A dashcam doesn’t blink. It doesn’t forget. It doesn’t change its story.
In the moments before and after an auto accident, it captures everything — the reckless driver who ran a red light, the sudden impact, the way events actually unfolded.
And car crashes happen more often than you might think. In 2022 alone, there were over 5.9 million police-reported traffic accidents in the U.S. — an average of 16,000 crashes every single day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
That’s why dashcams are becoming more common. When used correctly, they provide clear, undeniable evidence in a car accident claim.
However, not all footage speaks for itself. Insurance companies often look for reasons to dismiss it, arguing that it’s incomplete, misleading, or inadmissible.
That’s where a trained car accident lawyer comes in. An experienced legal team can take dashcam footage from just another video file to a powerful piece of evidence, making sure it’s used to prove fault, strengthen negotiations, and—if necessary—hold up in court.
In an accident claim, it’s not just about what happened—it’s about what you can prove. At Manning Law, our Aurora car accident lawyers bring the expertise and experience to make dash cam footage work for you.
Understanding Car Accidents and Claims
A car accident claim is a formal request for compensation made to an insurance company or a court following a car accident. The claimant, typically the accident victim, seeks reimbursement for damages, injuries, or losses sustained due to the incident.
Depending on the circumstances, this claim can be filed against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, the claimant’s own insurance company, or both. The goal is to secure financial compensation to cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur for various reasons, many of which are preventable. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic signals.
- Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Fatigue: Driving while drowsy or falling asleep at the wheel.
- Inclement Weather: Poor visibility and slippery roads due to rain, snow, or fog.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, or lack of proper signage.
- Vehicle Malfunction: Mechanical failures such as brake issues or tire blowouts.
- Animal-Related Accidents: Collisions caused by animals crossing the road.
Do You Have a Valid Car Accident Claim?
To determine if you have a valid car accident claim, consider the following factors:
- Was the accident caused by another party’s negligence or reckless behavior?
- Did you suffer injuries or damages due to the accident?
- Do you have evidence to support your claim, such as police reports, witness statements, or medical records?
- Have you notified your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurance company about the accident?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, you likely have a valid car accident claim. However, consult with an experienced car accident attorney to assess the strength of your claim and guide you through the process.
How Dashcam Footage Can Support Your Car Accident Claim
When a car accident case happens, stories don’t always match up. The other driver might blame you, witnesses might not have seen everything, and insurance companies are quick to poke holes in your claim.
But a dashcam doesn’t take sides. It records exactly what happened, offering clear, unbiased evidence to help show exactly what happened.
Proving Who Was at Fault
Insurance companies rely on evidence to determine liability. If the other driver ran a stop sign, swerved into your lane, or rear-ended you, dashcam footage can clarify who caused the crash.
Without video proof, insurers may argue that the fault isn’t apparent, dragging out the process.
Showing the Sequence of Events
Although they might feel instantaneous, accidents don’t just happen — they build up over seconds or minutes. A dashcam can capture erratic driving, sudden stops, or reckless behavior that led to the crash.
If the other driver was tailgating or weaving through traffic, the footage helps establish what happened before the impact. Car accident injuries can result in significant medical expenses and potential lifelong disabilities.
Documenting Reckless Driving or Traffic Violations
Some crashes are the direct result of traffic violations. A dashcam can catch a driver blowing through a red light, making an illegal turn, or texting while driving.
Video evidence backs up your version of events if an officer arrives after the fact. Auto accident lawyers can use this evidence to support your claim and ensure proper legal procedures are followed.
Identifying Hit-and-Run Drivers
If the at-fault driver flees the scene, tracking them down can be difficult. Dashcams often capture license plates, vehicle descriptions, or even the driver’s appearance, giving law enforcement a better chance of finding them.
Beyond proving fault, dashcam footage can speed up the insurance process. When adjusters see clear visual evidence, they have less room to argue, and you’re more likely to get a fair payout.
