Do Dashcams Help or Hurt Your Car Accident Claim?
Car accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether it's a minor fender bender or a serious collision, the aftermath is often overwhelming. You're dealing with injuries, car repairs, insurance companies, and medical bills—all while trying to make sense of what happened and who’s responsible.
At Tormey & McConnell, we understand how stressful and confusing this time can be. We’ve helped people across the Texas Panhandle fight for the compensation they’re entitled to.
One question our Amarillo car accident lawyers are hearing more often is: Does having a dashcam help or hurt your car accident claim? Let’s explore how dashcam footage can play a part in your case—and what you should know before relying on it. For more information or to schedule a consultation with us, contact our firm today.
What Do Dashcams Record?
Dashcams, or dashboard cameras, continuously record what's happening on the road ahead—or behind—depending on the model. Some also record sound or cabin activity. These devices are becoming more common, and they’re often praised for giving drivers “proof” in case of a crash.
But is it really that simple?
In some situations, yes. Dashcam footage can clarify what happened in an accident, especially if there’s a dispute over who was at fault. But in other cases, that same footage can raise questions or even be used against you.
That’s why it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before relying solely on dashcam evidence to support your claim.
How Dashcam Footage Can Help Your Case
Dashcams can provide critical information after a crash. In many cases, this kind of footage can support your side of the story, especially when the other driver disagrees about what happened.
Here’s how dashcams can support your claim:
Proving fault: If the footage clearly shows the other driver running a red light or rear-ending your car, it can be strong evidence that you weren’t at fault.
Capturing hit-and-runs: In cases where the other driver flees the scene, dashcams may capture their license plate or vehicle details.
Documenting road conditions: Footage can show whether the roads were wet, icy, or under construction, which could support your version of events.
Showing driver behavior: If the other driver was speeding, weaving between lanes, or using their phone, it may be caught on your dashcam.
Helping with witness credibility: If someone claims to have seen the accident, dashcam footage can support or contradict their testimony.
In the right situation, a dashcam can act like an impartial witness—showing what really happened and helping back up your claim.
When Dashcam Footage Can Hurt Your Claim
While dashcams can be helpful, they can also work against you. That same video that shows someone else driving recklessly might also capture something you did wrong—or something that could be used to reduce your compensation.
Here’s how dashcams can hurt your case:
Showing partial fault: If your video reveals that you were speeding or distracted, even if the other driver caused the crash, it might reduce your recovery.
Recording what you say: Some dashcams record audio. If you say something like “I didn’t see them coming” or “That was my fault,” it could be used against you.
Violating privacy laws: While Texas generally allows dashcam use, posting footage that includes people without their permission could raise legal issues—especially if the video ends up online.
Overwriting key moments: Some dashcams record on a loop. If the device overwrites the crucial part of the crash, the footage may be lost unless saved quickly.
Footage conflicts with your claim: If the dashcam footage contradicts what you told your insurance company or car accident lawyer, it can hurt your credibility.
Because dashcam footage is often admissible in court, it’s critical to know what your camera has recorded—and to speak with a car accident lawyer before handing it over.
What Insurance Companies Think About Dashcams
Insurance companies often claim they want the “truth” about what happened. But that doesn’t always mean they’re on your side. In fact, insurers may use dashcam footage to limit how much they have to pay you.
Insurance adjusters may use dashcam footage to:
Look for shared fault: If the footage shows you were even slightly at fault, the insurer might reduce your payout.
Challenge injury claims: They may argue that the footage doesn’t match the severity of your injuries.
Settle quickly for less: If they think the footage weakens your case, they might offer a quick (but low) settlement.
Before sending footage to an insurance company, talk to an experienced car accident lawyer. Once they have it, they can use it in ways you didn’t expect—or agree to.
Legal Considerations for Dashcams in Texas
Texas law generally permits dashcam use, but there are still a few things you should keep in mind when recording and sharing footage.
Key legal points to know include:
Texas is a one-party consent state: You can legally record conversations in your car as long as one person (you) knows about the recording. This means you don’t need the other driver's or passenger's permission to record audio. However, if you're driving across state lines, be aware that other states may have stricter two-party consent laws.
Privacy concerns still apply: Be cautious about recording people without their knowledge or posting footage online. Publishing videos that reveal personal details—like faces, license plates, or private conversations—can lead to civil complaints. Even if you're in the right legally, sharing videos publicly can complicate your claim or damage your reputation.
Footage can be subpoenaed: If your case goes to court, the footage can be requested by either side. Once it's entered as evidence, it becomes part of the official record and can be reviewed by the judge or jury. This applies to both helpful and potentially harmful footage.
Tampering is a red flag: Deleting or editing footage after an accident could be seen as evidence tampering, which can damage your credibility—or worse. Courts may treat this as an attempt to mislead or hide the truth, which could seriously hurt your claim. Always preserve the original video in its full, unedited format.
Always preserve the original copy of your dashcam video and avoid making changes. If you think your footage helps your case, bring it to a car accident lawyer first.
Tips for Using Dashcams the Right Way
If you already use a dashcam—or are thinking about getting one—some simple practices can help you protect yourself in the event of a crash.
Some best practices for dashcam use include:
Mount it properly: Make sure it doesn’t block your view or violate any windshield visibility rules.
Check your settings: Use the correct date and time so your footage is accurate.
Back up important files: Save crash footage to a separate device or cloud storage as soon as possible.
Avoid commenting during an accident: Stay calm and don’t say anything that could be misunderstood.
Talk to a car accident lawyer before sharing: If you’re in an accident, don’t hand over footage without getting legal advice first.
A dashcam can be a helpful tool—but only if it’s used wisely. Following these tips can keep your footage from backfiring later.
Speak to a Respected Car Accident Lawyer
If you've been in a crash—whether you have dashcam footage or not—talking to a car accident lawyer can make all the difference in how your case plays out.
At Tormey & McConnell, we’ve helped injured people across Amarillo, Hereford, Canyon, Childress, Dumas, Pampa, Borger, and throughout the Texas Panhandle, get the support they need after a car accident.
We’ll take a close look at your dashcam footage, talk through your options, and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to. Reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer at our firm today to schedule a free consultation and get answers to your questions.