When you’re involved in a car accident, you may wish there was a way to show the police and judge handling your lawsuit just what happened to prove you were not negligent. A dashboard camera may be able to show the moments leading up to a collision. If you were involved in an accident but have a dashcam, it’s vital to understand how to proceed. Keep reading to learn more about what you must know about these devices and how a Maryland auto accident lawyer can help you through the process of recovering damages for the harm you’ve suffered.
What Is a Dashcam, and Are They Legal?
A dashboard camera, or dashcam, is a small camera that points out the front and back windshields of a car to collect video of the road ahead and behind a vehicle.
The use of a dashcam to capture video footage is legal. However, it’s essential to understand that where you place the camera in your car may lead to issues. Luckily, Maryland has strict guidelines on where you can place the camera on your windshield. To place these correctly, the state requires drivers to mount them no lower than five inches from the top of the windshield or in the bottom corner of the glass so long as the device fits in a seven-inch square.
If I Have a Video of the Accident, Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
If you have a video, you may think it’s enough to show an insurance adjuster or judge to win a claim. However, this is not the case, as hiring the assistance of an attorney is essential to getting the justice and compensation you deserve.
Before you submit the dashcam footage, it’s essential to have your lawyer review the footage. Unfortunately, if there is anything in the footage that can make you appear guilty or partially responsible for the accident, the defense will use it against you.
Even if the video shows that you were not responsible for the accident, you will not know how to receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Though you may get economic damages like hospital bills covered, if you try to argue for pain and suffering compensation without an attorney, you likely won’t get the result you want.
If you were involved in a car accident and captured footage of the incident, you’ll want to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz, our dedicated legal team will work tirelessly to fight for your rights. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do to assist you during this challenging time.
