A dashcam can protect you if you're in an accident. The video evidence you get could be enough to show in a lawsuit that you deserve the compensation you're seeking. A lawyer can give you more information once they see the video of the accident.

Always Keep the Dashcam Out of the View of the Driver 

Accident cases are tricky, and you never want to give the other side an opportunity to get the case dismissed through a technicality. Make sure your dashcam is placed out of your line of sight in a spot that conforms to your state laws. Some states have restrictions on where the cameras can be, and you don't want the other side deducing from the angle that your camera wasn't placed correctly. Then they can argue that your camera evidence shouldn't be allowed. Make sure you do everything by the book when installing the camera.

Consider a Rear Dashcam Too

Dashcams come in front-camera versions and front-and-back systems, where a separate camera records what's happening behind you. That helps you if you're rear-ended because it can show not only the basic accident itself but possibly whether the driver of the other car was paying attention. For example, if you're rear-ended by someone who is clearly, on video, trying to stop the car, that driver may try to show that the accident wasn't totally their fault (brake issues, etc.), which could affect any award you get in some states. But if the driver is clearly, on video, paying more attention to their phone, then they can't claim that an issue with the car made it impossible for them to stop.

Pay Attention to Camera Lens Angle

Different dash cams have different camera angles. These are the degree ranges that the camera can record. Many dashcams have wide-angle lenses that produce a sort of fish-eye effect. That's where the sides curve out and make the video look distorted. Some don't have angles that are as wide and display video that looks more normal. Just be aware that if you get a wide-angle lens camera, the video you have will look a bit odd on the sides. But the image in the center should be very clear, and if an accident happens to your side, you have a better chance of capturing it on film. That's particularly helpful in cases where one car sideswipes another.

A dashcam can provide crucial evidence of an accident when you need that evidence the most. If you get a dashcam and have an accident, both the police and your lawyer will want to see the video. What you have recorded could be the difference between a case dismissal and a case win, allowing you to get the compensation you need after your accident.

Contact a local accident lawyer to learn more.