Could a Dashboard Camera Protect Your Good Name?

In some cases, when you get in an accident, things can turn into your word against someone else’s. Even if you know you are in the right, things can get tricky if no witnesses step forward. You might be blamed for a car or truck accident you weren’t responsible for, and if there is no one but the other driver, you have no backup.

One way to make sure that you have the law on your side is to use a dashboard camera, or dash cam. A dash cam can serve as a visual record, preserving your good name and offering evidence that you really aren’t to blame for an accident.

Who Uses Dash Cams?

Of course, dash cams have been popular amongst police forces for years. The dash cam mounted in a police car can provide a visual record of police actions, and allow others to make determinations as to the appropriateness of certain behaviors.

However, law enforcement aren’t the only people using dash cams now. Dashboard cameras are popular with drivers in countries like Russia, where it’s common for scammers to try and stage a situation that makes it look as though a law-abiding driver caused an accident. A dash cam often debunks such efforts.

In the United States, dash cams are gaining popularity with truck drivers, who are often unfairly blamed for traffic accidents. Frequent commuters also find dash cams helpful, since it can provide them with a backup to their own view of what happened in a car accident. Frequent commuters are more likely to find themselves in car accidents, and having a visual record can come in handy.

Do You Need a Dash Cam?

If you are concerned about protecting yourself, and having another record of your driving, a dash cam can provide peace of mind. In some cases, dash cams are even allowed in court as evidence, and some insurance companies review footage when making determinations of liability. If you are trying to convince an insurance company that you did what you could to avoid an accident, or if you suing someone else for behaviors that caused you injury in an accident, a dash cam can be just the proof you need.

You can also enjoy additional peace of mind by installing a dash cam in a car driven by a teenager. Many teenagers who know that you are watching them even as they drive are more likely to follow laws. You can reduce some of the risky driving that many teens engage in by installing a dash cam.

Dashboard cameras vary in terms of what they offer. You need to consider your needs when choosing the right dash cam for you. The basic models often start at around $100. These models will record what’s happening in front of you, and save the data. More expensive dash cams, costing up to $500, can record the g-forces inside your car, as well as record the sound inside your car. Such bells and whistles can provide a better picture of what is happening inside your car at the time of the accident.

Realize, though, that you need to abide by state law when it comes to your dash cam. There are some states that require you to notify passengers (and obtain permission for the recording) if the dash cam is recording internal sounds. You also need to be aware of the requirements for mounting the dash cam. It can’t impede your vision, and it might need to be placed in a specific way. Consult with an attorney before you set up your dashboard camera; you want to make sure that you are in compliance with various laws.

Think about your situation, and whether or not you are worried about the possibility of an accident. If it makes sense for your situation, you can gain peace of mind, and create a visual record in support of your point of view, with the help of a well-placed dashboard camera.