In the middle of all the confusion and chaos that follows a car accident, it can be difficult to tell who was responsible for it. Can your dashcam footage be used to prove that you are not the one at fault? This car accident attorney in Brandon, Florida, is going to tell you everything you should know about the role of dashcam footage in Florida car accident claims.
The value of dashcam footage in proving fault after a car accident.
Stress, shock, and heightened emotions can cloud memories and make people forget important details or misremember what truly happened. But a dashcam records everything exactly as it happened — the moments before, during, and after the accident. This raw, unedited video evidence is hard to argue against, and that makes it valuable when you are trying to prove your case to an insurance company or in court.
Florida laws surrounding car accident claims changed on March 24, 2023, with the passing of House Bill 837. This law introduced a “modified comparative negligence” system.
Under this new system, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for causing the accident, you cannot recover any money for your injuries or losses. If you are 50% or less to blame, you can still get compensated, but the amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your claim was worth $10,000 and you were found 20% at fault, you would only get $8,000. Fair or not, this law makes dashcam footage more important than ever in car accident cases. It can help you prove that the other driver was mostly (if not entirely) responsible for the accident.
An experienced car accident attorney in Brandon, Florida can use this footage to build a strong case that will help you recover your damages.
Can you use dashcam footage as evidence in Florida?
Dashcam footage is generally accepted as evidence in Florida courts, but it must meet some requirements for that.
First and foremost, the footage must be authentic, so it cannot have been edited or tampered with in any way.
It must also be directly related to the accident. For example, if your dashcam caught the other driver running a red light or texting while driving right before the accident, it can be used to directly support your claim.
Dashcam evidence can help you fight insurance companies.
Always remember that insurance companies are not on your side. They are looking out for themselves, not you, so they will do everything they can to pay you as little as possible. They may twist your words, downplay your injuries, find reasons to blame you, or even deny your claim altogether if they can get away with it.
Dashcam footage can shut all of that down, as it is much harder for insurance companies to argue with clear, undeniable video evidence. They might still push back and try to lower your settlement, but at least you now have a strong case to push back and fight for what you deserve.
Make sure your dashcam footage works in your favor.
The first thing you need to make sure is that your dashcam is recording clear, high-quality video that captures important details like license plates, traffic lights, and road signs. If the footage is blurry or shaky, it is not going to do you much good.
You should also act fast after an accident. Save the footage immediately, and make sure you keep backup copies to avoid losing this crucial evidence.
And, of course, you’re going to want to partner with a reputable car accident attorney in Brandon, Florida who can help you handle the footage and use it to build a strong case. A good attorney knows how to talk to insurance companies and fight to get you every dollar of compensation you are entitled to.
Looking for a Car Accident Attorney in Brandon, Florida?
Are you ready to partner with an experienced car accident attorney in Brandon, Florida who can fight for the compensation you deserve? If so, Tonya Stewart and her legal team at Tonya Stewart Law PA are just a call away. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to schedule a free case evaluation.