Why a “Dash Cam” Can Be a Good Investment
Dashboard cameras, or “dash cams” are increasingly common in Ontario. Have you considered whether you should have one of these devices? After a motor vehicle accident, they can provide valuable evidence.
How do dash cams work?
The camera is usually mounted to the car’s interior, such as the upper windscreen or top of the dashboard. It is wired to your car’s ignition; as soon as you start the engine, video and audio recording begins. There are no controls, and the device records continuously on a loop. Video will be overwritten once the device is full, so the amount of history retained is dependent upon storage capacity.
More advanced dashboard cameras can record in night vision. Some options also include GPS, to specify the location of the recording, and WiFi, which allows video to be transferred easily to another device; handy if you regularly travel long distances.
Some cameras also include motion or sensor activated recording, powered by a small back-up battery. This captures a few minutes of video whenever the sensor is triggered. If your car is the target of a theft, or a hit-and-run, the dash cam could pick up valuable evidence.
Are dashboard cameras legal in Ontario?
Use of a dash cam is legal on roads in Ontario. You are allowed to film in public spaces, and there are no privacy laws to prevent recording of other individuals in public.
However, dash cams must be used in accordance with distracted driving laws. The device should record automatically, and cannot be adjusted or used while driving.
How dash cams can help you after a motor vehicle accident
Most people use a dash cam as a safeguard against other drivers. If someone hits you when you are driving, it can come down to your word against theirs. Even if there are witnesses, eyewitness recollections are often unreliable, and can fade by the time a witness gives statements to insurance adjusters.
A dash cam will capture the events leading up to any accident, and show who is at fault. When your insurance company needs to make a determination, dash cam footage can be the difference. If you are injured in an accident, the recording can also help prove any claim you may have against a negligent driver.
Remember, however, that a dashboard camera is also recording your own activity. If you are involved in an accident, the video becomes evidence that should be preserved.
Dedicated legal advice following a motor vehicle accident
If you have been involved in a car accident in the past, you may be thinking of installing a dashboard camera in your vehicle, especially if you disagree with your insurer’s apportionment of fault. If you have been injured, you may also be dealing with your insurer over an accident benefits claim.
The lawyers at Derfel Injury Law have extensive experience managing insurance related matters. We can handle communications with your insurance company, and you can focus on recovery knowing that your claim is in good hands.
To make an appointment with one of our lawyers, contact us online or call 416-847-3580. We can meet new clients in Toronto.