In the chaotic moments after a car accident, it can be difficult to piece together exactly what happened. That’s where dash cam footage can make a major difference. These small, dashboard-mounted cameras are becoming increasingly popular among Georgia drivers—and for good reason. A dash cam can capture the moments leading up to a crash, the impact itself, and even the immediate aftermath. When used correctly, this footage can serve as powerful evidence in court or during insurance negotiations.
But not all dash cam footage is created equal. Courts and insurance companies look closely at how the footage was obtained, whether it’s complete and authentic, and what it actually shows. In some cases, the footage can support your version of events and strengthen your claim. In others, it can be used to limit or even deny your compensation.
Are Dash Cams Legal in Georgia?
Yes, dash cams are legal in Georgia, but there are specific laws that regulate how they can be used. Under Georgia law, drivers are prohibited from placing objects on the windshield that obstruct their clear view of the road. This means that while dash cams are allowed, they must be mounted in a way that doesn’t interfere with the driver’s line of sight. Typically, these cams are mounted on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror, where they remain unobtrusive.
In addition to placement rules, Georgia follows a “one-party consent” rule when it comes to audio recordings. This means you are allowed to record conversations inside your vehicle as long as at least one person involved in the conversation, such as yourself, gives consent. However, recording passengers without their knowledge can still lead to privacy concerns and may impact how the footage is used in court. To ensure your dash cam footage is legally admissible and doesn’t cause complications in your personal injury case, it’s best to consult with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer.
How Dash Cams Help Prove Fault
In the aftermath of a car accident, determining who was at fault often comes down to conflicting accounts. Eyewitnesses may be unreliable, drivers may misremember or misrepresent events, and police reports can contain errors or incomplete observations. This is where dash cam footage can be an invaluable asset. A dash cam provides a real-time, objective record of the moments leading up to, during, and immediately after a crash. Few pieces of evidence can help clarify what really happened in an accident.
In many cases, the dash cam will record the negligent actions by the other driver that led to the accident. It might record a motorist running a red light and colliding with the side of your vehicle. Alternatively, it could show that the other party attempted to merge into the lane where you were already established.
Dash cam footage can also support claims about road and weather conditions at the time of the accident. If poor visibility, heavy rain, or road debris played a role, the video may provide crucial context that supports your version of events. In rear-end collisions, for example, dash cam evidence can help refute claims that you stopped suddenly without cause, shifting liability back to the other driver.
In some cases, the footage may even capture the other driver admitting fault at the scene or behaving aggressively afterward. An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can review the footage to highlight these important moments and use them strategically to build a compelling claim on your behalf.
Best Practices for Using Dash Cam Footage in a Car Accident Claim
Dash cam footage can be a powerful tool to support your personal injury or property damage claim after a crash. However, how you handle that footage can make a big difference in whether it strengthens or weakens your case. Following a few key best practices can help you present the strongest possible evidence if your case ever goes to trial.
Secure the Footage Immediately
As soon as possible after the accident, save a copy of the dash cam footage to a secure device. Many dash cams overwrite older footage automatically, so quick action is essential. Back up the file in multiple locations, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage, to ensure it doesn’t get lost or corrupted. This can help prevent a worst-case scenario where the footage you need is lost forever.
Avoid Editing or Modifying the Video
It is vital that you never alter or enhance the video before sharing it with your attorney or insurance company. The other side will want to see the raw, unedited version to confirm its authenticity. Edited or incomplete footage can lead to questions about tampering or may be deemed inadmissible. Your Atlanta car accident lawyer can determine whether additional context is needed and how to present the footage appropriately.
Don’t Share the Video Publicly
It may be tempting to post dash cam footage online, especially if it clearly shows the other driver at fault. But sharing the video on social media or with friends could negatively affect your claim. Insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys often search online for anything that might weaken your case.
Let Your Attorney Review It First
Before turning over dash cam footage to insurers or police, consult with your attorney. A qualified Atlanta car accident lawyer will review the footage to assess its impact on your case. If it supports your claim, they can use it to strengthen negotiations or courtroom arguments.
Reach Out to Mabra Law After an Accident
If you recorded your accident with a dash cam, the footage could be the evidence you need to recover fair compensation successfully. Contact Mabra Law as soon as possible to discuss your options.