Maybe Installing a Dashcam is a Good Idea
Dashcams have become increasingly popular among drivers seeking to protect themselves on the road, with Auto Insurance reporting that 30% of drivers in their study reported having one, with more reporting that they plan to install one. These small, mounted cameras continuously record your driving experience, capturing everything from scenic routes to unexpected incidents. But what happens when that footage becomes evidence in a Tennessee car accident case?
At Bill Easterly & Associates, we represent people who have been hurt by the careless, negligent actions of others. Our legal team has years of experience handling auto accidents, workers’ compensation, and various personal injury cases. We’ve seen firsthand how dashcam footage can significantly impact the outcome of car accident claims.
Understanding how this evidence works in Tennessee courts can make the difference between a successful case and a dismissed claim.
How Dashcam Footage Helps Your Case
Establishes Fault
Video evidence provides a clear, impartial account of the accident that’s difficult to dispute. Unlike witness testimony, which can be unreliable or biased, dashcam footage shows exactly what happened. Whether the other driver ran a red light, was speeding, or failed to yield, the camera captures these violations objectively.
This visual proof can be particularly valuable when the other party denies responsibility or provides a conflicting version of events. Insurance companies and courts often view dashcam footage as highly credible evidence when determining fault.
Supports Your Version of Events
When facing disagreement about how an accident occurred, dashcam footage can corroborate your account of the incident. This becomes especially important if the other driver claims you were at fault or if there are no independent witnesses to support your story.
The footage can also capture important details that might be forgotten or overlooked in the stress following an accident, such as weather conditions, traffic patterns, or the behavior of other vehicles on the road.
Admissibility of Dashcam Footage in Tennessee Courts
Relevance and Authenticity
For dashcam footage to be used as evidence in a Tennessee car accident case, it must meet certain legal standards. The footage must be relevant to the case and authentic, meaning you must prove the video hasn’t been tampered with and accurately represents the events that occurred.
Courts will examine the quality of the footage, the angle of recording, and whether the timestamp matches the accident date and time. Clear, high-quality video with proper timestamps strengthens your case significantly.
Chain of Custody
Tennessee courts require a proper chain of custody for dashcam evidence. This means you must document how the footage was stored and who had access to it from the time of recording until it’s presented in court. Proper handling and storage of the video file help ensure its admissibility.
It’s crucial to preserve the original footage immediately after an accident and avoid editing or altering it in any way. Making copies for insurance companies is acceptable, but the original should remain intact.
Potential Downsides of Using Dashcam Footage
Footage Can Be Used Against You
While dashcam footage often helps prove your case, it can also work against you if it shows you were partially at fault. If the video reveals you were speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, the opposing party can use this evidence to argue you contributed to the accident.
Tennessee follows a comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if the other driver was primarily responsible, your own actions captured on camera could affect your settlement or award.
Privacy Concerns
Dashcam footage that includes audio recordings or shows the vehicle’s interior may raise privacy concerns. However, these issues typically don’t prevent the footage’s use in civil cases if it was obtained lawfully and relates to the accident.
Poor quality footage — whether grainy, dark, or unclear — may be less effective as evidence or potentially unusable in court.
Building Your Strongest Case
Dashcam footage can provide powerful evidence in Tennessee car accident cases, offering objective proof that supports your claims and helps establish fault. This technology has revolutionized how car accident cases are handled, often leading to faster insurance settlements and stronger court presentations.
However, the legal requirements for admissibility and the potential for footage to work against you make it essential to work with experienced legal counsel. An attorney can evaluate your dashcam evidence, determine its impact on your case, and develop the strongest possible strategy for your situation.
From vehicle accidents to medical malpractice, our goal at Bill Easterly & Associates is to get our clients the compensation they need and help them get their lives back to normal. If you’ve been involved in a car accident and have dashcam footage, contact us for a consultation to discuss how this evidence can support your case.