Imagine driving down the highway in New Mexico when suddenly a semi-truck swerves into your lane and crashes into you.
In the aftermath of the accident, you might wonder who’s to blame and how you’ll get the compensation you deserve. This is where a dash cam can be a game-changer.
A dash cam is a small video camera mounted on your dashboard that records the road in front of you as you drive. Let’s break down how a dash cam can help in a truck accident case.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident in New Mexico, contact Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. today. We have a team of experienced attorneys whose focus is auto accidents.
We can help you navigate the legal process and fight your fight for you! Call us now to schedule a free case review.
How a Dash Cam Can Help in a Truck Accident Case: Capturing Evidence
Figuring out who caused the crash can be tricky, no matter the type of accident case. Witness statements can be unreliable, and sometimes, the other driver may try to blame you. Here’s where a dash cam comes in.
A dash cam captures unbiased video footage of the accident, showing exactly what happened on the road. This footage can be powerful evidence that proves your innocence or helps determine who’s at fault. Here are some examples of how a dash cam can help you prove your side of the story:
- A truck driver claims you cut them off. Your dash cam footage can clearly show that you were driving safely in your lane at the time of the accident.
- The truck driver claims you were speeding. Your dash cam footage can show your actual speed compared to the speed limit.
- The truck driver says you were following too closely. Your dash cam footage can demonstrate the safe distance you maintained between your vehicle and the truck.
- The truck driver alleges you were distracted while driving. Your dash cam (if it has driver-facing mode) can show you were focused on the road and not using your phone or eating.
- The truck driver’s brake lights malfunctioned, and you rear-ended them. Your dash cam footage can capture the lack of brake lights on the truck before the collision.
- The truck driver swerved into your lane to avoid another vehicle. Your dash cam footage can help determine what caused the truck driver to swerve.
In the unfortunate event of an accident and claims being made against you, a dash cam can be your silent guardian on the road.
Types of Footage That Can Help
A dash cam can capture a variety of details that can be helpful in a truck accident case, including:
- The moments leading up to the crash. This can show if the truck driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or distracted.
- The impact itself. This can help determine the severity of the crash and the cause of the damage.
- The aftermath of the crash. This can show the position of the vehicles, injuries sustained, and the damage caused.
The more details your dash cam captures, the stronger your case could be.
Can You Use Dash Cam Footage as Evidence?
In New Mexico, dash cam footage is generally admissible as evidence in court. This means your lawyer can present the footage to the judge and jury to help support your case. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- The quality of the footage. Clear and high-quality footage is more likely to be admitted and deemed useful by the court. Grainy or unclear footage may not effectively convey the events in question.
- Date and time accuracy. The date and time stamp on the footage must accurately reflect when the events occurred. Inaccurate timestamps could undermine the credibility of the evidence.
- How you store the footage. Maintain the integrity of the footage by saving it without alteration. Tampering with or editing the footage could raise questions about its authenticity.
It’s always best to consult with an attorney to understand how to properly use your dash cam footage as evidence.
Beyond Accidents: Other Benefits of Dash Cams
While dash cams can be incredibly helpful after an accident, they also offer other benefits. These include:
- Providing evidence of hit-and-run incidents. A dash cam can capture valuable details about the fleeing vehicle, such as license plate number and car make and model. This evidence can be crucial for police investigations.
- Documenting dangerous driving conditions. Dash cam footage can be used to document hazardous conditions on the road, such as ice or reckless drivers. This can potentially help in warning other drivers and raise awareness with local authorities.
- Lowering your insurance rates. Some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who use dash cams.
- Providing peace of mind. There’s a great amount of peace of mind involved in knowing you have an impartial record of your driving, ready to be used if needed.
The potential aid to evidence alone in the event of an accident should be enough reason to invest in a dash cam. However, these additional benefits make it an even more valuable asset for drivers.
Do your homework and review resources to make sure you choose the right dash cam option for you.
Dash Cam Protection and Protection from Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C.
As explained, a dash cam is a small investment that can have a significant impact, especially if you’re ever involved in a truck accident. By capturing clear video footage, a dash cam can help prove your innocence, determine fault, and strengthen your case in court.
If you drive in New Mexico, especially on highways where you share the road with large trucks, consider getting a dash cam for added protection and peace of mind.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we have recovered millions for clients involved in semi-truck crash accidents.
With our team’s focus being vehicle accidents, we have the skills and experience to fight on your behalf after you’ve been involved in a truck accident. Additionally, we can advise on the best use of your dash cam evidence.
We proudly serve clients in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Carlsbad. Call us or contact us online for a free case review today.
Daisy Chaparro
Daisy Chaparro was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. A graduate from El Dorado High School in 2008 and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy from St. Mary’s University in 2012. Daisy then obtained her Juris Doctorate (magna cum laude) from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2015.
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