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When you’re involved in a car accident, evidence is everything. Photos, medical records, and eyewitness statements all contribute to building a solid personal injury claim, but few pieces of evidence are as impactful as dashboard camera footage. Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular among Texas drivers for good reason: they offer real-time, visual documentation that can play a powerful role in proving fault and securing fair compensation.
Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group has witnessed firsthand how dash cam footage can significantly impact a case. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the legal benefits of dash cams, how footage is handled in Texas courts, what types of incidents to record, and how to preserve your footage properly.
The Legal Benefits of Dash Cams in Personal Injury Claims
Dash cams provide objective, timestamped video evidence of what happened before, during, and after an accident. Unlike eyewitness testimony or memory, video footage doesn’t change. Here are a few key benefits:
- Clear evidence of fault: Dash cams can capture the sequence of events leading up to a collision, such as a vehicle running a red light, a driver failing to yield, or distracted driving.
- Refuting false claims: If the other driver lies or exaggerates their version of events, your dash cam footage can serve as a reliable counterpoint.
- Protection against insurance fraud: In some staged accidents, dishonest drivers may brake suddenly or swerve unexpectedly to create a collision and file a fraudulent claim. Dash cams can expose these schemes.
- Capturing hit-and-runs: If the other driver flees the scene, dash cam footage may capture a license plate number or a detailed description of the vehicle that helps law enforcement locate the offender.
Is Dash Cam Footage Admissible in Texas Courts?
Yes, dashboard camera footage is generally admissible in Texas courts, provided certain conditions are met. Under the Texas Rules of Evidence, video footage must be:
- Relevant to the case: It must directly support or refute a material fact, such as who had the right of way.
- Authentic: You must be able to prove that the footage is real and hasn’t been tampered with. This is typically done by verifying the source of the video, including the time and date stamps, and confirming who installed or maintained the camera.
- Not overly prejudicial: The court may exclude footage if it’s unfairly biased, misleading, or likely to inflame the jury.
Footage that meets these criteria can be a compelling piece of evidence, especially in situations where liability is disputed or unclear.
Types of Incidents Dash Cams Can Help Document
Not every minor scrape or bump requires a full-scale investigation. But in more serious situations, dash cam footage can be invaluable. Incidents where dash cams are especially helpful include:
- T-bone or side-impact collisions
- Rear-end crashes
- Intersection accidents
- Road rage or aggressive driving
- Pedestrian or cyclist involvement
- Commercial vehicle or 18-wheeler crashes
- Weather-related accidents
- Driving near construction zones or school zones
These scenarios often involve conflicting narratives, unclear fault, or multiple vehicles, and video can bring needed clarity.
Tips for Preserving and Using Dash Cam Footage
To make the most of your dash cam, it’s not enough to simply have it recording. You’ll need to preserve the footage correctly and follow best practices so it can be used in your personal injury case. Here’s how:
Use a Reliable Device
Select a dash cam with high resolution, night vision capabilities, and continuous loop recording. Many modern models also include GPS tracking, speed logging, and dual cameras (front and rear), which offer additional context.
Save the Footage Immediately After an Accident
If you’re in a crash, remove or back up the relevant footage right away. Most dash cams automatically overwrite old footage, so delaying this step could result in crucial evidence being lost.
Don’t Edit or Alter the Video
Editing footage—even for seemingly harmless reasons, such as cropping—can raise questions about authenticity and potentially render the footage inadmissible. Always preserve the original file and make copies for your attorney.
Keep a Chain of Custody
Document how and when the footage was obtained, stored, and transferred. This establishes a “chain of custody” that helps prove the footage hasn’t been tampered with.
Give the Footage to Your Attorney First
Never post dash cam footage online or submit it to an insurance company without consulting your attorney. Once it’s out in the open, it may be misinterpreted or used against you.
Why Dash Cams Make a Difference in Texas Personal Injury Claims
In places like Bryan, College Station, and across Brazos County, car accidents occur daily, and determining fault isn’t always straightforward. Dash cams give injured victims an edge when fighting for fair compensation, especially when the other party denies responsibility or there are no neutral witnesses.
Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group uses all available tools to build the strongest possible case for our clients. Dash cam footage—when properly preserved and submitted—can speed up the claims process, improve negotiation leverage, and protect your rights.
Let Us Review Your Dash Cam Footage Today
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash and have dash cam footage, don’t wait to get legal guidance. The earlier you act, the better your chances of using that footage to support your case.
Consult attorney Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group today to schedule a free review of your case and dash cam footage. Let us help you take the right steps toward recovery and compensation.