A dashboard camera, or dashcam, installed in a motor vehicle could capture footage of a car accident – creating strong evidence for a related injury case. If you have been involved in an automobile accident, consult with a Washington personal injury attorney for assistance with the claims process, including how to correctly use dashcam footage.
What Are Washington’s Dashcam Laws?
Dashcams are a legal type of technology to use in automobiles in Washington as long as drivers install them within the parameters of state law. The dashcam must not obstruct the driver’s view through the windshield (Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.410). It must be installed in a location that does not impede vision. In addition, a dashcam cannot record conversations inside the vehicle without the consent of all involved parties (RCW § 9.73.030).
Can I Use Dashcam Footage as Evidence?
Dashcam footage can potentially provide powerful evidence during a car accident case in Washington. Video footage of the car accident and the events leading up to the crash can present strong, unbiased and irrefutable evidence of fault. Dashcam footage can record all of the events that occur during a crash, from the actions of a driver right before impact to what happened after the wreck.
Dashcam footage could prove who is at fault for an automobile accident in Washington. For example, if the camera recorded a driver violating a traffic law, such as running a red light, this can serve as proof against that driver in a car accident insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. You could use this footage as proof of the other driver’s negligence to support your claim. It is rare for courts in Washington to rule dashcam footage inadmissible as evidence.
A recording of the car accident could also establish relevant facts surrounding your case besides driver behavior, such as dangerous road or weather conditions at the time of the wreck. You may be able to use the footage to prove that you had limited visibility due to heavy rain, for example, or to demonstrate that a pothole in the road contributed to your crash.
How Does Dashcam Footage Affect a Car Insurance Claim?
You or your car accident attorney must prove that another driver or party is at fault for your crash to recover financial compensation from that person. Dashcam footage could provide important evidence that prevents a legal dispute and a lengthy insurance investigation. It can strengthen your car insurance claim and aid in settlement negotiations.
When an automobile insurance company receives your claim, it will ask for evidence to determine fault. As the driver who filed the claim, you can benefit from providing evidence gathered at the scene, including photographs and video footage. If you or any other involved party had dashcam footage of the crash, this can serve as key evidence during the insurance claims adjuster’s investigation.
Get Help With Your Car Accident Case in Washington
Submitting dashcam footage to a car insurance company can support your version of events, establishing you as a reliable witness. If the insurance company challenges your account of the car accident and refutes its policyholder’s liability, high-definition footage from a dashcam could corroborate your testimony and prove that the other driver is at fault.
For personalized legal advice about how to use dashcam footage in your car accident case in Washington, contact NW Injury Law Center for a free consultation.