If you are injured in a Sugar Land car accident, it is critical to have evidence showing that the other party was at fault. In addition, to photographs, witness reports, and medical reports, dash cam footage can be used as evidence in Texas car accident cases.
What Are Dash Cams?
Dash cams (short for dash cameras) are cameras that are aimed at the windshield of a vehicle. They start recording when the car starts moving and capture footage from the front and back of the vehicle the entire time it is in motion. Some dash cams record sound and have night vision. The footage is stored on a memory card.
Dash cams cannot be placed in a place that obstructs your driving. Under Texas law, you cannot attach anything to your windshield, rear window, or side mirror that obstructs your visibility.
Can You Use Dash Cam in Sugar Land Car Accident Cases?
Dash cam footage can be used to show that you were not at fault in Sugar Land car accident cases. The footage can also prove the other driver’s negligent actions. Liability is typically highly disputed in car accident cases. It is common for each driver and witness to have a completely different story regarding what happened. Dash cam footage can end up being invaluable evidence that shows the exact events that occurred in the moments leading up to the car accident. For example, the footage could show:
• You were not speeding or driving recklessly;
• You were in the proper lane of traffic;
• The other driver failed to stop at a red traffic signal or stop sign;
• The other driver cut you off; or
• The other driver failed to yield the right-of-way at an intersection.
Sometimes dash cam footage will not add any value to cases. The footage may not be able to conclusively prove what caused the crash and who is liable. For example, your vehicle may have been hit in an area your dash cam does not see.
Could Dash Cam Footage Hurt Your Case?
Sometimes dash cam footage can end up hurting your case. It could reveal evidence that your actions also played a role in causing the car accident. The footage will capture your own reckless and dangerous driving as well as the other drivers on the road.
Texas is a modified comparative fault state, which means that a plaintiff’s damages are reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if the dash cam footage shows that you were speeding moments prior to the crash, your compensation could be decreased. If the injured party is more than 50% at fault, they are prohibited from recovering any damages.
Is Dash Cam Always Admissible As Evidence in Sugar Land?
There are circumstances where dash cam footage is not admissible as evidence in Sugar Land. You might not be allowed to use the footage if it was recorded on private property, such as a store parking lot. Additionally, the footage may be prohibited if there is a question that it was edited or altered. The court will only allow it as evidence if it believes it is reliable.
However, even if the footage itself isn’t admissible, it can help your attorney discover other evidence. For example, the dashcam footage can show that a certain individual witnessed the accident. Their testimony could end up supporting your case.
Your Sugar Land Car Accident Attorney
Adam Capetillo is an experienced Sugar Land attorney passionate about protecting the rights of his clients. When you injured by a careless or reckless third party in the Fort Bend County area you may be facing outrageous medical bills or unaffordable hospital/rehab expenses, and lost wages as you recover from your injuries. At Capetillo Law Firm, we understand this is a stressful time for you and your loved ones. However, you do not have to go through it alone. Let Sugar Land Personal Injury Attorney Adam Capetillo handle your personal injury case with top-quality legal counsel. Mr. Capetillo is the lawyer who will guide you through the complex legal process while fighting for the fair and full compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a car accident, we encourage you to call our office today at (346) 249-5544 to schedule a free consultation.
