Recommended Dashcams by a Car Accident Lawyer

by: Everett Lupton

What is a Dashcam?

Dashcams (dashboard cameras) are digital video recorders usually placed on the dashboard of a car to record the view of the front windscreen. Dashcams can also be mounted on the front windshield or in other locations that record other vehicles and conditions around the host vehicle, such as views from the rear window or other windows.

Dashcams are primarily used to capture video footage of a vehicle’s surrounding activity and may serve as a visual record of events on the road.

Is using a dashcam legal in Virginia?

Yes, dashcams are legal in the United States, including Virginia. However, some states may have their own rules concerning proper placement and installation of dashcams. In Virginia, dashcams cannot obstruct the driver’s view of the road. Dashcams also cannot be mounted on the windshield in Virginia.

Does your insurance go down if you have a dashcam?

Most insurance companies do not offer discounts or reduced premiums for dashcam use.

Dashcam footage may be used as evidence in proving liability in an auto accident. Submitting dashcam footage to an auto insurance company, without review or clearance by your personal injury attorney, may be used against you in your personal injury claim.

What are the disadvantages of owning a dashcam?

Dashcam video may benefit the user by proving the fault of another driver in the event of an accident. Some dashcams can record everything happening within view of the camera, even while the car is parked overnight. Some new cars include telematics (systems that provide monitoring of cars and other vehicles) and other safety features as standard or optional equipment.

Some disadvantages to dashcam use are:

1. Dashcam purchase and storage costs: Dashcam prices range between $25 and $100+. This range may already be out of budget for some drivers, without considering storage costs. Depending on the product manufacturer, some dashcams use storage disks (SD cards) while others may use a cloud-based app accessible by phone or computer. Once dashcam footage storage reaches the app or SD card threshold, the user may need to pay a fee, buy a new card, or spend time cleaning out the storage of the device to continue using the dashcam.
2. Privacy concerns: Some dashcams can record the audio within a car that may be used as evidence in a car accident dispute. But not even dashcams can foresee an auto accident and will continuously record video and audio. In some states, it is illegal to record audio conversations without the consent of all parties involved.
3. Data Storage Privacy: There are some concerns about the storage and access of dashcam footage. Conduct your own research into your dashcam’s methods of collecting and storing data.
4. Footage Can Be Used Against You: Dashcam footage can be used against you in the event of an auto accident.

Holiday Traffic Accidents and How a Dashcam May Help

National holidays are peak times for traffic and traffic accidents. Labor Day in Virginia is no exception for high traffic and auto accidents. It’s important to plan your route, stops, and itinerary before you drive to reduce distractions while on the road.

Dashcam footage can be helpful in situations such as:

• Capturing auto accidents, disputes, driving footage
• Deterrents for crime in hit-and-runs, vandalism, etc.
• Acting as evidence for insurance claims
• Improving safety by monitoring driver behavior

Be prepared for your holiday road trip fun by making sure that your vehicle is properly serviced and equipped.

Dashcam Features You Need

Before you buy a dashcam, here are some things to keep in mind while you’re shopping:

• Each state has different regulations in place for dashcams. For Virginia vehicles, dashcams can only be mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle and should not obstruct the driver’s view of the road. Drivers in Virginia should avoid purchasing dashcams that can only be mounted on the windshield.
• Not all dashcams have an audio recorder. While audio recordings of dashcam footage are not always necessary evidence, they can capture sound that can help convey damage in an auto injury case.
• 50% of traffic deaths happen at night, according to NSC Injury Facts by the National Safety Council. Consider acquiring a dashcam with night vision to capture auto accidents occurring in the less visible hours of the day.
• Dashcams with a wide angle (>= 270°) mounted properly can capture a larger area of the area visible on a windshield.
• Even without a driver behind the wheel, dashcams with parking mode can record and store footage of the car’s surroundings while stationary. This can prevent or deter crime and vandalism.

Other features to consider in your dashcam:

• Rear camera
• Accessible remotely through app
• Recording 60 frames per second to slow down frames and capture all of the details
• Dashcams recording in 1080p, 4K, or higher

Dashcams That Arrive By Labor Day for Hampton Roads/Tidewater

If you live in Virginia Beach or the surrounding Hampton Roads and Tidewater region, we have compiled a list of dashcams estimated to deliver in our region before Labor Day Weekend.

Slaughter & Lupton Law, PLLC and the author are not recommending any particular dashcam or that you should purchase a dashcam. Slaughter & Lupton Law, PLLC is not, in any way, affiliated with, sponsored by, or receiving commissions from any of the brands listed below:

1. Dash Cam Front and Rear, 4k+1080P Dual Dash Camera for Cars, 1.5” WiFi Mini Dashcam with App, 170°Wide Angle Car Camera, Night Vision, 24H Parking Mode, 32GB Card Included, G-Sensor, Support 256GB Max
2. Dash Cam Front and Inside, 2.5K+1080P Dual Camera for Cars, Hidden Car Camera Front and Interior with Super Night Vision, 4 IR LEDs, G-Sensor, 24H Parking Mode, Loop Recording, 32GB Card Included
3. NEXPOW 2K Wifi Front Dash Cam with Voice Control,Dash Camera for Car with App,24H Parking Mode,G-Sensor,Loop Recording,IR Night Vision

Travel Safely

Dashcams are useful but will not defend you physically in the event of an auto accident. Take special care driving long distances this weekend. Stay vigilant in high traffic areas and be aware of your surroundings.

For more driving safety tips, see Attorney Nicole Sanzo’s article before you start preparing for Labor Day Weekend.

Know Before You Go

If you or a loved one has been affected by a car accident injury, Slaughter & Lupton Law is here to help. Tell us about your accident, the events leading up to it, and the pain you have felt since then. Let experienced trial lawyers handle your personal injury case so you can focus on healing.

Call us at 757-999-1111 for more information or fill out the contact form below.

Everett Lupton is a partner and practicing attorney at Slaughter & Lupton Law, PLLC. His expertise ranges from motor vehicle accidents, serious slip and falls, to wrongful death cases over decades practicing in Virginia and North Carolina. Learn more about Everett on his Attorney Profile.