Dashcam Footage in Maryland Car Accidents

Dashcam footage in Maryland car accidents can be critical evidence of what happened during a crash. When drivers are disputing liability, dashcams provide a visual record that can eliminate much of the guesswork involved in understanding the events leading up to the accident. Without this kind of footage, courts and insurance companies often rely on eyewitness accounts and vehicle damage to reconstruct the incident, which can be subjective and open to interpretation.

Witnesses might be distracted, have poor eyesight, or even be influenced by the traumatic nature of the crash. In contrast, dashcams capture what happened in real-time and, if properly authenticated, can be introduced as evidence in Maryland courts. While a dashcam may not record every angle or detail, it can still provide an essential perspective that helps clarify the circumstances of the accident.

It’s important to note that dashcam footage must meet Maryland’s evidentiary rules, including being relevant to the case and properly authenticated. Even the most compelling dashcam footage without these requirements may not be admissible in court.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Maryland and are wondering how dashcam footage could impact your case, it’s helpful to understand how this type of evidence is used in Maryland. While it may not capture the entire incident, it frequently captures enough to support or refute claims about who was at fault.

With the proper legal guidance from a skilled Baltimore car accident lawyer, dashcam footage can distinguish between winning and losing your case.

What is a Dashcam and How Does it Work?

A dashcam is a small camera mounted on the dashboard or windshield of a vehicle that records video footage while you drive. These devices are designed to capture the road ahead, and in some cases, they also record the vehicle’s interior. Modern dashcams often come with high-definition recording capabilities, such as 2K or 4K resolution, which can provide incredibly detailed footage.

This clarity can be instrumental in the event of a car accident, as it allows for zooming in on specific details that might not be visible in standard footage.

Dashcams continuously record footage in a loop, typically saving files in short intervals (such as one or five-minute clips). When the memory is complete, the oldest recordings are automatically overwritten unless a collision or other significant event triggers the dashcam to save that specific footage. Many dashcams are also equipped with G-sensors, which detect sudden movements or impacts, ensuring that important footage is preserved.

Dashcam Footage vs CCTV Footage in Maryland Car Accidents

In car accidents, dashcams can often be more beneficial than CCTV footage because of their placement inside the vehicle. While CCTV cameras usually capture the larger scene, or a “bird’ s-eye view,” they lack the level of detail that dashcams provide. CCTV footage can be helpful in certain situations, like multi-car accidents at stoplights or intersections, where the overall crash context is essential.

However, because dashcams offer a front-row perspective, they are better at capturing specific details, such as license plates, the actions of other drivers, and close-up footage of a crash. With 2K or 4K resolution, dashcam footage can be zoomed in without losing clarity, making it easier to spot important details that might be missed in a broader CCTV view.

Are Dashcams Legal in Maryland?

Dashcams are legal in Maryland, but drivers should be aware of specific regulations to ensure compliance with state laws. Maryland allows the use of dashcams in private vehicles as long as they don’t obstruct the driver’s view of the road.

This means drivers must place the dashcam in a location that does not impair their ability to see from the windshield or interfere with their vehicle control. Typically, dashcams are mounted on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror, where they can record without being a visual distraction.

Maryland’s Wiretapping and Surveillance Laws

One of Maryland’s most critical legal considerations regarding dashcam usage is the state’s wiretapping and surveillance laws. Maryland is a two-party consent state, meaning that all parties involved in a conversation or interaction must consent to be recorded.

This can present a legal issue if a dashcam records conversations inside the car without the passengers’ knowledge or consent. While video recording in public spaces is generally allowed, audio recording inside a vehicle without passenger consent could violate Maryland’s wiretapping laws.

To avoid legal complications, drivers using dashcams in Maryland should either turn off the audio recording function or ensure that all passengers know they are being recorded. Posting a clear notice or informing passengers verbally can help ensure compliance with the two-party consent rule.

Is Dashcam Footage Admissible as Evidence in Maryland Court?

Yes, dashcam footage is admissible as evidence in Maryland court, but certain conditions must be met for acceptance. The footage must be relevant to the case, providing information directly related to the car accident or dispute. Additionally, the dashcam footage must be authenticated, which means that the party presenting it must prove that the video is an accurate and untampered event recording.

This can be done by establishing a chain of custody and demonstrating that the footage hasn’t been edited or altered.

In summary, dashcams are legal in Maryland, but users must be mindful of placement and the state’s wiretapping laws, especially when recording audio. By following these guidelines, drivers can legally use dashcams to protect themselves and potentially provide vital evidence in the event of an accident.

Rules of Evidence in Maryland

In Maryland, courts follow specific rules regarding admitting evidence, including dashcam footage. One essential requirement is ensuring the footage is not misleading. For example, if the video doesn’t capture the full scope of the accident or shows only one perspective, it may be challenged in court.

Moreover, dashcam footage must be presented in a way that complies with Maryland’s evidentiary rules, such as showing that it was recorded at the time of the incident and on a functioning device.

How Dashcam Footage Can Affect Your Maryland Car Accident Claim

While dashcam footage can be incredibly helpful in proving that another driver was at fault, it can also hurt your case if you were partially liable. Maryland follows strict contributory negligence laws, which means that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.

If the dashcam footage shows that you were speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, it could be used against you by the opposing party. Therefore, it’s essential to review the footage carefully before deciding to submit it as evidence.

Authenticity and Reliability

For dashcam footage to be helpful in court, it must be reliable. The footage should clearly show the events leading up to and during the accident. Any gaps or inconsistencies could result in the footage being dismissed or even working against you.

