What Your Dashcam Could (and Couldn’t) Do for Your Injury Claim

Dashcams are becoming more common on New York City streets—and for good reason. In a city where traffic accidents are frequent and fault isn’t always easy to prove, having a recording of what happened can make a big difference.

But while dashcams can help support your personal injury case, they aren’t silver bullets. Let’s look at what dashcam footage can—and can’t—do when it comes to protecting your rights after a crash.

How Dashcams Can Help

1. Clearer Evidence of Fault

If another driver ran a red light, changed lanes without signaling, or was driving erratically, dashcam footage may clearly capture those actions. This can back up your version of events and make it harder for the other side to deny responsibility.

2. Proof Against False Claims

Unfortunately, some drivers exaggerate or falsify events to avoid liability. If someone tries to claim you caused the accident—or that you left the scene—your dashcam may tell a different story.

3. Timeline Support

Footage can help establish when and where the accident occurred, what traffic was like, and even how long you were stopped before being hit. These seemingly small details can carry big weight in negotiations or court.

What Dashcams Can’t Do

1. They Don’t Always Capture the Full Picture

Most dashcams are forward-facing. If the accident involved a rear-end collision, a side swipe, or a vehicle running a red light from the opposite direction, your dashcam might not show it. And some devices overwrite old footage automatically—so key evidence can be lost if you don’t save it promptly.

2. They Can Hurt You, Too

If your own driving shows distraction, speeding, or failure to yield, your dashcam may not help your case—it might hurt it. That’s why reviewing the footage with your lawyer before sharing it is crucial.

3. They Don’t Replace Other Evidence

Dashcams are just one piece of the puzzle. Witness statements, police reports, vehicle damage, and medical documentation are still essential in building a strong personal injury claim.

What New York Law Says About Dashcam Footage

Dashcam footage is generally admissible in New York courts if it’s:

• Relevant to the case
• Authenticated (you can prove when and where it was recorded)
• Not edited or altered

If your footage checks those boxes, it may be used in negotiations or even presented to a jury.

What to Do After an Accident If You Have a Dashcam

• Save the Footage Immediately: Back it up to a cloud or external device.
• Do Not Edit or Cut It: Even small edits can raise questions about authenticity.
• Tell Your Lawyer: They’ll review the footage and decide how (and when) to use it.
• Continue Gathering Other Evidence: Take photos, get witness contact info, and request the police report.
  
  

Final Takeaway: Dashcams Are Powerful—But Not Perfect

A dashcam can be a valuable tool in your personal injury case, especially if it clearly shows what happened. But it won’t make or break every claim—and it won’t protect you from liability if you were partly at fault.

That’s why it’s always smart to speak to a personal injury attorney who knows how to evaluate all the facts—video included.