Did you have the forethought to install a dash cam in your vehicle before getting in your recent car accident? According to Minnesota dash cam laws, it may provide valuable evidence that can help you win a personal injury case. Here’s how your Minnesota personal injury attorney will use your dash cam footage as they attempt to help you obtain a fair settlement.
May Show That the Other Party Is at Fault
One of the biggest factors that gets in the way of quickly settling a personal injury matter is when there is a dispute over who was at fault. If both parties claim to be the victim and there are no witnesses to dispute their claims, it may be difficult for the injured party to receive compensation. A dash cam may clearly show who is at fault at the time of the accident. For example, it might have captured the other driver ignoring a red light or performing an illegal turn that clearly caused the accident. The video footage could also include which lane each vehicle occupied, the speed of the vehicles, and the circumstances leading to the crash.
Illustrates Your Safe Driving Behavior
Even if your car crash isn’t caught on your dash cam, it can be a great way to show that you were operating your vehicle in a safe and legal manner. If your dash cam can show that you tried to break or swerve out of the way of the other driver, you may be able to use your dash cam footage to counter claims of shared fault for the accident. Even if their car or your accident is not caught on film, you may compel the insurance company to accept the reality of the situation and offer a reasonable settlement.
When Dash Cam Video Hurts Your Case
Sometimes your dash cam footage can be used against you as evidence in your personal injury case. For example, if your footage shows that you ignored a stop sign, ran a red light, or performed an illegal driving maneuver, the insurance company may be able to argue that you are responsible for the crash. Further, if your camera only captures video of half of the impact area, or if it doesn’t capture any video until after the accident has occurred, you may not be able to use it to convince anyone of what truly happened. Consult with your Minnesota personal injury attorney to determine whether it’s a good idea to use your dash cam video to prove what happened during your accident.
Minnesota Personal Injury Law Firm for Dash Cam Car Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, seek medical attention right away – this is always the top priority. Your second priority should be collecting evidence that proves you are the victim and deserve compensation. Make sure that your video is backed up, then get in contact with a Minnesota car accident attorney right away. Call Sieben Edmunds Miller’s team of personal injury lawyers at (651) 994-6744 to get started on your case.