That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that your dashcam is functioning correctly and recording continuously at the time of the crash. Additionally, any audio recorded by the dashcam should comply with Maryland’s two-party consent law, requiring all individuals to consent.

In conclusion, dashcam footage can only be admissible in Maryland courts if it meets strict legal standards. While it can help prove your case, it’s essential to ensure that the footage is both relevant and doesn’t inadvertently show any fault on your part.

Additional Types of Video Footage in Maryland Car Accident Claims

Regarding car accident claims in Maryland, dashcam footage is not the only video evidence that can be critical in proving what happened. Other forms of footage, such as CCTV, MDOT camera footage, body-camera footage, and various other video sources, can provide valuable perspectives that help paint a clearer picture of the incident.

These types of video footage are especially useful in complex cases, such as multi-vehicle accidents, hit-and-runs, or accidents at intersections where multiple points of view can help determine fault. Let’s explore additional types of video footage that can be used in Maryland car accident claims.

CCTV Footage

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage is a common source of video evidence in Maryland car accident claims. CCTV cameras are often installed at busy intersections, businesses, and streets to monitor traffic. While CCTV footage doesn’t capture the same detailed view as a dashcam, it provides a “bird’s eye view” of the accident scene. This type of footage is beneficial in situations involving multiple vehicles, such as accidents at stoplights or intersections.

CCTV footage can show how cars approached the intersection, whether anyone ran a red light, or if a driver failed to yield.

Because CCTV cameras are typically positioned high above the roadway, they can capture the broader context of an accident, which is crucial when determining fault in complex situations. However, one limitation of CCTV footage is that it may not capture more minor details, like vehicle speed or specific actions taken by drivers immediately before the collision.

Still, it’s a valuable resource for establishing general circumstances, such as vehicles’ travel direction and the scene’s layout.

MDOT Camera Footage

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) also operates traffic cameras throughout the state. These cameras are primarily used for traffic management, but the footage they capture can also be requested for car accident investigations. MDOT camera footage provides a wide-angle view of traffic flow and conditions on major highways and intersections like CCTV.

This footage can be especially helpful in accidents involving large trucks or multiple vehicles, as it can capture the overall flow of traffic before and during the accident.

Individuals or their attorneys can submit a formal request to the state to obtain MDOT camera footage. It’s essential to act quickly, as MDOT footage may only be stored for a limited time before it is overwritten.

Body-Camera Footage

Body camera footage is becoming an increasingly common and valuable tool in car accident investigations. Many law enforcement officers wear body cameras during traffic stops and while responding to accidents. This footage can provide an unbiased account of the scene immediately after the crash. For example, body-camera footage can capture the condition of the drivers, any admissions of fault made at the scene, and the officers’ initial observations about the accident.

Body cameras are beneficial in documenting interactions between drivers and law enforcement, including sobriety tests, which can be relevant in cases involving DUI charges. Additionally, body-camera footage can capture evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and the vehicles’ positions, which can play a crucial role in determining liability.

A recent example of the importance of body-camera footage in a car accident investigation occurred in Carroll County, Maryland. Body cam footage was pivotal in documenting the aftermath of a crash following a police pursuit. This footage provided critical evidence about the collision and how law enforcement responded to the scene, helping to clarify the circumstances leading up to the accident.

You can read more about this case and view the body-camera footage here.

Police Dashboard Footage

In addition to body-camera footage, police vehicles often have dashboard cameras that record their view of the road. Dashcams in police vehicles capture the approach to the accident scene and any relevant actions taken by the drivers involved. This footage can provide additional angles and context to supplement body-camera footage, comprehensively examining what happened.

Private Surveillance Cameras

Many businesses and residential properties have private security cameras that monitor parking lots, streets, and driveways. In some cases, these cameras may capture car accidents near their premises. For example, if a car accident happens in a store’s parking lot or just outside a business, the security cameras could provide valuable footage showing how the accident unfolded. While obtaining this footage requires cooperation from the property owner, it can be a powerful form of evidence.

Bystander or Witness Cell Phone Footage

In today’s digital age, bystanders occasionally record auto accidents or the immediate aftermath on their smartphones. Cell phone footage taken by witnesses can provide a close-up view of the accident. It may capture crucial details like driver behavior or vehicle movements before the crash. Additionally, witness footage may record what drivers or passengers said at the scene, which can be used as evidence in court.

If witnesses captured the incident on video, collecting their contact information and requesting a copy of the footage is essential.

Dashcams from Other Vehicles

In multi-vehicle accidents, dashcams from other drivers can provide additional perspectives on the crash. For instance, if another car was following closely behind or was involved in the crash, their dashcam could show how the accident occurred from a different angle. This can be especially helpful in cases where liability is disputed, and multiple drivers claim innocence.

Gathering dashcam footage from all involved parties can help create a more complete version of events.

Public Transit or School Bus Cameras

In some cases, public transit vehicles or school buses may have interior or exterior cameras that capture footage of the surrounding traffic. These cameras can offer valuable evidence if a car accident happens near a bus stop or while a bus is on the road. Depending on the circumstances, this footage could help clarify how the accident occurred and whether any traffic violations were involved.

Skilled Car Accident Lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland

With years of experience handling car accident claims, John Leppler is a trusted advocate for accident victims in Baltimore. Unlike large mega-firms, John offers personalized attention and is never too busy to speak with you directly, answering any questions you may have about your case.

He understands the complexities of Maryland’s car accident laws and is committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact Leppler Injury Law today for a free consultation, and let him guide you through the legal process with care and dedication.