How Does a Dash Cam Help Your Insurance Claim?

April 1, 2020

If you recently found yourself in an automobile accident, you are likely experiencing a lot of emotions. As you try to figure out your next steps, you may feel completely overwhelmed as you fight with the insurance company for a fair settlement. Hiring an Indiana personal injury attorney can help alleviate some of the burden because they can walk you through the process of filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver. But what can also help is if you have dash cam footage of the car accident.

A dash cam could significantly benefit you in the event of a car accident because the camera footage can help prove the other driver was at fault.

Dash Cams Prove How the Accident Happened

A dash cam can provide video evidence of what happened before, during, and after an automobile accident, much like an eyewitness. Eyewitness testimonies can also provide clarity on the situation after a car accident. However, in many instances there are no eyewitnesses available, their testimonies can prove to be unreliable, they may not be listed on the police report of the accident, or you may be too injured to gather eyewitness information. While beneficial, eyewitnesses may also remember the accident differently as time goes on.

On the other hand, video evidence does not lie or change over time and is much more reliable. A dash cam provides firm evidence of what happened and can be reviewed as many times as necessary.

Dash Cams Show Who Is At Fault

Knowing exactly what happened in the accident is crucial for determining how fault might be shared between parties. Indiana is a comparative fault state. This means that your settlement can be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 10 percent at fault and are awarded a $10,000 settlement, your final settlement would be reduced by 10 percent to $9,000. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you might not recover any damages at all.

In many instances, the insurance company will try to downplay your financial losses or trick you into accepting fault in order to avoid paying a fair settlement. Dash cam footage of the event can negate the insurance companies’ claims. Work with your Indiana car accident lawyer and try to provide as many details as you can about the accident so they can better deal with the insurance company on your behalf.

Did you know other drivers can sometimes purposely try to create an accident? They may employ all kinds of dishonest tactics such as driving recklessly to get you to crash into them. These types of collisions are typically known as “crash for cash” cases. Drivers may do this for many reasons, including trying to get money from your or the insurance company by claiming you were at fault for the accident and need to be held accountable.

If you have a reliable dashcam, you may be able to catch the entire incident on camera and prove the other driver’s unsafe driving behavior actually caused the accident, which could save you from being assigned partial fault. Because they caused the accident, they are liable for your damages.

How to Deal With Insurance Companies After a Car Accident

At the end of the day, the at-fault driver’s insurance company wants to settle quickly and will frequently try to get you to settle for much less than your case could actually be worth. They may try many tactics to get you to accept a percentage of fault for the car collision.

The insurance company may try to get you to give a recorded statement. If your statement conflicts with their investigation in any way, they could use that to justify putting more of the fault on you.

When you hire a personal injury lawyer to represent your car accident case, they will speak to the insurance company on your behalf, saving you time and stress. You should let your insurance provider know that the accident took place, but all other communication will need to go through your personal injury attorney.

Do not give in to the pressure. If you feel unsure about your circumstances, consult with your Indiana personal injury attorney. Make sure you hire an attorney that has your best interests in mind and will strive to get the best outcome for your situation.

Many people think that they don’t need proper legal counsel and will try to settle their personal injury case on their own without an attorney present. While it is possible to settle a claim without an attorney’s help, it may not necessarily be the best course of action, especially if you suffered a serious injury.

In addition, your car accident lawyer can help ensure you understand what compensation you are entitled to. Your case could be worth more than you anticipate on your own, and a personal injury attorney will handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. Enlisting the help of effective legal counsel is always in your best interest.

A Helping Hand from an Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer

It’s always important to remember that you have options when it comes to your own personal injury case. There is nothing wrong with asking for a second opinion before you settle on choosing an attorney. When you get multiple opinions from different experienced Indiana personal injury attorneys, you can be sure you have all the information you need before firmly deciding to hire one.

If you feel lost or confused with your personal injury claim, download a copy of our FREE book, Consumer’s Guide for Injured Victims, and then contact a personal injury attorney at Hensley Legal Group for a no-cost consultation.