Just because you were injured due to a negligent driver does not mean that his or her insurance company is going to pay your medical bills. In fact, the insurance company will not pay anything until you sign a release, which you should never do without the approval of an accident lawyer. In certain cases, the at-fault party denies liability, so recovering money for health-care bills and lost wages can be a legally complex process.
Proving liability is a critical aspect of every injury claim. Depending on the nature of the crash, there may be several ways to demonstrate that the other driver was responsible for your injuries.
Every piece of evidence – from the police report to doctors’ records – may be essential to your case. If you have a video of the incident, then it may prove invaluable if the other driver denies liability.
Dashboard cameras are becoming more popular for that very reason. But how do these cameras work, and are they legal?
If you have questions about car accident claims, or if you were the victim of a negligent driver in Iowa, then contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids personal-injury lawyer can evaluate your crash and fight for the maximum compensation. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a consultation.
Until then, read on to learn how dashboard cameras work, and how they may support your injury claim:
How Do Dashboard Cameras Work?
Dashboard cameras are small, digital video cameras that attach to your vehicle’s dashboard or windshield. There are many types of dashboard cameras that offer a range of features. Most modern cameras will turn on when you start the ignition, so they will only record activity when the vehicle is running.
According to Engadget, some cameras have multiple lenses to record both front and back activity. Most dashboard cameras record in a loop and will overwrite old footage. As such, it is important to make regular backups if you believe there is content worth keeping.
If you are thinking about purchasing a dashboard camera, then look for one with a wide-angle lens to capture more of the road. Also, try to purchase a camera that runs off the car’s 12-volt outlet so you do not have to remove and recharge the camera.
Are They Legal?
According to Motorists.org, dashboard cameras may be legal, but there are certain factors to keep in mind. First, make sure the camera does not interfere with your vision. If it is on the driver’s side, then it should not cover more than 5 inches. If it is on the passenger’s side, then it should not cover more than 7 inches. If you intend to record audio, then be sure to inform passengers about your recording device.
How Can Dashboard Cameras Help Your Personal-Injury Claim?
Dashboard cameras record events that occur just before accidents. If you were injured by a negligent driver, then the footage may show that driver breaking a traffic law or committing another reckless act that causes the collision. This footage can help you prove liability.
If you were injured in a car wreck in Iowa, then contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. An Iowa accident attorney from our firm can help you avoid mistakes such as settling for an amount that is less than what you deserve. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a consultation.
