Dashcam footage is becoming more common, and can play a major role if you’re involved in a car accident. This type of video evidence can help show what actually happened during the crash, often making it harder for others to dispute your version of events. When there’s a disagreement about fault or insurance claims, dashcam video can be a powerful tool to clear up confusion.
If you have dashcam footage after being involved in a crash, our lawyers at Meyerkord & Kurth can use it to help strengthen your car accident claim in St. Louis.
What Is Dashcam Footage and How Does It Work?
Dashcams are small video cameras installed in vehicles to capture every moment on the road. They can be forward-facing, rear-facing, or even record the inside of the vehicle. Most systems use continuous loop recording, saving footage on a memory card so new video automatically records over old clips after reaching storage limits. Common dashcam features include visible timestamps, GPS location, and speed tracking.
What Dashcam Footage Can Prove After a Car Accident
Footage from a dashcam can be significant after an accident, as it records events as they really unfolded. Video evidence can help support your side of the story and show the following:
- Who had the right of way at an intersection
- Violations of traffic signals, like running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign
- Speeding and patterns of reckless driving before the crash
- Actions like texting, phone use, or clear signs of distracted driving
- Dangerous road or weather conditions affecting visibility or traction
- Identifying vehicles and evidence in hit-and-run situations
Having a dashcam means there’s more objective evidence to help build your case.
Is Dashcam Footage Admissible in Missouri Courts?
Dashcam footage is usually allowed as evidence in Missouri courts if it meets a few simple standards. The video needs to be directly related to the facts of the case, must be genuine and not edited, and has to have been recorded legally. It’s very important to carefully preserve the footage, avoid any changes or deletions, and be ready to show exactly how it was handled from the time of recording to when it’s presented in court.
Can Dashcam Footage Help Prove Fault in Missouri?
Yes, dashcam footage can be a valuable tool for proving fault in Missouri car accident cases. Because Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system, any video that clearly shows what happened, including who caused a crash, can lower your assigned fault percentage and potentially increase your compensation. Even if evidence only partially supports your claims, it could still be helpful.
For example: If the footage shows both drivers were somewhat at fault (like one running a stop sign and the other speeding), responsibility can be split. If you’re found 30% at fault instead of 50% because of the video, your compensation for damages would only be reduced by 30%, not half, resulting in a higher payout.
What to Do If You Have Dashcam Footage After a Crash
If your dashcam picked up your accident, acting quickly with the footage can make a big difference in your case. Proper steps help ensure the video is usable and protected from being lost or challenged.
- Save and back up the footage to a computer, USB drive, or secure cloud storage as soon as possible.
- Do not edit, alter, or re-record over the video; preserve the original file exactly as it was captured.
- Make note of the date, time, and location of the crash, and record details about how and where the footage has been stored.
- Before you share the footage with insurance companies, provide your attorney with a copy so they can review and handle it correctly.
Following these steps will help make sure your dashcam evidence can be used in the best way possible for your case.
What If the Other Driver Has Dashcam Footage?
If you believe another driver has relevant dashcam video, you can request it during the insurance claims process. If the case moves to court, your car accident lawyer in St. Louis can formally obtain it during the legal discovery process. Act quickly, though; dashcams can overwrite footage if not properly backed up, and sometimes videos are lost this way.
If your case involves dashcam footage, contact us right away. We can help preserve important evidence and review your legal options. Reach out to schedule a free case evaluation.