Should I Buy a Dash Cam?
Dashcams have been gaining exposure lately due to various instances of alleged police violence; however, dashboard cameras aren’t just for police officers. You can (and should) get one for yourself, and I’ll explain why.
Protecting yourself in the event of an accident.
The most-obvious reason to purchase a dashcam is to protect yourself in the event of a car accident. When it comes to evidence, video trumps all. Did you rear-end another car? Without video, you’ll have a hard time proving that the other driver’s actions (unsafe lane change, brake checking, etc) contributed to the car accident. Did the other driver accuse you of speeding or driving recklessly? With video, you have an unbiased record of exactly what happened before, during and after the crash.
Stopping insurance fraud.
It might sound strange, but some people actually try to get hit by cars. While this occurs very infrequently in the USA, it happens so much in Russia that consumer dashcams have now become commonplace.
Parking lot accidents & vandalism.
Have you ever walked out to your car after shopping, only to see that someone has sideswiped your car and failed to leave a note? This can be a nightmare situation, and unless someone nearby saw what happened, you are usually out of luck. However, many dashcams function not only when the car is on, but when it is off as well. Some road cams have batteries which allow them to continue functioning when the car is parked, and others will activate when motion is detected.
On the other hand, your video could turn into an internet sensation, like this video from a truck driver in Mississippi who saved a family from a burning vehicle.
How does a dash cam work?
A dash cam usually mounts on the front window with a suction cup. From there, the camera will record on a continuous loop. The media is recorded onto a memory card which automatically deletes older video as new footage is recorded. Some higher end cameras also record video of the driver, and some models come with a separate, rear mounted camera. The power comes from a 12-volt plug or can be directly wired into the car’s electrical system. Many models these days have HD resolution, color displays, and on-board GPS.
Bottom line: Dash cams are extremely affordable, and can be your best friend after an automobile accident. This video can provide strong evidence to back you up in a case of “he-said, she-said,” and a good-quality HD dash cam can be purchased online for as little as $50. It’s also important to note that a few insurance companies may even offer policy discounts for having a dash cam!
Category: Lawyer's Advice
