Should I Get a Dashcam in My Car?

Dashboard cameras, or “dashcams,” are becoming increasingly popular among drivers across the U.S. These cameras record the road ahead of and/or behind the driver. They serve as valuable evidence in accident cases, often completely dispelling disputes from the at-fault driver.

Should you put a dashcam in your car? Explore a few compelling reasons to install a dashcam and potential downsides to consider. 

Strong Reasons To Put a Dashcam in Your Car

If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, you probably thought, “I wish someone caught that on camera!” Having video footage of an accident can be incredibly helpful.

Dashcam footage shows the exact events that led to the crash, clearly displaying the at-fault driver’s role in it. You can submit this evidence with insurance claims to streamline the payout process. 

Aside from this essential reason, you may consider installing a dashcam for a few other purposes:

• You can catch other drivers’ accidents on camera. If you witness a crash, you will be able to pass over dashcam footage to the drivers involved and aid their accident cases as well. 
• You will have evidence of road rage. Drivers often think their angry or violent behavior on the road will have no repercussions. But if your dashcam catches this behavior, you will have video evidence to turn over to the police, holding the perpetrator accountable. 
• You can easily record police stops. Every day, news breaks of police officers acting unprofessionally or even maliciously during traffic stops. Your dashcam will still be rolling during the stop, catching the officer’s actions on video and showing evidence of any questionable behavior. 
• You can challenge a parking or traffic violation. If you receive a citation for parking in the wrong area or violating a traffic law, your dashcam may provide essential evidence to disprove this violation and prevent fraud.  
• You can remotely monitor a teen driver. Some parents have begun installing these cameras in their teens’ vehicles to monitor their driving. 

Dashboard cameras offer essential legal protection and may enhance driver safety by documenting dangerous events on the road. 

Potential Cons of Using a Dashcam 

While there are many reasons you should install a dashcam in your car, you may want to consider a few potential downsides as well:

• Cost: Dashboard cameras can vary in cost significantly, but the more reliable, higher-quality options are typically more expensive. You may need to spend a few hundred dollars on a trustworthy model. 
• Evidence of your fault: If you’re ever at fault in an accident, there’s a good chance your dashcam will have recorded this negligence. The defendant may subpoena this footage during a claim or lawsuit. Deleting it may be considered tampering with evidence, which could land you in legal trouble. 
• Potential for theft: Having a high-quality dashcam in your car may invite thieves to break in and steal it. If you live in an area prone to car theft, you may opt for a less expensive or more discreet model. You might also consider taking the camera out when you are planning to park your car for an extended period. 

While these downsides are worth considering, they may not outweigh all the benefits these cameras promote for accident documentation, driver safety, and fraud prevention. 

Our Car Accident Attorneys Often Recommend Using Dashcams 

At Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A., we highly recommend installing a dashcam in your car. We have seen these cameras significantly bolster our clients’ cases and streamline the compensation process. 

If you are the victim of a car accident in Florida, our compassionate attorneys are committed to representing you well. Call us today at 800-TellRobert (800-835-5762) or 954-456-2488 to request a free case evaluation. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Getting A DashCam

 What are the main benefits of installing a dashcam in my car?
Dashcams provide crucial accident evidence, help with insurance claims, record road rage incidents, document police stops, challenge traffic violations, and allow for remote monitoring of teen drivers.

Are there any downsides to using a dashcam?
Yes, downsides include the cost of a quality dashcam, the potential for your own fault to be recorded, and the risk of theft of the device.

Do car accident attorneys recommend using dashcams?
Many car accident attorneys highly recommend dashcams as they can significantly help in proving cases and streamlining the compensation process.