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There are a lot of good reasons to get a dashcam. It will improve security, deter vandalism, and help prevent fraudulent claims. If you get in an accident, dashcam footage can be used to verify the claim you file with an insurance company.
Before you decide to get a dashcam for your vehicle, there are a few things to consider. First of all, you will want to make sure it is installed properly to be compliant with California law. It is also important to remember that you may be required to share your dashcam footage with law enforcement agencies and the other party’s insurance carrier if an accident occurs.
If you have been involved in an automobile collision, speak with a Santa Barbara car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can examine your dashcam footage and advise you on the best legal strategy moving forward.
Dashcam Laws in California
A dashcam, short for “dashboard camera,” is a device that is placed on the inside of your windshield to record what happens outside the vehicle while you drive. Dashcams continue to grow in popularity as the technology improves and prices lower. They are now a standard feature in many new vehicles.
Dashcam laws vary from state to state. In California, you are allowed to operate a dashcam while driving along public roads, as there is no expectation of privacy. California does have strict rules that require the consent of both parties when taking an audio recording, however. You may choose to deactivate your dashcam’s voice recorder to avoid legal issues.
Dashcams are subject to the following rules in California:
- A dashcam placed in the lower right corner of the windshield cannot exceed seven inches.
- A dashcam placed in the upper center of the windshield cannot exceed five inches.
- A notice must be posted if the dashcam captures audio recordings.
- A dashcam must not interfere with airbag deployment.
The Legal Benefits of Using a Dashcam
If you experience an automobile crash or any other type of incident while driving, a dashcam provides credible evidence about what really happened. Police, judges, and insurance companies rely on dashcams to supply an unbiased account of events.
Insurance fraud is a major problem these days. There are unscrupulous people who will swerve in front of another vehicle or stop suddenly to intentionally cause a rear-end crash with the intention of collecting on a fraudulent insurance claim. A dashcam provides excellent evidence to dispute illegitimate claims and protect you from this type of behavior.
Benefits of using a dashcam while driving include:
- Identifying hit-and-run drivers
- Verifying what really happened in an accident
- Providing the GPS location where an accident occurred
- Protecting parked cars from theft and vandalism
- Establishing liability when a collision occurs
- Strengthening your insurance claim
- Protecting against insurance fraud
- Confirming when another driver violated traffic laws
- Documenting road rage and other types of inappropriate behavior
What To Do After an Auto Accident in Santa Barbara
If you experience a collision while driving, pull over to the side of the road. Make sure you don’t have any serious injuries, check on your passengers, and dial 911 right away. If you feel up to it, use your cell phone to capture photos of the accident scene and collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident.
Don’t make any statements to an insurance agent until you have spoken with an experienced Santa Barbara car accident attorney. Your lawyer can file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf against anyone who committed a negligent action that contributed to your injuries.
If your dashcam recorded the accident, your attorney can determine the best way to use this evidence to your advantage. They can also find out if anyone else involved in the accident was using a dashcam and make arrangements to review the footage.
Were You Injured by an Unsafe Driver?
The personal injury attorneys at NordstrandBlack PC have been helping drivers in Santa Barbara for over 30 years. In that time, our firm has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and judgments for our clients.
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