How Dashcam Footage Can Impact Your Car Accident Case

Car accidents can happen in an instant, but determining exactly what occurred afterward is not always easy. Witnesses may remember things differently, and insurance companies often try to shift blame. This is where dashcams make a big difference. Dashcam footage provides a clear and unbiased view of what really happened, and it can help protect your rights. More drivers in Missouri are using dashcams, and dashcam footage from car accidents is becoming increasingly common in personal injury cases.

At Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, our attorneys have seen firsthand how helpful dashcams can be for clients seeking fair compensation after a crash. This article explains how dashcam evidence works, whether courts allow it, and how to make the best use of it in your claim.

Key Takeaways

• Dashcams are becoming popular among Missouri drivers because they capture an objective record of accidents.
  
  
• Dashcam car accident evidence can help prove who was at fault, strengthen insurance claims, and support lawsuits.
  
  
• Missouri courts generally allow dashcam videos as long as they are relevant and authentic.
  
  
• Dashcam footage has limits and does not guarantee the outcome of a case.
  
  
• Saving and submitting footage the right way is crucial to ensure it is useful.
  
  

Why Dashcams Are Growing in Popularity

According to AAA, dashcams have become far more common in recent years. They give drivers peace of mind, help protect against fraudulent claims, and provide details that are easy to forget in the aftermath of a crash. For many Missouri drivers, a dashcam is like having a silent witness riding along.

In Mid-Missouri, where traffic accidents occur every day, a dashcam can mean the difference between having your claim denied and receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies are far more likely to take claims seriously when clear video evidence exists.

Legal Admissibility of Dashcam Footage

Many drivers wonder if dashcam video can actually be used in court. In Missouri, the answer is usually yes. Courts accept dashcam footage as long as it is relevant and can be proven to be accurate and reliable. According to the Missouri Rules of Evidence, evidence must be authentic and dependable. If your dashcam video clearly shows the crash, it can often be admitted.

Your attorney may need to show who owns the camera, how it was used, and that the footage has not been changed. A collision lawyer can also respond to arguments from the other side that the video is incomplete or taken out of context.

How It Can Prove or Disprove Fault

One of the main benefits of dashcam car accident evidence is that it helps show who caused the crash. Video can capture important details like:

• A driver running a red light or stop sign
  
  
• Unsafe lane changes or speeding
  
  
• Signs of distraction, such as texting while driving
  
  
• Road and weather conditions when the crash occurred
  
  

For example, if another driver claims you rear-ended them because you were distracted, dashcam footage might prove that they cut in front of you suddenly. If someone ran a stop sign, the video can clearly show it. Having this kind of evidence can protect you from unfair blame and help with insurance disputes.

Limitations and Common Misconceptions

Even though dashcam video is powerful, it does have limits. Some of the most common issues include:

• Camera angle: The dashcam may not capture everything, especially from the sides or the rear of the vehicle.
  
  
• Lighting: At night or in poor weather conditions, the video may appear unclear.
  
  
• Data storage: Many dashcams automatically overwrite old footage unless it is saved quickly.
  
  
• Legal restrictions: Some states have strict laws regarding the recording of conversations. Missouri laws generally focus on video rather than audio.
  
  

A common misconception is that dashcam footage guarantees you will win in court. While it can be helpful, judges and juries still consider other evidence, such as police reports and witness statements.

Best Practices for Using Dashcam Evidence

If you plan to use dashcam car accident evidence, follow these steps to make it stronger:

• Save the footage right away: Remove the memory card or back up the file before it gets erased.
  
  
• Keep the original file: Do not edit the footage, as courts may reject altered video.
  
  
• Document the source: Keep receipts or product information to show the dashcam is yours.
  
  
• Share with your lawyer: Give the footage to your car crash lawyer as soon as possible so they can use it in your case.
  
  
• Submit correctly: Your lawyer will make sure the video is provided properly to insurers or the court.
  
  

These steps reduce disputes about the video’s reliability and make it more useful for your claim.

How to Submit Dashcam Footage to Insurers

When filing an insurance claim, dashcam footage can strengthen your case. Insurance companies may ask for a copy during their investigation. To do this correctly:

• Provide a full and unedited copy of the video
  
  
• Include the date, time, and location details
  
  
• Avoid posting the video on social media, where it could be taken out of context
  
  

If the insurance company still refuses to pay fairly, your attorney can use the footage during negotiations or in court. According to the Insurance Information Institute, clear documentation is crucial for obtaining fair compensation. Dashcams are one of the most effective ways to document what happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dashcam footage always allowed in Missouri courts?
Not always. It must be relevant, reliable, and not misleading. Your lawyer can help ensure it is admitted.

Can dashcam footage lower my insurance premiums?
Some insurance companies may offer discounts, but it depends on the policy. It is best to ask your provider directly.

Do I need both front and rear dashcams?
A front dashcam is helpful, but adding a rear camera can give more complete coverage.

What if the dashcam shows me at fault?
Dashcams record events honestly. If the footage shows fault, it could hurt your claim. Always let your lawyer review the footage before sharing it.

How long do dashcams keep recordings?
Most dashcams record on a loop, overwriting older footage. Save important files right away.



The Bottom Line

Dashcam footage from a car accident can be a valuable tool in a personal injury case. It can help show fault, support your claim, and protect you from false blame. However, it needs to be handled correctly to be useful.

With decades of experience serving Mid-Missouri, Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer know how to use dashcam footage effectively. 

Learn more about us if you have been in a crash, or contact us today to schedule a consultation.

We are here to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.