How Dashcams Can Help in a Car Accident

• A dashcam can provide crucial evidence in car accidents, helping you prove fault and protect your rights.
• Dashcams are broadly legal in Minnesota, with minor restrictions on their use.
• Dashcams are increasingly popular due to their ability to guard against false accusations and fraudulent claims.

Dashcams are small cameras you can mount on the dashboard or windshield of your vehicle. These cameras will record everything happening in front of you while driving. (You can also install them in the back for a rear view!)

After an accident, your dashcam will give you real-time evidence of what caused it, including:

• Road conditions
• Weather
• Obstacles
• Pedestrians
• Driver behavior

Dashcams come in various types. Single-lens dashcams record only the view from the front windshield, while dual-lens models also record inside the vehicle. Some models come equipped with advanced features like GPS tracking and night vision.

Dashcams have become a popular choice for drivers in Minnesota and across the U.S. This is primarily because they protect against fraudulent claims or false accusations. Installing a dashcam gives you an unbiased record of events to use in disputes with other drivers, insurance companies, or law enforcement officers.

1. Accurate Record of Events

Dashcams provide an unbiased, real-time account of events leading up to and during a car accident. This can be crucial in determining the cause of the accident and proving fault. Unlike eyewitness accounts, which can be unreliable and influenced by stress or memory lapses, dashcam footage offers an objective perspective, capturing every detail as it happened.

2. Supporting Evidence for Insurance Claims

One of the primary benefits of dashcams is their ability to support insurance claims. In the aftermath of an accident, drivers often dispute who was at fault and the extent of damages.

Dashcam footage can help resolve these disputes quickly by providing clear evidence, expediting the claims process, and ensuring fair settlements. Insurance companies are less likely to deny or reduce claims when presented with indisputable video evidence.

3. Protection Against Fraud

Dashcams also help combat insurance fraud, particularly "crash-for-cash" schemes where fraudsters deliberately cause accidents to file false claims. These schemes can increase insurance premiums and legal headaches for innocent drivers.

Dashcam footage helps expose fraudulent activities by clearly showing the intentional actions of the fraudsters, protecting honest drivers from unjust blame.

4. Assistance in Hit-and-Run Incidents

In a hit-and-run accident, dashcams can capture crucial details about the fleeing vehicle, such as the:

• License plate number
• Make
• Model
• Condition

This information can help law enforcement identify the offender and bring them to justice. It can also aid in filing claims with insurance companies, ensuring the victim is not left to bear the costs alone.

5. Legal Support in Court

If necessary, dashcam footage can serve as compelling evidence in court. The recording can:

• Support witness testimony
• Clarify conflicting accounts
• Corroborate police reports

Dashcam footage has significantly influenced the outcome of cases, providing clear and unbiased evidence for who was at fault. That evidence can make all the difference in getting the compensation you’re owed.

PRO TIP: Some insurance companies offer discounts or other benefits for installing a dashcam in your vehicle. Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any incentives for using a dashcam!

When buying a dashcam, it's important to choose one that meets your needs. Here are some useful features to look for.

1. Video Quality

Look for dashcams with at least 1080p resolution for clear and detailed video footage. Higher resolution, such as 1440p or 4K, provides even better clarity, which can be crucial for capturing small details like license plate numbers and street signs.

2. Frame Rate

A higher frame rate (e.g., 60 frames per second) ensures smoother video playback, making it easier to analyze footage and identify fast-moving objects.

3. Field of View

Dashcams with a wide-angle lens (140° to 170°) capture more of the road and surroundings, providing a comprehensive view of events. This can be particularly useful for recording multiple lanes of traffic and pedestrian activity.

Ensure the wide-angle lens does not produce excessive distortion at the edges, making it difficult to interpret footage accurately.

4. Storage Space

Dashcams typically use microSD cards for storage. Look for models that support large-capacity cards (e.g., 64GB, 128GB) to store more footage before overwriting old files.

Getting a dashcam with a loop recording is always wise. This feature ensures continuous recording by automatically overwriting the oldest footage when the memory card is full, so you never run out of recording space.

5. Low-Light Recording

Dashcams equipped with infrared LEDs and advanced sensors (e.g., Sony Starvis) perform better in low-light conditions, providing clear footage at night or in poorly lit environments.

Some dashcams allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the night vision feature, ensuring optimal performance in various lighting conditions.

6. GPS and Speed Tracking

Dashcams with built-in GPS can record your location, speed, and route, adding valuable context to the footage. This information can be crucial in proving your case in an accident or dispute.

Some models also offer speed alerts, warning you if you exceed the speed limit, which can help you drive more safely.

7. Impact Detection

A dashcam with a G-sensor detects sudden movements or impacts, such as during an accident, and automatically saves the footage to prevent it from being overwritten. This ensures that critical moments are preserved for review.

The G-sensor can activate recording even when the vehicle is parked, capturing incidents like hit-and-runs or vandalism.

8. Ease of Installation

Dashcams typically come with either suction cup mounts, which are easy to install and remove, or adhesive mounts, which provide a more permanent and stable installation. Choose the one that best suits your needs,

9. Ease of Use

Look for dashcams with intuitive interfaces and easy-to-navigate menus. Features like large buttons, clear displays, and simple setup processes can make using the dashcam more convenient.

Dashcams with voice control allow you to perform functions like starting or stopping recording, taking photos, or turning on features without taking your hands off the wheel, enhancing safety and convenience

10. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

Some high-end dashcams come with ADAS features, such as lane departure warnings and forward collision alerts. These can enhance your driving safety by providing real-time alerts to potential hazards.

