How Dashcam Footage Can Strengthen Your Nevada Car Accident Claim

Car accidents can happen in an instant. In just a few seconds, your life can change. Your car is damaged, you’re injured, and now you have to deal with insurance companies and possibly even a lawsuit. But what if you had clear and honest proof about what really happened? This is where a dashcam can make a big difference.

At Claggett & Sykes, we help car accident victims across Reno and throughout Nevada. One of the things we ask our car accident clients is, “Do you have any dashcam footage?” Having that footage can really help your case.

What is a dashcam?

Dashcam is short for dashboard camera, a small video camera mounted on your windshield or dashboard. It records while you drive, capturing everything that happens on the road. Some dashcams also record sound, location (GPS), or footage from the rear of the car. Think of it like your car’s security camera. There are many types of dashcams, from basic models that record in one direction, to more advanced types that offer high-definition video and cloud storage. No matter the type, all dashcams serve the same purpose – to record the truth.

What does dashcam footage matter in a Reno car accident case?

Here in Nevada, if you’re in a car accident, you usually need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In order to do this, you’ll have to prove what happened and who was at fault. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be. Dashcam footage can help with the following:

• After a crash, drivers often disagree about the cause. You may say the other driver ran a red light, while they say the light was green. Without witnesses or video, it becomes a “he said, she said” situation. But if your dashcam recorded the light turning green, you’ll have hard proof on your side. Video doesn’t lie. It can show if someone ran a stop sign, made an illegal turn, or was texting while driving. It’s visual evidence that can back up your side of the story and make your claim much stronger.
• Nevada follows a legal rule called comparative negligence. This means that if both drivers are partly at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced by the percentage that you’re responsible for. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you likely can’t recover anything at all. Let’s say you’re in an accident and the other driver says you were speeding. But your dashcam shows you were driving at a safe speed and staying in your lane. That footage can help show you weren’t at fault, or at least not mostly at fault, which can protect your right to compensation.
• Police officers usually respond to Reno car accidents and file a report based on what they see and hear. But officers aren’t perfect. They may misunderstand what happened or miss something important. If the police report doesn’t tell the full story, dashcam footage can provide missing details or even correct errors. For example, if the officer notes that you were at fault, but your dashcam shows the other driver speeding through a red light, that footage can help us challenge the report and argue your case more effectively.
• A hit-and-run accident can be incredibly frustrating. The driver who hit you takes off before you can get their license plate or talk to witnesses. If you have a dashcam, it could capture the other vehicle’s license plate, the make and model of the car, what direction they went, and how the accident happened. This can be important for police investigations and insurance claims, especially if you want to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage.

Is dashcam footage legal in Nevada?

Yes. Dashcams are legal in Reno and throughout Nevada, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Nevada law says you can mount a device like a dashcam as long as it doesn’t block more than a 2-inch square on the driver’s side or a 4-inch square on the passenger side of the windshield (within the area cleared by windshield wipers).
• Pertaining to audio, Nevada is a one-party consent state, which means as long as one person in a conversation agrees to the recording (like you), it’s typically legal. However, be careful about recording passengers or conversations without them knowing, especially if you plan to use the audio in court.

Always check the placement and settings of your dashcam to ensure you’re following the law.

What do I do with my dashcam footage after a crash?

If you’re involved in a Reno car accident and you have dashcam footage, here’s what to do.

• Save the footage right away. Some dashcams record over old footage after a few days. Make sure to back it up to a computer or cloud storage as soon as you can.
• Make a copy of the footage for your attorney, so we can review it and use it as evidence in your claim.
• Don’t post it online. As tempting as it may be, don’t post the video to social media. It could hurt your case or even be used against you.

Should I get a dashcam?

It’s worth considering. Dashcams are easy to install, and many good models cost less than $100. It’s a small price to pay for something that could save you thousands of dollars in a car accident claim. If you drive regularly, especially in busy areas like Reno or Las Vegas, a dashcam can be a smart investment.

Dashcam footage can be one of the strongest pieces of evidence you have in a car accident claim. It shows exactly what happened, supports your version of events, and helps to prove your injuries and losses. At Claggett & Sykes, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you’ve been injured in a car accident here in Reno or anywhere in Nevada, give us a call. We’ll review your case, including any dashcam footage, and help you build the strongest claim possible. Call us or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation. We have offices in Las Vegas and Reno for your convenience.