Colorado Dashcam Laws: What You Need to Know
Whether you face injury from a car accident or not, dashcams be a game-changer in an accident claim, but before relying on footage, know how Colorado dash cam laws work and how they affect admissibility. Hiring a law firm can provide you with the expertise needed to navigate these laws effectively.
While dashcams are legal in the state, there are important rules to remember — especially regarding privacy and how the footage is used.
Can You Use Dashcam Footage in an Accident Claim?
Yes, dashcam footage is legal and can be used as evidence in a car accident claim, an insurance dispute, or even in court.
Since Colorado’s roads are public, recording while driving isn’t restricted. However, just because footage exists doesn’t mean an insurance company or court will accept it without question. The value of a car accident injury claim can be influenced by the extent of injuries and the attorney’s role in achieving compensation.
Privacy Laws and Recording Conversations
Colorado follows one-party consent laws, which means you can record conversations if you’re part of them. If your dashcam has audio and picks up your voice, that’s legal.
But if it records passengers without their knowledge, you could face privacy concerns.
Do Insurance Companies and Courts Accept Dashcam Footage?
Most insurance companies will review dashcam footage, but they don’t have to accept it as definitive proof.
Adjusters may argue that the footage doesn’t tell the full story, is out of context, or is unclear. Courts, on the other hand, tend to allow dashcam footage as evidence as long as it’s relevant, unedited, and properly authenticated. An insurance company’s primary focus might be on protecting its own clients rather than fairly determining responsibility among multiple liable parties.
When Dashcam Footage Might Not Be Admissible
Not all footage will hold up in court. It might be excluded if:
- It has been edited or altered in any way.
- The video is unclear or doesn’t capture key details of the crash.
- It violates privacy laws, especially if conversations were recorded without consent.
Additionally, document a car accident injury promptly for both medical and legal reasons.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Use Dashcam Footage
Dashcam footage can be the strongest piece of evidence in an accident claim — if it’s used correctly.
But insurance companies won’t just accept it at face value. They’ll look for ways to discredit, dismiss, or downplay what’s on the recording. This is where a car accident lawyer comes in. Experienced car accident attorneys can help hold responsible parties accountable and ensure that the evidence is effectively used to secure compensation for victims.
Reviewing Dashcam Footage for Validity
Unfortunately, not all footage tells a clear story. A lawyer will analyze the video to confirm key details, timestamps, and clarity, making sure it actually supports your case.
If the footage is incomplete, unclear, or doesn’t align with other evidence, insurers may argue it’s unreliable.
Using Footage to Prove Fault and Negotiate a Settlement
Insurance companies often dispute liability to reduce payouts. A car accident lawyer uses dashcam footage to counter these arguments, showing exactly how the crash happened, who was responsible, and whether traffic laws were broken.
This can lead to faster settlements and stronger leverage in negotiations. Legal representation helps car accident victims secure fair compensation and handle the complexities of their claims.
Filing a Lawsuit If Insurers Refuse to Cooperate
Legal action may be necessary if an insurance company ignores or undervalues the footage. A lawyer can present the video in court so it’s appropriately authenticated and used to support your claim.
For drivers in Aurora, local legal support makes a difference. An Aurora car accident lawyer understands Colorado’s accident laws and knows how to use dashcam footage effectively in negotiations and court. Be aware of the timeframe for filing car accident lawsuits to preserve your right to compensation.
Your Side of the Story, Without the Spin
The moment after a car accident, stories can start shifting. The other driver blames you. The insurance company picks apart the details. Witnesses forget what they saw.
But a dashcam? It doesn’t lie, exaggerate, or change its mind. It captures the truth.
However, that truth is only as strong as how it’s used. Raw footage alone won’t win a claim — it needs to be framed, authenticated, and backed by the right legal strategy. Insurance companies are quick to dismiss evidence that isn’t presented correctly.
That’s why having a car accident attorney on your side makes the difference between a quick settlement and a long fight.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Colorado, don’t leave your claim up to interpretation. Let’s make sure the evidence speaks for itself.