After a car accident, it’s natural to feel powerless. The insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries, or worse, blame you—all while you’re facing the pressure of medical bills, a damaged car, and maybe even lost wages.
Luckily, in Ohio, your dashcam footage could be your lifeline. It can help prove what happened, protect you from unfair blame, and help you get back on your feet. Here’s everything you need to know about using dashcam footage in your Ohio car crash claim.
Are Dashcams Legal in Ohio?
Yes, dashcams are legal in Ohio. You have the right to record your own driving experiences as long as the camera doesn’t obstruct your view of the road.
Keep in mind that dashcams cannot be mounted on the windshield in Ohio. Instead, the best place to install them is on the dashboard or elsewhere within your vehicle.
Can I Use Dashcam Footage in My Ohio Car Crash Claim?
Yes, you can use dashcam footage in your Ohio car crash claim. In fact, it can be one of the most powerful pieces of evidence you have. Dashcam footage provides an unbiased, objective record of the accident, showing exactly what happened, who was at fault, and the extent of the damage.
Insurance companies and the courts often rely on dashcam footage to determine liability. It can help:
- Prove fault: The footage can clearly show which driver ran a red light, failed to yield, or was otherwise negligent.
- Counter false claims: If the other driver tries to blame you for the accident, your dashcam footage can refute their claims and protect you from unfair accusations.
- Document the scene: The footage can capture important details like weather conditions, traffic patterns, and road conditions, which can be crucial in understanding the context of the accident.
- Identify hit-and-run drivers: In hit-and-run accidents, dashcam footage can be invaluable in identifying the perpetrator’s vehicle, license plate, or even the driver themselves.
- Assess damages: The footage can show the impact of the collision, the extent of the damage to your vehicle, and even capture your immediate reactions, which can help support your claim for pain and suffering.
- Speed up the legal process: Clear dashcam footage can often expedite the claims process. This can lead to quicker settlements, saving you time, stress, and legal fees.
How to Ensure the Admissibility of Your Dashcam Footage in Ohio
The last thing you need after an accident is for your dashcam to record a clear picture of the accident, only for its validity to be questioned later. Use these tips to ensure your footage stands up to scrutiny:
- Preserve the original footage: As soon as possible after the accident, make a copy of the original footage and store it securely. Don’t edit or alter the video in any way, as this could compromise its authenticity.
- Check the date and time stamp: Make sure your dashcam’s date and time settings are accurate. This information helps establish the timeline of the accident.
- Ensure window tint compliance: Keep in mind that if your vehicle has tinted windows, they must comply with Ohio’s tint laws. Your dashcam footage might be inadmissible in court if it was recorded through illegally tinted windows.
- Note relevant details: If possible, record a brief statement after the accident describing what happened, including the date, time, location, and any other important details you remember. This can help supplement the footage and provide additional context.
We know how overwhelming it can be to have to collect evidence to prove your case after a car accident, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and the stress of the situation. You might be wondering: Is my dashcam footage admissible? What if the footage shows that I was partially at fault or contributed to the accident in some way? What will happen to my claim then?
Don’t panic. Here at Slater & Zurz, we provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation to answer any questions you have about your case. Call us at 330-762-0700 now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the other at-fault driver had a dashcam?
If you suspect or know the other driver has dashcam footage, call us at 330-762-0700 immediately. Our lawyers can formally request the footage through a legal process called discovery and use it to support your claim.
Don’t try to contact the other driver yourself! They could misrepresent the facts, try to intimidate you, or even destroy the evidence.
Does Ohio law require me to inform others that I’m using a dashcam?
There is no legal requirement to inform others that you are recording video with a dashcam in Ohio, as long as the camera is mounted legally and doesn’t obstruct your view.
Similarly, Ohio is a one-party consent state regarding audio recordings. This means you can record conversations in your vehicle without informing others as long as you are a participant in the conversation.
Is mounting a phone on the dashboard legal in Ohio?
Yes, mounting a phone on the dashboard is legal in Ohio, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your ability to see the road clearly.
