault is less than that of the other party.

Accidents caught on dash cam provide a clear view of what happened. An experienced car accident lawyer from Bachus & Schanker can use that footage to contest counter-allegations from the other party, and ensure you remain at less fault than the opposing party.

Our legal team can also use dash cam footage to accomplish the following:

• Identify violations committed by the other party
• Look for signs of distracted or aggressive driving
• Detail the point of impact and other important facts

Furthermore, your attorney can use dash cam videos to help jurors better understand what happened, and what you endured. If your case goes to trial, playing the video evidence for the jury can support your claim for damages related to pain, suffering, and emotional hardship. 

How Bachus & Schanker Can Help You Use Dash Cam Footage 

At Bachus & Schanker, we understand the profound impact an auto accident can have on your life. In fact, our attorneys understand the car accident lawsuit process better than most. Kyle Bachus, co-owner of Bachus & Schanker, lost his mother to a negligent driver who was operating a cement truck. It’s a tragedy that, in turn, allows Mr. Bachus to truly understand what you are going through in the aftermath of your accident. 

In addition to approaching your case with the compassion and sense of urgency it deserves, Bachus & Schanker also offers the following:

• Skilled analysis
• Evidence preservation
• Strategic representation

Our attorneys know what it takes to go toe-to-toe with insurance companies and come out victorious. While we strive to resolve clients’ cases as quickly as possible, we will never settle for lowball offers. Our team is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. The goal is always justice on your behalf. 

Steps To Take To Preserve Dash Cam Footage For Your Claim

If your crash was captured on a dash cam, you need to make an effort to preserve that footage. Your first step should involve identifying how your dash cam stores their content. If it uploads video to the cloud, tag the clip so that it is retained permanently. You should also download it to multiple secure locations, such as your phone or laptop.

If your video is stored on an SD card, download the footage to several different locations as well. You should also provide a copy to your attorney. That will ensure you have several backup copies in case one ends up damaged or deleted. 

Keep it in the original form; do not edit it. Make sure that you don’t post anything about the accident on social media, or share the video with friends and family, either. Properly handling the dash cam video maintains the integrity and admissibility as evidence. 

Contact Bachus & Schanker Today For Help With Your Auto Accident Claim 

Don’t assume that insurance companies will do the right thing just because you have the crash on video; they may still try to talk you into accepting a low settlement, and they are not on your side.

The bottom line is that dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Bachus & Schanker, we prioritize your well-being and are dedicated to advocating for your rights. If you were involved in a crash, contact us for a free case evaluation.