Do Dash Cams Offer Legal Protection in Texas?
Law enforcement use dash cams all of the time and find them very useful. This may have you wonder: Do dash cams offer any kind of legal protection in Texas? The answer can be complicated, but the answer is often yes. In fact, a dash cam may help prove you were not at fault in an accident. It can also provide critical evidence to prove who was at fault and win compensation from that negligent party.
At the Law Office of Sandy McCorquodale P.C., our Texas car accident attorneys explore the benefits and potential legal protections offered by dash cams. We help you understand how this evidence may be useful in court.
Are There Dash Cam Laws in Texas?
There are no particular dash cam laws in Texas that make them illegal or required. This means that you are permitted to use a dash cam in most circumstances, especially for ordinary driving. However, there are specific limitations that could impact your right to use a dash cam.
Drivers are not allowed to attach anything to their windshield, side mirror, or rear window which could obstruct their view. Make sure the dash cam you use does not limit your ability to see out of your windows, as this could be problematic for your case rather than helpful.
Legal Protections Offered by Dash Cams
There are several reasons that using a dash cam can be beneficial in Texas. Benefits and potential legal protections may include, but are not limited to:
Evidence in a Car Accident
Dash cams are increasingly popular as evidence in car accident lawsuits. These cameras offer visual evidence of what happened and who is to blame. They are an unbiased and objective view of the accident at a specific time. They can assist you in proving a personal injury case after a car accident.
A dash cam can be very helpful to your car accident attorney. They will review the footage and analyze it to help determine who caused the accident. The attorney can then use that evidence in court.
Help With Insurance Claims
The dash cam footage can also help you with making insurance claims. Insurance claims often stem from car accidents caught on camera. The video footage can help prove what happened and prove to your insurance company that coverage is appropriate. It may even be used against the other driver’s insurance company to prove liability.
It also prevents your insurance company from accusing you of lying or exaggerating about what happened. Many insurers try to get out of coverage any way they can, but dash cam footage may help prevent this.
Help With Hit and Run Accidents
The unfortunate truth is that many drivers will flee the scene of an accident—especially a serious one. For example, many drunk drivers flee after hitting your car or causing serious injuries to avoid an arrest and civil liability.
A dash cam will capture footage of the accident, but it may also clearly identify the other car. Many dash cams capture the make and model of the car. It may even capture the other driver’s license plate, making them easy to find and hold responsible for the accident.
Dash Cams Can Help Your Personal Injury Case
Dash cams are increasingly popular for a reason. They can be incredibly helpful in your car accident case. Let an experienced Texas car accident attorney review your footage to determine how it can offer you legal protections.
The Law Office of Sandy McCorquodale P.C. stands ready to fight with you. We provide personalized advice on how to best utilize your dash cam footage. Contact us today for a consultation of your case.