Are Dash-Mirror Cams Helpful for Filming Crashes?
Posted in Car Accidents on January 29, 2017.
Dashboard cameras have become popular thanks to the advent of more affordable technologies and the internet. Published videos of car accidents from dashboard cameras have given these devices a reputation as a viable way to film crashes, determine fault, and show proof of liability. Dashboard cameras work on their own, requiring no effort from the user other than installation. There are generally no downsides to installing a dash-mirror cam besides initial cost investment. If your dash cam proves someone else’s liability in just one crash, however, it will pay for itself.
Burden of Proof in Car Accident Cases
In all car accident cases, the plaintiff bears a burden of proof. In negotiations with police officers, insurance companies, and judges in personal injury lawsuits, the plaintiff has the responsibility of proving another person’s fault. This can be difficult without hard evidence, especially in collisions that are often automatically one driver’s fault, such as rear-end collisions. Proving fault often involves taking photographs of the scene, interviewing eyewitnesses, and hiring an expert to testify.
Video footage from a dash-mirror cam can be indisputable proof of another driver’s liability in an accident. In the rear-end collision example, a dash cam could prove that the driver you rear-ended failed to pay attention to the road and watch for hazards or failed to stop within a reasonable time.
Installing a dash-mirror camera in your vehicle can help you provide evidence in a car accident case that’s much more reliable than eyewitness or even expert testimony. Dash cam footage can also speed up the reporting process and prevent the need to submit an appeal to your insurance company. It can help mitigate spikes in your insurance rates and save money in damages. Having a dashcam can also discourage dishonest people from trying to take advantage of you when they know they were at fault for an accident.
Top-Rated Dash-Mirror Cameras
The question shouldn’t be whether a dash-mirror cam can help you film crashes, but which one will you purchase. There are dozens of popular dash cams on today’s market, with new models coming out often. Deciding which device to buy and install in your vehicle depends on your budget, goals, and personal preferences. Here are a few of the top-rated dashboard cameras and their specifications:
- Black Box G1W Original Dashboard Dash Cam. This camera offers a 140-degree view, LED night vision, and an Aptina AR0330 lens. Bonus features include a 4x zoom for up-close viewing, a super high-definition setting for an ultra-clear picture. At under $60, this is one of the more affordable options.
- Blackcam BCH-1000 Hybrid. This option is touch screen, with a large, easy-to-use interface. Although this camera comes with a higher price point (about $180), buyers get high quality and a lot of features for their money, including a Panasonic CMOS sensor, noise reduction, temperature tolerance, and a separate rear camera.
- Black Box Mobius Pro Mini Action Camera. This compact, versatile dash-mirror cam is smaller and uses far less space than most other models. However, it’s missing the LCD screen, suction mount, and G-sensor. The Mobius uses Velcro to adhere to your vehicle, making it removable so you can attach it to a helmet or handlebars for versatility.
These are just three top options from a list of excellent choices. A higher-quality camera may be a larger investment, but it might also serve as a more accurate and reliable form of proof in a car accident. A higher definition picture and zoom capabilities, for example, could help you see the license plate information of a hit-and-run driver. A dash-mirror cam can serve as a means to gather hard evidence of another driver’s fault, or at least of your innocence in causing a car accident. It can protect your rights, finances, and personal property.