The Growing Use of Dash Cams in Car Accident Claims

With advancements in vehicle technology, dash cams have become more sophisticated, featuring high-definition video, wide-angle lenses, and GPS/Wi-Fi connectivity. These cameras are gaining popularity as they provide valuable evidence in car accident claims.

Key Statistics:

  • 16% of U.S. drivers now use dash cams, and the market is growing at 9.6% annually (Grand View Research).
  • 20% of dash cam owners have used their footage for insurance claims, and 12% have used it in legal cases (Marc Brown Law Firm).
  • 39% of dash cam owners purchased one after being involved in an accident or near-miss (Marc Brown Law Firm).

This surge in adoption highlights how dash cams are reshaping car accident claims, especially in Colorado, where proving fault is critical under modified comparative negligence laws.

Is Dash Cam Footage Permissible Evidence in Colorado Car Accident Claims?

Dash cam footage can be powerful evidence, but it must meet legal requirements in Colorado.

1. Relevance

The footage must directly show the accident or events leading up to it.

2. Authenticity

The footage must be genuine and untampered with, often requiring verification from a lawyer or forensic expert.

3. Chain of Custody

To prevent tampering or disputes, everyone handling the footage must document access and storage.

4. Compliance with Rules of Evidence

The footage must accurately depict the accident and not be misleading or prejudicial.

Takeaway:
Dash cam footage can be used in court, but proper handling is essential.

Person installing cam in the car

How to Preserve Your Dash Cam Footage After an Accident

  • Immediately secure the dash cam and its data to prevent overwrites.
  • Make exact copies without editing or enhancing the footage.
  • Store the original footage in a secure location.
  • Document each time the footage is accessed or transferred.

Key Statistic: 12% of dash cam owners have used footage in a legal dispute—handling it properly ensures it holds up in court.

Takeaway: Proper preservation of footage ensures it can be used as evidence if needed.

What Critical Information Can a Dash Cam Capture?

Dash cams provide timestamped, unbiased evidence, including:

  • Accident date, time, and location (GPS-based)
  • Vehicle positions and movements before, during, and after the impact
  • Traffic lights, stop signs, and speed limits
  • Weather and road conditions such as wet pavement, ice, or debris
  • Driver behavior, including speeding, distracted driving, or tailgating
  • License plates and vehicle details
  • Hit-and-run evidence

Takeaway: Dash cams act as a silent witness, capturing details that human memory may miss.

How Dash Cam Footage Can Prove Fault in a Disputed Accident Case

The Challenge of Conflicting Testimonies

Many accident claims become complicated when both drivers provide conflicting versions of the event.

Example:

  • One driver says they had the right of way.
  • The other claims the first driver merged unsafely.
  • Witnesses disagree or didn’t see everything.

How Dash Cams Remove Doubt

  • Unbiased, time-stamped video eliminates conflicting statements.
  • Footage provides clear proof of negligent driving, such as running a red light.
  • Protects against insurance fraud and false claims.

Key Statistic: 20% of drivers have used dash cam footage to back up their insurance claims.

Takeaway: Dash cam footage makes liability disputes clearer and strengthens your case.

Dash Camera Displaying Family

Can Dash Cams Lower Insurance Rates?

  • In some countries, dash cam owners receive lower insurance premiums.
  • In the U.S., most insurers do not offer discounts yet, but footage can still speed up claim approvals.

Takeaway: Even if they don’t reduce premiums yet, dash cams can save you thousands in legal fees and settlements.

How Lawyers Use Dash Cam Footage to Maximize Your Settlement

Accident Reconstruction Experts

Your Colorado car accident attorney may work with experts to:

  • Analyze frame-by-frame details of the crash.
  • Reconstruct the accident using 3D modeling.
  • Calculate speed, distance, and braking times.

Forensic Analysis of Footage

  • Ensuring metadata (GPS, time, speed) remains intact.
  • Expert testimony to verify authenticity.
  • Comparing footage with witness statements and police reports.

Takeaway: Your lawyer will ensure dash cam footage is properly used to strengthen your claim.

Should You Get a Dash Cam?

Pros:

  • Proves fault in accidents
  • Protects against false claims
  • Provides hit-and-run evidence

Cons:

  • Initial cost ($50–$300)
  • No guaranteed insurance discount
  • Possible privacy concerns

Key Statistic: 39% of dash cam owners purchased one after an accident or near-miss.

Final Thought: If you drive regularly, a dash cam could save you thousands in legal and insurance costs.

Get Legal Help If You’ve Been in a Car Accident

  • Were you injured in an accident? Whether you have dash cam footage or not, you need an experienced attorney to protect your rights.
  • Contact Fuller Personal Injury Law at (720) 770-3832 or request a free case review online.