Can Dashcam Footage Be Used as Evidence in a Missouri Car Accident Case?

Car accidents often come down to one person's word against another's. When drivers provide conflicting accounts of what happened, proving liability can become much more difficult. Fortunately, dashcam footage can provide an objective record of the moments before, during, and after a collision. In many Missouri car accident cases, this evidence can help establish fault and strengthen an insurance claim or lawsuit.

If you were injured in a crash, understanding how dashcam footage may be used is important. At AGH Law, we provide legal assistance to individuals throughout the Kansas City area who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents and need help protecting their rights.

What Is Dashcam Footage?

A dashcam is a camera mounted inside a vehicle that continuously records the road while a vehicle is in motion. Some systems also capture the interior of the vehicle or footage from the rear.

Depending on the model, dashcams may record:

• Traffic conditions
• Vehicle speed
• Road signs and traffic signals
• Weather conditions
• Driver actions
• Audio inside the vehicle
• GPS location and timestamps

This information can provide valuable context when determining how an accident occurred.

Is Dashcam Footage Admissible in Missouri?

Yes. Dashcam footage may be admissible as evidence in Missouri if it meets the legal requirements for authenticity and relevance.

Before a court or insurance company relies on dashcam footage, it generally must be shown that:

• The recording accurately depicts the events.
• The footage has not been altered or manipulated.
• The recording is relevant to the issues being disputed.
• The person presenting the footage can verify its authenticity.

When these requirements are satisfied, dashcam footage can become a powerful piece of evidence during settlement negotiations or litigation.

How Dashcam Footage Can Help Prove Fault

Dashcam recordings often provide details that witnesses may overlook or remember differently after a traumatic event.

The footage may help establish:

• Which driver had the right of way
• Whether a traffic signal was red or green
• If a driver was speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Following too closely
• Distracted or reckless driving
• Weather or road conditions contributing to the crash

Having video evidence can reduce disputes about liability and provide a clearer picture of the accident.

Can Footage From Another Driver's Dashcam Be Used?

Yes. Dashcam footage does not have to come from your own vehicle.

Useful recordings may come from:

• Another driver involved in the accident
• Witnesses who stopped at the scene
• Commercial vehicles equipped with cameras
• Ride-share vehicles
• Delivery trucks
• Nearby businesses with exterior surveillance cameras

An attorney may be able to help identify and preserve these recordings before they are deleted.

Why Acting Quickly Is Important

Many dashcam systems automatically overwrite older recordings after a certain amount of time. Surveillance systems from nearby businesses may also delete footage within days or weeks.

For this reason, it is important to:

• Save your dashcam footage immediately.
• Back up the recording in multiple locations.
• Avoid editing or altering the video.
• Notify your attorney about any available recordings.
• Request preservation of third-party footage as soon as possible.

The sooner evidence is preserved, the better your chances of using it effectively.

Can Dashcam Footage Hurt Your Case?

While dashcam footage often benefits an injured victim, it can also reveal information that may be unfavorable.

For example, the recording could show:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Failure to wear a seatbelt
• Unsafe driving behavior

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning an injured person may still recover compensation even if they share some responsibility for the accident. However, any recovery may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.

Because of this, it is important to have an attorney review all available evidence before presenting it during negotiations or litigation.

Other Evidence That Can Support Your Claim

Dashcam footage is only one part of a strong personal injury case. Additional evidence may include:

• Police reports
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Vehicle damage assessments
• Cell phone records when appropriate
• Accident reconstruction analysis

Combining multiple sources of evidence often creates a stronger claim than relying on a single piece of evidence alone.

How an Attorney Can Help

Obtaining and preserving dashcam footage is only one aspect of building a successful car accident claim. An attorney can investigate the collision, gather additional evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

At AGH Law, we help accident victims throughout Kansas City understand their legal options and work to build strong cases supported by available evidence, including dashcam recordings whenever possible.