The Role of Dashcam Footage in Accidental Claims

When hitting the road, the risk of accidents is ever-present. No one knows when they might hit a pothole, encounter a reckless driver, or collide with an obstacle. The aftermath may be injuries, disputes, legal complications, and costs, which insurance may cover (but often after a lengthy and contentious process).

Yes, it’s true that you can’t completely avoid an accident, but the costs incurred in damages could be compensated if you’ve got a device eavesdropping and recording what happened: a dashcam. This tech device, when installed on the dashboard of cars or the handlebars of bikes, keeps an eye on the road ahead, capturing all key details that human memory might miss.

This blog explains how the installation of dashcam footage can be instrumental in your accidental claims, and how it saves the rider from frauds and unnecessary legal disputes. 

Usage in Accidental Claims

It’s standard practice for most vehicles on the road to be insured. But if you’ve been there, you know how hard it is to prove liability to an insurance company. That’s where dashcams help build a strong case for your side.

Determine Fault

The word ‘accident’ implies things were unintentional. But let’s be honest: most drivers don’t admit fault, and at times, events unfold too quickly to pinpoint responsibility. 

A dashcam removes the guesswork. For instance, if another driver swerves into your lane without signaling or violates a signal that results in a hit, the footage provides undeniable proof of their error.

Assess Damage of Claims 

Whether it’s the insurance adjuster or the opposing party, skepticism often arises. Questions like, “Did the collision actually cause this damage, or was it a prior dent?” are common. 

Dashcam footage visually links the impact to the resulting damage, eliminating doubts about pre-existing issues or exaggerated claims.

Verify Your Version of Events

When disputes escalate to court or arbitration, dashcam footage becomes your silent advocate. It replays the real-time sequence of events – a red light run, a sudden brake, or a pedestrian’s abrupt crossing – validating your account of events and reinforcing your case for fair compensation.

Accelerating the Claims

A clear recording cuts through the bureaucracy. Insurers can’t easily dispute timestamped, objective evidence. This speeds up settlements, sparing you weeks of back-and-forth. Instead of “he-said-she-said,” it’s “here’s what happened”.

Other Benefits for the Driver

Besides helping with claims, dashcams offer additional advantages that protect drivers both financially and legally.

Get Insurance Discounts

It’s true: dashcams help drivers, but they’re mutually beneficial for insurers too. By filtering out fraudulent claims faster, companies save time and money. While not yet widespread, a few insurance providers may offer discounts (5 to 10%) to drivers who install dashcams.  

Preventing Fraud

Dashcams are a powerful deterrent against scams. For example, imagine a pedestrian suddenly jumping in front of your car in a “crash for cash” scheme. The footage can expose staged accidents, fake injuries, or deliberate brake-checking. This not only protects you from paying for someone else’s fraud but also discourages criminals from targeting dashcam-equipped vehicles in the first place.

Help in Traffic Violations

If you’re wrongly accused of a traffic violation, like running a red light or parking in a restricted zone, your dashcam can back your story. Say a parking ticket claims you blocked a fire hydrant, but your footage shows you were legally parked three feet away. This can help prove your innocence or at least a reduced fine. 

Legal Considerations of Dashcam Footage

Dashcam footage can be a key piece of evidence in court for accidental claims, especially in severe cases. Courts usually accept it as long as it’s clear, relevant, and hasn’t been tampered with.

However, laws differ by state, and privacy is a big concern. Some U.S. states, like California and Alabama, require two-party consent for audio recording, meaning everyone involved must agree to be recorded. So, the recording has to be used, keeping in view the state laws in your locality and in consultation with a lawyer. 

Need a Quality Dashcam for Your Car or Motorcycle? Get AKEEYO!

By now, you’re likely convinced that a dashcam is a smart investment; one that safeguards you against unexpected mishaps and saves money in the long run. But there’s a catch: footage is useless if it’s blurry, incomplete, or fails to capture critical details like license plates or road signs.

This is why choosing the right dashcam matters as much as owning one. For motorcyclists, who face higher accident risks according to road safety data, a compact, weatherproof camera with anti-shake technology is essential. Car drivers, meanwhile, need reliable coverage, whether it’s a front-facing lens to document lane changes or a 360-degree view to capture parking lot dings.

At AKEEYO, we specialize in dashcams designed for real-world reliability:

• For bikes, we have 20MP cameras recording crisp 4K footage, even at high speeds.

• For cars, front/rear dual-lens models, night vision capabilities, and 360° coverage to eliminate blind spots.

Check our motorcycle dashcam and car cameras collection now! And get one that suits your budget and needs.