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In today’s world, cameras are everywhere. Camera footage from doorbell cameras and dashboard cameras is often used in court cases. If you’ve invested in a dashboard camera (popularly known as a dash cam) and are in an accident in New Jersey, you will want to look at it ASAP. That footage may be really helpful in settling your case, perhaps without having to file suit. A New Jersey car accident injury attorney can help you determine whether or not your footage will be helpful after you’ve been in an accident.
Understanding the Use of Dash Cam Footage in Legal Cases
Understanding the proper use of dash cam footage in legal cases is crucial, especially in jurisdictions like New Jersey, where dash cams are legal. Here are some important considerations for using dashcams and presenting the footage in court:
- Ensure Proper Placement: Mount your dash cam in a location that does not obstruct your view. It should not be attached directly to the windshield. The ideal place is on the passenger’s side, securely affixed to the dashboard.
- Do Not Edit Footage: If you intend to use dash cam footage as evidence in court, do not edit it in any way. Any alteration, including cropping, blurring, or changing the sequence, could be considered evidence tampering, which can lead to legal consequences.
- Privacy Considerations: Dash cam footage might capture sensitive information like license plates or individuals not involved in the incident. It’s important to address privacy concerns, but consult with an attorney before making any edits to avoid altering evidence.
By following these guidelines, you can avoid legal issues and ensure that dashcam footage is used appropriately in court. If you’re unsure about the legal implications of using dashcam footage, it’s best to seek professional legal advice.
Examples of How Dash Cam Footage Can Help Your Case
There are many ways that using dashcam footage can help you to win a court case. Here are a few examples:
- You are involved in an automobile accident at a busy intersection and the other driver claims he had the green light and you had the red light; your dashcam footage shows that the opposite was true.
- Your dash cam footage includes the speed you were going at the time of the accident and verifies you were traveling below the speed limit.
- You are in an accident and the other driver slows down but then speeds away; you have a clear photo of his license plate on your dash cam and you are able to show the police and they apprehend him.
Here again, it’s important not to edit the footage in any way because that will always cast doubt on the truthfulness of your version of what happened.
Need Assistance With Your Personal Injury Case? Seek Professional Help From a NJ Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident and the other driver was at fault, we want to see the dash cam footage you have. We know what the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety looks for when evaluating a crash site. If we think the footage proves your case, we will tell you. Sometimes just copying and sending the footage to the insurance company results in an excellent and speedy settlement. Contact us today for an honest evaluation of your case.