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Can Crash Video Help Support My Personal Injury Claim?

HomeBlogCar AccidentCan Crash Video Help Support My Personal Injury Claim?

Can Crash Video Help Support My Personal Injury Claim?

April 27, 2021
By Lafferty Gallagher Scott

Today, cameras are practically everywhere, from cell phones to doorbells, and online platforms like YouTube and Tik-Tok make it easier than ever to share videos. So it’s no surprise that an increasing number of car accidents and other injuries are being recorded. For people who have been injured by another person’s negligence, having a recording of the accident may seem like the perfect evidence, but is it? Are car crash videos admissible in most court cases? The experienced Ohio injury attorneys at Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC have handled many injury cases, including ones involving video evidence, and their wisdom can offer some insight on this issue.

Video Can Be an Impartial Witness

Each case is different, but generally speaking, video of a collision or accident can be submitted as evidence in a personal injury claim. When it is allowed to be considered, video is often strong evidence because it does not have the emotional biases that human beings may have. Video can also be replayed many times without being altered, unlike the memory of human witnesses, which can change over time. 

However, a compelling video may not be enough to prove your case. Factors that cannot always be seen on camera, like drug or alcohol use, may still impact the final outcome. The injured person will also need to consider if the video shows them participating in negligent or irresponsible behavior and how this may be considered when determining fault for the injuries. It’s best to have an experienced personal injury lawyer review the video with you before deciding to pursue a claim.

Be Responsible About Recording While Driving

Dashcams were once seen as a luxury, but inexpensive and easy to install models have now made in-car cameras accessible for most drivers. These automated devices are often the best way to safely capture video while driving and stay within Ohio’s traffic laws, including a ban on the use of electronic devices while driving. Legislators have made several attempts in recent years to strengthen Ohio’s distracted driving laws, and drivers who record cell phone video while behind the wheel could face fines and penalties, regardless of whether they were injured by another person. 

Using your cell phone while driving is very dangerous and almost always illegal in Ohio. If you observe behavior that is truly dangerous, safely exit the roadway and use your phone to call the police.

How an Ohio Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Normally, having a video of your accident or injury will be helpful to your case. Even in situations where the recording is not able to be considered as evidence, the ability to share a first-hand account of what occurred with your legal team can help them better understand the circumstances in your case and how to build the strongest claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can review the video and all other evidence with you to help determine the best action to take. 

At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC, our attorneys have spent over four decades helping Ohioans recover compensation for their injuries. We’ve handled a wide range of injury cases, and we may be able to help you too. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, call our office today to request a free consultation.

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