Reasons to Consider a Dashcam - Should You Get a Dashcam or Not?

Driving around Long Island comes with many uncertainties. Even an extremely cautious driver may find themselves in an accident or part on an unexpected incident when on the road. Over the past few years, dash cams have become very popular. A dash camera offers an extra layer of protection for drivers, and it can document all of the details when an accident occurs.

A dashcam is a small camera that is mounted on the dashboard or windshield of a vehicle. It records when you drive, and some even record audio, capture footage on the interior, or can be placed so that there is dash cam footage from the rear window.

Dashcams used to be mostly used by commercial drivers or those who drove fleet vehicles, but now, everyday motorists can use them, and many drivers find them to be very beneficial.

For drivers in New York and across Long Island, installing a dash cam can have many benefits. From helping to prove fault in an accident to protecting against fraudulent claims, a dash cam can provide crucial video evidence when it matters the most.

If you are on the fence about getting one, here are several reasons to consider a dashcam:

1. Documenting Car Accidents

One of the biggest advantages of having a dash cam is the ability to record video as things occur, including accidents. Having a dashboard camera allows actual video footage to be captured of the crash. Since crashes can happen very quickly, it can be difficult for drivers and eyewitnesses to remember every single detail of what occured. A dash cam solves that problem.

Dashcam footage can give a clear record of what happened, and some of the things it can show include:

• The position of vehicles before the crash

• Traffic signals at the time of the accident

• Lane changes or sudden braking

• Road conditions or weather factors

This type of evidence can be extremely valuable when determining who the at-fault driver is in the accident.

Police officers, insurance companies, and attorneys also often review dash cam footage so that they understand how an accident happened. In some cases, video evidence can help to resolve disputes quickly, which can make them very worth it for many drivers. For more information, accident lawyers may be able to help.

2. Dash Cams Protect Against False Claims

Unfortunately, not every accident claim is an honest one. Sometimes, a driver might try to shift the blame to avoid being at fault, or they might try to seek compensation that they are not entitled to.

A dash cam can help to protect a driver from these situations by offering objective evidence of what happened.

For example, footage may reveal that another driver:

• Cut into your lane suddenly

• Ran a red light or stop sign when you had a green light

• Braked aggressively without reason

• Caused the collision through reckless driving

• Hit your parked car and fled

It's also possible that accidents were staged for insurance fraud or that claims were exaggerated. In this case, having dash cam record video can help to show what really happened.

3. Providing Evidence for Insurance Claims

When available, car insurance companies heavily rely on video from dash cams when investigating accidents. Without this documentation, these cases can take a very long time.

Footage from a dash cam that has high video quality can help insurance companies determine:

• Which driver was responsible for the crash

• Whether traffic laws were violated

• The sequence of events leading up to the accident

When video is used in the claims process, they can be resolved more quickly and with fewer disagreements. This is especially helpful when dealing with complex situations involving more than one vehicle. The Law Office of Carl Maltese can also help with questions like What is a spoliation letter in personal injury?

4. Capturing Hit-and-Run Incidents

Many dash cams capture hit and run footage. Some even do it in parking mode, so that if a person hits a car parked, and then leaves, they can still be recorded. Without it, victims can feel helpless and frustrated.

When a driver hits a car and flees, it can be difficult for law enforcement to find out who the guilty party is.

Dashcams can often capture critical information in a hit and run such as:

• License plate numbers

• Vehicle color and model

• Direction the vehicle traveled after the crash

Even if the license plate is not clearly visible, other identifying details in the video may help investigators locate the driver involved.

5. Recording Dangerous Driving

Unfortunately, not everyone practices safe driving habits. Roadways in busy areas like Long Island and New York City can involve heavy traffic and aggressive driving behavior. Thankfully, a dash cam can capture risky behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Examples of behaviors that can be caught on a dash cam before a crash include:

• Tailgating

• Weaving between lanes

• Speeding

• Running traffic signals

• Distracted driving

If these behaviors lead to an accident, the recorded footage may provide clear evidence of negligence.

6. Helping Rideshare and Commercial Drivers

If you are a rideshare driver, delivery driver, or commercial driver, there are even more reasons to get a dash cam. People who spend a lot of time on the road are naturally more at risk for accidents. There is also the fact that rideshare drivers may have passengers in their cars, and those people may have some type of dispute with the driver or other motorists.

For rideshare drivers and commercial drivers, a dash cam can help:

• Document passenger behavior

• Protect against false complaints

• Record incidents inside the vehicle

• Provide evidence after traffic accidents

Many drivers choose higher end model that offer features like night vision, interior views, and can capture footage when the car is parked.

7. Monitoring Teen Drivers

Dash cams can also be used to monitor teen or inexperienced drivers. A dashcam can give insight into how a younger driver behaves on the road and show clear footage or information about:

• Speeding habits

• Distracted driving

• Aggressive driving behaviors

Reviewing this footage can help parents note when their teens might need more instruction or when they need to change their habits. The goal here isn't to invade a teens privacy, but to, instead, encourage safer driving habits.

8. Capturing Unexpected Events

Not all dashcam recordings involve an accident or a dispute. Sometimes, they capture unexpected or unusual events that might be important to capture.

Examples of this include:

• Road hazards or debris

• Falling objects or construction accidents

• Severe weather conditions

• Wildlife crossing the road

These recordings can help explain and support accidents that occur due to sudden environmental factors.

9. Improving Driver Accountability

Knowing that your driving behavior is being recorded can also encourage you to drive more responsibly. A driver who has a dashcam installed often becomes more aware of their own driving habits, and they are more likely to do the following:

• Follow traffic laws

• Maintain safe speeds

• Avoid distractions

10. Potential Legal Benefits

Oftentimes, dash cam footage is used as evidence in lawsuits and legal proceedings, especially when related to car accidents. Courts often accept video evidence if it is relevant and clear. In a personal injury case, dashcam footage can help attorneys and insurance companies determine how a crash occurred and who was at fault.

For example, footage may show that a driver:

• Ignored traffic signals

• Failed to yield the right-of-way

• Engaged in reckless driving

Clear video evidence can sometimes strengthen a legal claim and support a driver’s version of events.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Installing a Dashcam

While dash cams can bring a lot of benefits, there are also some considerations that you should keep in mind if you are considering getting one.

Proper Installation

First, you must make sure that the dash cam is installed correctly. In New York, there are very specific laws in place that say where they can be mounted...and where they can't.

In general, they are either placed behind the rearview mirror, or in the lower corner of the windshield on the passenger side of the vehicle. If the camera is placed in an area that obstructs the driver's view, the driver could be cited.

Privacy Concerns

Some dashcams record audio inside the vehicle. New York is a one-party consent state, meaning at least one participant in a conversation must consent to being recorded.

Drivers should be aware of privacy considerations, particularly when recording passengers.

Saving Important Footage

Many dashcams use loop recording, which automatically overwrites older files when storage is full. After an accident or important event, drivers should save the footage immediately to prevent it from being deleted.

Thinking of Getting a Dash Camera?

Having a dash cam can give you access to a valuable tool. It offers additional protection when on the road, and these devices can record important details before, during, and after an accident. In many cases, dash cam footage is used to determine fault.

From protecting against false claims to supporting insurance investigations, a dash cam offers a number of advantages for everyday drivers, and even more for rideshare and commercial drivers.

Though a dash cam can't prevent an accident from happening, they can bring in more peace of mind about driving, and create valuable documentation when an unexpected situation arises.

For many drivers, installing a dashcam is a simple step that can make a significant difference if a dispute or accident occurs.