In The Event Of an Accident a Dash or Helmet Camera Can Help You Prove The Facts

In my practice as a motor vehicle accident lawyer, I have been involved in a number of cases in which the accident, or events leading up to the accident, have been captured on video. In the past, this was usually the result of surveillance cameras within the vicinity of the collision. Increasingly, however, we are meeting clients that have onboard cameras. These are either dash cameras or, in the case of motorcyclists, cameras mounted to their helmets. Most often, the video corroborates entirely our clients version of events. Although police often get it right, and charge the appropriate party, this is not always enough to convince insurance companies. Sometimes, the at fault driver gets off the charge on a technicality. Later, the at fault driver may attempt to skirt liability by changing the facts about how the accident happened. The ability to look at video can be the difference in some heavily contested cases.

​This afternoon, I met a responsible motorcyclist that was out riding with a helmet mounted camera. I think it is a great idea to use these cameras. Hopefully, you will never need the footage to prove fault in the context of an accident. Think of it like all your safety gear-you hope you never need it, but you'll be happy you had it in the event that you do.

In my experience, cameras are particularly beneficial for motorcyclists. Although the majority of motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles, are the fault of the larger vehicle, there remains a public bias against motorcycles. We have been involved in countless cases where the other driver and their insurance company attempt to blame the motorcyclist for changing lanes or driving to fast. Witnesses often get it wrong when motorcycles are involved. The video footage usually proves this, and demonstrates that the motorcycle was driving appropriately.

​If you have questions about a motorcycle accident, call our motorcycle lawyers for free consultation at 1-866-234-6093.