Surveillance cameras are becoming more and more predominant in our everyday lives. Most businesses have security cameras that record everything that happens inside and outside of their premises. Many homes also have doorbell cameras and surveillance systems that record any and all activity.
Will dashcam footage help or hinder my Virginia car accident case?
Police officers have been recording their traffic stops with dashboard cameras for decades. In recent years, this technology has become streamlined, affordable, and available to civilians as well.
Virginia has no law against installing a dashboard camera inside your vehicle, and they do come with some benefits. For example, if you are injured in a car accident that was caused by another person’s negligent behavior, the footage from your dashcam could be used to prove your case and secure a fair settlement.
Unfortunately, dashcams are not without their drawbacks. If the police have probable cause that an unlawful act has taken place, they can seize your dashcam in order to retrieve footage that may show an accident or other incident that took place while you were driving, which might not always be to your advantage.
If your car has a dashcam and you were injured in a Virginia car accident, you should speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible about reviewing the footage before you turn it over to the insurance company or the police.
The Virginia Beach car accident lawyers from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp know that most car accident victims do not know who to go to for help. Our skilled attorneys can walk you through every stage of the personal injury process and recommend the best course of action for your circumstances. Call our Virginia Beach offices today to schedule your free case evalutaion.
What Are Virginia’s Dashcam Laws?
Dashboard cameras are little devices mounted inside vehicles that record everything that happens around them. They can record while the vehicle is parked and while it is being operated. Everything they record is saved to a memory device and can be played back as needed.
Many states do not allow someone’s activities to be recorded without their permission. In Virginia, however, it is perfectly legal to record in public areas where there is no expectation of privacy.
In Virginia, dashcams are legal when:
- They are properly installed and mounted
- They do not interfere with the driver’s line of sight
- The screen is not visible while the vehicle is in operation
Are There Any Benefits to Having a Dashcam?
Virginia is an at-fault state where motor vehicle accidents are concerned. In other words, the party whose negligent behavior led to the accident is financially liable for the injuries and other damages they caused.
Dashcam footage is viewed more favorably than eyewitness testimony. It helps bring negligent drivers to account for their behavior by showing insurance adjustors and judges what actually happened.
Dashcam footage may be used to:
- Substantiate your claim
- Prevent fraudulent claims from being made
- Show which driver had the right of way
- Show whether a stop light was green or red
- Document the exact coordinates where the crash occurred
- Identify the fleeing driver if your accident was a hit-and-run
- Prove that you were following all traffic laws and exercising due care
- Prove that the other driver was making dangerous or unlawful maneuvers
How Will My Car Accident Lawyer Use My Dashcam Footage?
Dashcam footage can act as invaluable proof that supports your claim against a negligent driver’s insurance carrier. If you were injured in a car accident due to another driver’s careless actions, your Virginia personal injury lawyer can file a claim for damages. Although each accident is unique, these damages commonly include:
- Current and projected medical expenses
- Time off of work
- Pain, suffering, and inconvenience
- Necessary medical appliances
- Modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate your handicap
- Loss of anticipated income or diminished earning capacity
- Wrongful death if someone was killed during the crash
Call a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a Virginia car accident, reach out to the Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp right away to schedule your free case review. You can speak with an experienced member of our legal team regarding your options for compensation by calling (833) 997-1774 or filling out our online form.
Related Content
- Virginia’s New Restrictions On “Dangling Objects” In Vehicles
- How Can I Prove the Other Driver Caused My Virginia Car Accident?
- Steps Vehicle Accident Victims Should Take
- Virginia Car Accident Guide
For over twenty years, Mr. Sharp's law practice has focused on serious personal injury claims, including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury claims. He also handles nursing home neglect cases and medical malpractice claims. Mr. Sharp has counseled numerous clients about the complexities concerning litigation of both pediatric and adult brain injury. Mr. Sharp has been awarded the AV Preeminent ranking by Martindale, the highly respected and widely utilized directory of lawyers throughout the world. AV Preeminent status is awarded only to those lawyers who achieve the highest level of success within the legal field and is a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers and Judges rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. He has also been recognized as a "Best Lawyer" by U.S. News for personal injury, an accolade awarded to only a small fraction of lawyers. Mr. Sharp has also been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the top personal injury lawyers in Virginia. This recognition is awarded only to those lawyers who have achieved the highest level of success and have been recognized by their peers as demonstrating the highest level of professional excellence.
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