How Can You Use The Dashcams Properly To Make An RTA Claim?
Sarah John's
Legal Writer
Dashcams are becoming increasingly popular among drivers in Scotland. These handy little devices provide an objective eye on the road, capturing accidents that might otherwise be missed. But how can you use this cutting-edge technology to aid in a Road Traffic Accident claim?
In this article, we’ll explore dashcams in detail: what they are, their legality, and how they can be utilised as evidence in an RTA claim. We’ll also delve into the potential downsides of using dashcams and discuss whether or not you need to inform your car insurance about them.
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What Is A Dashcam?
A dashcam, short for a dashboard camera, is a small video recording device that you can fit onto your car’s windscreen or dashboard. It’s a bit like a CCTV for your vehicle. When you drive, your dashcam records everything happening on the road ahead and sometimes even behind, depending on your model.
This means it can capture accidents that might occur while you are driving on the road. It’s becoming a popular tool among drivers who want to have a reliable record of events in case of a dispute or an accident claim. So, in a nutshell, a dashcam is your own personal eyewitness on the road, always ready to capture the unexpected.
Even if there is no one around to provide a witness statement, your dashcam footage will be enough as proof of the accident. This can help when you claim compensation for your injuries or damages to your vehicle.
Are You Allowed To Use Dash Cams?
Absolutely! In Scotland, you can install dash cams in your car as and when you like; there are no special legal requirements. These cams are often used by drivers who want to document their journeys and provide solid evidence in case of a car accident.
However, it’s important to ensure that your dash cam doesn’t block your view of the road; otherwise, it is illegal. It must be fitted correctly on your windscreen or dashboard so it doesn’t obstruct your ability to drive safely. Always remember, safety comes first! So, feel free to use a dash cam for peace of mind on the road. It’s well within your rights as a driver.
Can I Use Dash Cam Footage As Evidence In A Road Traffic Accident?
Yes, you certainly can! Dash cam footage can be used as evidence in a Road Traffic Accident (RTA) in Scotland. If you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, the video recorded by your dash cam could be crucial.
They are a bit like CCTV cameras in that they record footage onto an internal SD card. Plus, the video, like CCTV footage, is stamped with the date and time, which helps prove when the accident happened. This timestamping also makes it hard for anyone to tamper with the recorded evidence.
It provides a factual and impartial record of what actually happened, which can help sort out who was at fault. This is particularly useful when different people involved in the accident are telling different or conflicting stories. Dashcam footage, just like police reports, can be strong evidence in personal injury claims and can help you claim injuries compensation for all your injuries.
How Are Dashcams Helpful For a Road Accident Claim?
Dashcams can be incredibly helpful for a Road Accident Claim in Scotland. Let’s think about this: when an accident happens, sometimes it’s tricky to work out who was at fault. Maybe there are no witnesses, or maybe the people involved remember things differently; this is where a dashcam comes in handy.
The footage from a dashcam can provide clear, unbiased evidence of what happened. It can show the actions of drivers, pedestrians, and even the road conditions at the time of the accident. This evidence can be used to help decide who was at fault.
In some cases, the footage might even show an accident wasn’t your fault at all. This could help you avoid points on your licence and a potential increase in your insurance premium.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Dash Cams?
While dash cams can be extremely useful in a road accident claim, they also have some downsides. Firstly, they can be a bit of a bother to install, and you need to make sure they’re set up correctly so they don’t obstruct your view. They must not get in the way of your safe driving.
Also, dashcams only record what’s in their field of view. If an accident happens outside this range, it might not be captured. Some dash cams only record the road ahead, so they might miss something happening at the side or behind your car.
There’s also the issue of privacy. Some people might not be happy about being recorded without their knowledge. In Scotland, it’s legal to record in public, but it’s good to be aware of this concern.
The footage can also be used against you in situations where you believe you weren’t at fault, but you actually were. The footage can also be hard to interpret sometimes; for example, it might not clearly show who was at fault in a complex situation.
Finally, there’s a small chance that a visible dash cam might attract a thief. You might need to remove it whenever you park your car, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Despite these drawbacks, numerous drivers find that the benefits of having a dash cam outweigh these potential disadvantages.
Do I need to tell car insurance about the dash cam?
In Scotland, at least, you are not legally required to tell your car insurance company that you’ve installed a dash cam. However, it can be a good idea to let them know anyway. Why, you ask? Well, some insurance companies actually appreciate drivers using dash cams because they can provide clear evidence in the event of a claim. This could potentially help settle disputes more quickly.
In fact, a few insurance companies might even offer a discount on your premium if you have a dash cam installed. You should consult with your insurer to see if this applies to you. So, while it’s not a must to tell your insurer about your dash cam, it could be beneficial to do so. Always remember to double-check with your insurance provider to understand their stance on dash cams.
Can you report someone for speeding with a dashcam?
Yes, it is possible to report someone for speeding if you’ve caught them on your dash cam. Police forces often appreciate the public’s help in catching dangerous drivers. If you capture clear footage of speeding or being irresponsible to other road users, you can submit the footage to your local police. It’s important that the footage clearly shows the number plate of the vehicle and the offence being committed.
However, you should not use your dash cam irresponsibly. Don’t try to follow or chase a speeding driver, as this could put you and others at risk. Instead, safely capture what you can and report it to the authorities. Let’s all do our bit to help keep Scotland’s roads safe!
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How do I send dashcam footage to the insurance company?
If you’ve had an accident and you’ve captured it on your dash cam, you might want to send this footage to your insurance company. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Make sure you save the footage; dash cams often work by recording over old footage, so it’s important to save the relevant clip as soon as possible to prevent it from being deleted.
- Next, copy the footage onto your computer or another device. You can usually do this by removing the SD card from the dash cam and inserting it into your computer.
- Once the footage is on your computer, you can send it to your insurance company. Some insurers might have an online portal where you can upload the footage. If not, you could email it to them or put it on a memory stick and send it by post.
Note: Before you send anything, you should contact your insurance company. They can tell you the best way to send your footage, and they might also need to give you some instructions or forms to fill in.
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