When someone is involved in a car accident, there is always the issue of determining fault to the responsible party. In many cases, this determination is made by insurance companies based on police reports and other evidence.
However, there are steps that you can take to help protect yourself from being unfairly blamed for an accident. One increasingly popular tool that drivers have been using to defend themselves is a dash cam.
What is a Dash Cam?
A dash cam is a small, portable camera that is mounted on the dashboard of a car. The camera records video and audio of everything that happens while the vehicle is being driven.
Benefits of Dash Cams
If you have ever been in a car accident, you know how important it is to have evidence to back up your story. Eyewitnesses can be unreliable, and the police report may not always paint an accurate picture of what happened. This is where a dash cam can be helpful. Dash cams can be beneficial for any accident; however, there are two critical scenarios where dash cams can make a world of difference.
Hit-and-Run Accident
Dash cams can be beneficial in hit-and-run accidents in several ways. Dash cams can often capture the license plate of the other vehicle, which can be critical in tracking down the driver. Conversely, dash cams can help to protect against fraudulent hit-and-run claims or drivers claiming you were the one that hit and ran, as they can provide clear evidence of what actually occurred.
Insurance Fraud
Dash cams can provide video evidence that can be used to investigate potential cases of fraud. For example, if an insured person claims their car was damaged in an accident, but there is no video evidence to support this claim, the insurance company may refuse to pay out on the claim. It can also protect drivers from other drivers who fraudulently claim that you hit them.
Who is Using Dash Cams?
Anyone who feels like they can benefit from having a dash cam should install one. There are only benefits. Common individuals and industries that have been using dash cams include:
- Law Enforcement - Law enforcement officers across the country increasingly rely on dash cams to record their interactions with the public. These cameras provide an objective view of traffic stops, arrests, and other encounters, which can help to improve officer safety and accountability.
- Truckers - Dash cams can help to protect truckers from false accusations. For example, if a car cuts off a truck and the truck driver is forced to brake suddenly, the dash cam will record the event and could be used as evidence in court.
- Rideshare Drivers - In addition to the benefits already stated, for rideshare drivers, dash cams can help to deter crime, as potential assailants will know that their actions are being recorded. For passengers, knowing that there is a dash cam in the car can also provide an extra sense of security.
Are Dash Cams Legal in Florida?
In Florida, dash cams are legal as long as they do not obstruct the driver's view. This means that they can be mounted on the dashboard or windshield, as long as they are not in the way of the driver's line of sight.
Florida is a Two-Party Consent State
Florida is a two-party consent state when it comes to recording conversations. This means that if you want to record a conversation, you must have the consent of all parties involved. There are exceptions to this rule, however, such as if you are recording a conversation in a public place where people would not reasonably expect privacy.
Tallahassee, Florida Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
If you have been in a car accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. The experienced car accident attorneys at Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. can help. We will review the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action. If we believe you have a strong claim, we will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.
If you were involved in a car accident that was not your fault, call us today at (850) 629-7226 or visit us online!