5 Reasons to Use a Dash Cam for Legal Evidence

In a technologically advancing world, dash cams have become an important device for drivers. These small gadgets, mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard, continuously record one’s journey while driving.

While you can use them to record a pleasant drive or trip, they are also indispensable if you’re pulled over and must defend against a speeding ticket or other traffic violation.

The devices are, therefore, especially useful during an encounter with the police or after an accident. You’ll want to share this type of evidence with a New Jersey traffic defense lawyer. Doing so can often improve the outcome of your case when you are defending against a violation.

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Recording Unbiased Evidence for Accidents and Disputes

One of the main reasons to own a dash cam is the evidence it provides. Dash cam footage reveals unbiased, real-time evidence when legal disputes with the police or accidents occur.

A dash cam records everything happening in front of your car, and it is difficult to dispute video evidence.

For example, you’ll have clear-cut proof of the incident if a driver runs a red light and smashes into your car. You will also have proof that you did not run a red light if an officer accuses you of doing so.

Recording Police Encounters

Many law enforcement officers perform their duties professionally and ethically. However, cases of misconduct do happen. If you run into an unfair encounter with the police, your dash cam can provide an unbiased account of the event. While it’s legal to record public encounters with the police, you should also let them know the activity is being recorded.

For instance, if you are pulled over by an impolite or abusive officer who violates your rights, you can use your dash cam to record the incident. This recording can serve as evidence in court cases or to file a complaint against the officer if necessary. A dash cam records what you say and do, as well, so ensure you are honest and composed in all of your dealings.

If you get stopped for a moving violation by a traffic cop,  your dashboard camera will record the reason for the stop. If the officer’s explanation changes later or you are accused of another violation, then the video evidence you have may help you prove these inaccuracies.

For instance, if you were informed you were speeding when you were pulled over, but you are given a ticket for running a stop sign, your traffic defense attorney can use the video recording to challenge the ticket.

Supporting Your Defense Following a Traffic Stop

If you get pulled over for a traffic offense, you can use your dash cam in one of the following ways.

Challenging Ticket Validity

If your traffic violation ticket is invalid, your dash cam footage provides essential evidence. For example, you can challenge the ticket if you are given a citation for running through a red light, but the footage reveals that the light was yellow.

Also, some dash cam models have a built-in GPS that superimposes your speed on the video – proving that you may not have exceeded the speed limit.

Proving Mitigating Circumstances

You can prove you were not guilty of reckless driving if you were trying to avoid a road hazard at the time that you swerved or were driving erratically.

Questioning a Police Officer’s Behavior

Rarely, but sometimes, a police officer might exaggerate or make up an offense. For example, they may accuse you of texting when you weren’t texting at the time you were stopped.

Promoting Respectful Interactions 

We tend to be more polite when our actions are subject to a camera’s recording. At the same time, an officer who is aware that he or she is being watched will usually follow the correct protocol.

Including Clear and Supporting Evidence for the Court

Dash cam footage can provide convincing evidence if you decide to contest your ticket in court. It tells exactly what happened without any bias, which is more persuasive than verbal testimony. Judges often like hard evidence since it makes their judgments certain and defendant-friendly.

Protecting Passengers and Getting the Evidence Needed for Unwarranted Searches

Whenever your passengers are detained unnecessarily or vehicle searches are carried out without probable cause, you can use the footage for your defense or in any complaints you file against the police.

Preventing False Claims

Not all drivers are polite or honest. They may engage in road rage, make false allegations, or try to scare others on the road. A dash cam can protect you by recording the truth – revealing another party’s behavior.

For example, picture a scenario where an aggressive driver is tailgating you, is honking excessively, or swerves in front of your car. Without a dash cam, the driver might claim you were the one driving recklessly.

After all, it’s your word against theirs. However, if you have footage from a dash cam, you can prove that the other party was behaving aggressively and you were driving defensively.

Or, maybe someone has accused you of hitting their car while they were parked. Perhaps they claimed you sideswiped them on the highway.

If so, you need not despair. Your dashboard camera can help you refute a wrongful accusation. This evidence can prevent hikes in insurance rates and unwanted legal entanglements and issues.

Improving Your Driving

Beyond its protective functions, a dash cam can also be an excellent educational tool for improving your driving skills. We all have blind spots in our driving habits, and sometimes, it takes some video footage to recognize areas that need improvement.

For example, you might notice that you are following too closely behind other drivers or that you tend to roll through a stop sign instead of coming to a complete stop.

If you have teen drivers in your family, your dash cam footage can be used as a teaching tool for them as well.

Contact a Traffic Lawyer About Your Traffic Violation Now

A traffic lawyer can help you with a speeding ticket or other traffic violations following a traffic stop or after an accident. Don’t rely on dash cam footage alone. Make sure you have proper legal representation. Contact a criminal defense attorney now about your traffic violation today.