Florida allows drivers to put dashcams on their vehicles if they choose to do so.
A growing number of drivers are making this decision to protect their legal interests, especially in light of significant insurance fraud in Florida.
If you or any other drivers involved in an accident have a dashcam, the footage from the camera can be invaluable in proving who was to blame and in helping you get full and fair compensation. A car accident lawyer in Tampa can review dashcam footage and explain how it may strengthen your claim.
Here’s how dashcam footage can impact your claim.
What are Dashcams?
Dashcams are small video cameras that you mount to the dashboard or windshield of your vehicle and that record what is in front of you while your vehicle is in motion. Some dashcams also have rear-facing cameras, or record interior audio and video as well as exterior video.
Dashcams are legal in Florida, with certain rules and restrictions. For example, dashcams can’t be installed in a way that blocks your view, and if your dashcam records audio, you should notify anyone who is riding in your car that they are being recorded.
How can Dashcam Footage Impact Your Car Accident Claim in Florida?
Dashcams provide a clear, objective record of what happened in a motor vehicle accident. You can watch a dashcam video to see what happened in front of you, and sometimes behind you.
In some cases, this can be a good thing. Your dashcam may reveal that another driver engaged in careless or unsafe behavior that caused or contributed to your crash. The camera might, for example, reveal someone who cuts you off or who weaves in and out of traffic or who swipes your car after running a red light.
On the flip side, though, a dashcam can also record if you do something wrong. This could provide the other opposing parties with evidence of your wrongdoing. While you don’t necessarily have to voluntarily turn this over on your own, it is likely the footage will be requested during the discovery phase of a lawsuit.
You should work with your attorney to determine if the dashcam evidence will strengthen your claim for compensation or make it harder to make a successful claim. Your lawyer can also help you to understand your rights and obligations with regard to dashcam footage.
The good news is, even if you share some blame, you may still be able to recover partial compensation as Florida’s comparative negligence laws allow victims to make a claim as long as they were 50% or less at fault for the crash.
Getting help from a Florida car accident lawyer
Diaco Law can review dashcam footage that you took and can help you determine if it strengthens or weakens your case.
Our experienced attorneys can also review your obligations as a dashcam owner to ensure you follow your responsibilities without adversely impacting your case when possible. And, we can help you get dashcam footage from others if you don’t have a camera of your own.
The reality is that dashcam data can be a blessing or a curse for your claim, depending on what the data on the video shows. Diaco Law will help you to understand the specific impact of video footage on your claim and will work with you to create a legal strategy appropriate for your situation, regardless of what the video reveals.
To find out more about how our Tampa car accident lawyers can help, contact us today.