Car accidents in Missouri can be chaotic, disorienting, and stressful. In the moments after a collision, adrenaline is high, and memories can be hazy. When it comes to determining fault and navigating the complex world of insurance claims, it often feels like it’s your word against someone else’s. But what if you had an impartial, objective witness to the entire event? That’s where a dash cam comes in.
These small, yet powerful devices, mounted on your vehicle’s dashboard or windshield, continuously record your journey. While they may seem like a modern gadget, their utility in the aftermath of a Missouri car accident is undeniable. At Sticklen & Sticklen, we’ve seen firsthand how dash cam footage can make a significant difference in strengthening a personal injury claim and ensuring justice for our clients.
The Power of Objective Evidence
One of the greatest advantages of dash cam footage is its objectivity. Unlike human eyewitnesses, a dash cam doesn’t have a bias, nor is it prone to memory lapses or misinterpretations. It simply records the events as they unfold. This creates a clear, undeniable record that can be invaluable in establishing exactly what happened before, during, and after a collision.
How Dash Cam Footage Can Help Your Claim:
- Proving Fault: Dash cams can capture crucial details like traffic signal status, lane changes, speeding, or other reckless driving behaviors by the at-fault driver. This visual evidence can make it incredibly difficult for the other party or their insurance company to dispute responsibility.
- Refuting False Claims: Unfortunately, some drivers attempt to shift blame or fabricate details after an accident. Your dash cam footage can serve as powerful evidence to directly refute these false accusations, protecting you from unwarranted liability.
- Identifying Hit-and-Run Drivers: In the distressing event of a hit-and-run, a dash cam might capture the fleeing vehicle’s license plate number, make, and model, significantly increasing the chances of identifying the responsible party.
- Documenting Road Conditions: The footage can also record external factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as hazardous road conditions, weather, or even debris in the road.
- Supporting Witness Testimony: While not a replacement for human accounts, dash cam footage can corroborate and strengthen witness statements, adding more weight and credibility to your overall case.
Admissibility in Missouri Courts
In Missouri, dash cam footage is generally admissible in court as evidence, provided it meets certain criteria. For the footage to be effectively used, it must be relevant to the case, meaning it directly relates to the accident. It also needs to be authenticated, proving that the footage hasn’t been tampered with or edited. Clear, unedited recordings are always preferred.
It’s important to remember that while dash cams are a powerful tool, they can also record your actions. If the footage reveals any negligent behavior on your part, it could potentially be used to argue shared fault, as Missouri operates under a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault, your recoverable damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Protecting Your Interests with Sticklen & Sticklen
Investing in a dash cam can offer significant peace of mind on the road, providing a layer of protection you might not otherwise have. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Missouri, and you have dash cam footage, it’s crucial to preserve it immediately. Transfer the video to a secure device to prevent accidental deletion or overwriting.
Then, contact an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney. At Sticklen & Sticklen, we can review your dash cam footage and determine how best to integrate it into your claim. We understand the nuances of Missouri car accident law and how to effectively use all available evidence, including dash cam recordings, to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t leave your accident claim to chance. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact Sticklen & Sticklen today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.