When using a dashcam in Minnesota, it’s important to be aware of specific legal requirements and privacy considerations to ensure compliance with state laws.

1. Mounting Restrictions

In Minnesota, dashcams must be mounted directly behind, slightly above, or slightly below the rearview mirror. Mounting them on the dashboard or any other location that obstructs the driver’s view is prohibited. This ensures that the dashcam does not impede the driver’s clear view of the road.

2. One-Party Recording Consent

Minnesota follows a one-party consent rule for audio recordings. This means that as the driver and owner of the vehicle, you can legally record audio within your car without needing to inform passengers​ or obtain their consent.

However, when on private property (such as parking lots or private driveways) it is advisable to turn off your dashcam. That way, you can avoid recording individuals in situations where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Recording without consent in such situations could lead to privacy violations.

3. Handling and Sharing Footage

Dashcam footage should be treated as sensitive data. Ensure that it is securely stored and protected against unauthorized access. Use encrypted storage solutions and set strong passwords to safeguard the footage​.

Avoid publicly sharing footage that could identify individuals without their consent, as this could lead to legal issues. Use the footage for its intended purposes: documenting accidents or interactions with law enforcement​.

4. Commercial Use of Dashcams

Employers must inform their employees if dashcams are installed in commercial vehicles, such as:

• Taxis
• Delivery trucks
• Company cars

This ensures transparency and helps maintain trust between employers and employees.

Are dashcams legal in Minnesota?

Yes, dashcams are legal in Minnesota, but there are specific placement regulations you must follow. Dashcams must be mounted directly behind, slightly above, or slightly below the rearview mirror. Mounting them on the dashboard or in any other location that obstructs the driver’s view is prohibited.

If a dashcam is improperly mounted and obstructs the driver’s view, you could face a fine or traffic violation. Additionally, any evidence collected from an improperly placed dashcam may not be admissible in court.

Do I need to inform passengers about audio recording in my vehicle?

Minnesota is a one-party consent state for audio recordings. This means you, as the driver and owner of the vehicle, can legally record audio without needing to inform or obtain consent from passengers. However, it is good practice to inform passengers to avoid potential privacy concerns​.

Can I use dashcam footage in court?

Yes, dashcam footage can be used in court as evidence. It can support witness testimony, clarify conflicting accounts, and corroborate police reports. However, ensure your dashcam is legally mounted, as improperly placed dashcams that obstruct the driver’s view could render the footage inadmissible.

PRO TIP: Regularly double-check that the date and time settings on your dashcam are turned on and accurate. This information can be crucial when presenting footage as evidence.

Are there special regulations for commercial vehicles using dashcams?

Yes, employers must inform their employees if dashcams are installed in commercial vehicles, such as taxis, delivery trucks, and company cars. Employers should also have clear policies on the use and storage of dashcam footage to address privacy concerns​.

Can I record interactions with police officers using a dashcam in Minnesota?

Yes, you are legally allowed to record interactions with police officers in Minnesota, as it falls within your rights in a public setting. This includes during traffic stops and other encounters on public roads.

Can I share dashcam footage on social media?

The legal implications of sharing dashcam footage on social media can be murky.

Sharing footage that identifies individuals, including their faces, license plates, or private conversations, can lead to privacy violations. It’s advisable to blur sensitive details and obtain consent from those identifiable in the footage before sharing​ anything.

Do I need a rear dashcam as well as a front one?

While not mandatory, having both front and rear dashcams can provide a more comprehensive view of incidents, capturing events that occur behind your vehicle as well. This can be particularly useful in cases of rear-end collisions or hit-and-run incidents​.

Can I use a dashcam to monitor my teen's driving?

Yes, many parents use dashcams to monitor their teen's driving behavior. This can provide peace of mind and help ensure safe driving practices. However, it is important to communicate openly with your teen about the presence of the dashcam and its purpose to maintain trust and transparency​.

What’s the best dashcam model for Minnesota drivers?

While the choice of a dashcam can depend on personal preferences and needs, it is recommended to choose models that offer high video quality (1080p or higher), good low-light performance, and reliable mounting options that comply with Minnesota's regulations. Features like GPS tracking, wide-angle lenses, and G-sensors for impact detection can also be beneficial.

What should I do with my dashcam footage after an accident?

After an accident, you’ll want to preserve the dashcam footage, as it can serve as evidence in a claim. Transfer the footage to a secure storage device and back it up to prevent loss. Provide a copy to your attorney, and get advice on the next steps.

Installing a dashcam in your vehicle is a smart decision that can provide invaluable protection on the road. Your dashcam will help you:

• Accurately document accidents
• Support insurance claims
• Combat fraud
• Capture critical details in hit-and-run incidents

Of course, even with a dashcam, you’ll need legal assistance after an accident. That’s where we come in!

SiebenCarey is the ONLY Minnesota law firm with a 70-year legacy of trust, fighting for the rights of Minnesota injury victims. With SiebenCarey in your corner, you’ll get the full benefit of our:

• Decades of success in settlement negotiations and trials
• Comprehensive legal resources
• Experienced team of lawyers, paralegals, and investigators
• “Know Your Rights” guarantee of genuine care and clear communication with EVERY client

Best of all, we always work with a contingency fee. That means you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

Reach out today, and we’ll gladly answer all your questions. Let’s talk!