Beyond capturing scenic drives, car dash cams have proven to be invaluable witnesses in the event of a car crash. These cameras are more than just gadgets. They work as a silent guardian who can come to your aid in numerous ways.
One such way a car dash cam can help you out is by providing tangible evidence and essential information during a critical situation.
Global News recently reported that Edmonton police are seeking witnesses following a fatal accident in the area. They are also looking for dash cam footage from any vehicle that might have witnessed the accident taking place. This footage can help the Edmonton police understand what exactly happened and who is to blame for the accident.
Dash cam recordings can be very useful in aiding the legal process that follows a car crash. They can also come to your aid in many other ways. Here’s how.
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Documenting Accurate Details
Car accidents can be chaotic, with emotions running high and memories becoming hazy due to the stress of the situation. In such instances, a car dash cam serves as an unbiased eyewitness, faithfully recording the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
The footage can capture the actions of all parties involved, providing an accurate and objective account of the incident. This documentation can prove crucial when dealing with insurance claims, police reports, or legal proceedings. That’s because it eliminates the uncertainty and helps establish a clear understanding of the events that transpired.
Take the Edmonton case mentioned at the start as an example. It was only the police looking for the Car dash cam footage to understand the cause of the accident. However, if the accident victim were alive, which, unfortunately, wasn’t the case here, they, too, would’ve needed this footage. They could present the camera recording to a personal injury lawyer in Edmonton and build a strong legal case in their favor.
You shouldn’t have to bear your own medical expenses if you end up in a car crash for someone else’s negligence. According to Moustarah & Company, personal injury lawyers can guide you through the entire legal process of your case. They can also get in touch with your insurance company if needed. For that, however, the lawyers need accurate details of the incident, which they can get from the car dash cam recordings.
Determining Fault and Liability
Conflicting statements and differing perspectives can complicate matters. This, in turn, leaves insurance companies and law enforcement to sift through the details.
A car dash cam, however, can simplify this process by offering an unbiased record of the events. Analyzing the footage can help establish which party was responsible for the collision, aiding insurance companies in assigning liability accurately.
According to Forbes, auto accident settlements can take place within 9 to 18 months. However, the claims process can be expedited if proper evidence, like dash cam footage, is there to back the case up.
Preventing Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud is an unfortunate reality, with some individuals exploiting the aftermath of a car crash for financial gain. According to Insurance Business America, such insurance fraud costs the US $308 billion annually. Fraudulent claims, staged accidents, and intentional collisions are tactics employed by unscrupulous individuals seeking to capitalize on insurance payouts.
A car dash cam acts as a powerful deterrent against such fraudulent activities. The footage it captures can expose orchestrated schemes, preventing innocent motorists from falling victim to false accusations.
Capturing Hit-and-Run Offenders
Hit-and-run incidents pose a unique challenge, often leaving victims with little to no information about the responsible party. In such cases, a car dash cam can be a crucial ally.
If your vehicle is struck while parked or on the road, the dash cam can provide critical details about the offending vehicle. These include the car’s make, model, color, and license plate number. This information becomes instrumental in tracking down the hit-and-run driver, aiding law enforcement in their efforts to bring the responsible party to justice.
Without a dash cam, solving hit-and-run cases can be an uphill battle, with victims left to deal with the aftermath without any leads.
Promoting Safer Driving Habits
Beyond its role as a witness and evidence provider, a car dash cam can contribute to overall road safety by promoting responsible driving behavior. Knowing that their actions are being recorded, motorists will likely adhere to traffic rules and exercise caution when driving on the road.
This added layer of accountability can lead to a reduction in reckless driving, aggressive behavior, and other hazardous activities that contribute to accidents.
In conclusion, having a car dash cam can be very helpful, especially if you end up in a car accident yourself. Hence, give the above-discussed points some thought and install a dash cam in your car if you haven’t already.
