Dashcam footage is admissible in Florida courts if it meets the same standards that apply to any other piece of evidence. Florida law allows video recordings to be used in car accident cases, and dashcam footage is often one of the most valuable pieces of evidence available after a crash.
That said, admissibility is not automatic. Before a judge will allow dashcam footage in front of a jury, a few legal hurdles must be cleared regarding authentication, relevance, and how the recording was obtained. Let’s take a closer look at those requirements and how a skilled Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you build the strongest case possible.
What Makes Dashcam Footage Admissible in Florida Courts?
For dashcam footage to be admissible in a Florida court, it has to do more than just show the crash. The footage must meet the same legal standards that apply to any other evidence. A judge will look at several factors before allowing a jury to see such evidence. In general, dashcam video needs to be:
- Authentic, meaning someone can confirm the footage is genuine and has not been altered
- Relevant, meaning it actually relates to a fact that matters in the case
- Reliable, meaning the recording is clear enough to be trusted
- Lawfully obtained, meaning the footage was not collected in a way that violates the law
If the footage checks these boxes, it stands a strong chance of being admitted. Authentication is often the most important part of being able to use dashcam footage in court. In most cases, the person who owns the dashcam or was in the vehicle can testify that the video accurately shows what happened to establish authenticity.
When Can Dashcam Footage Be Challenged or Excluded?
Even helpful dashcam footage can be kept out of a case if it does not hold up to scrutiny. The other side will look for any reason to discredit video footage that hurts their position. Additionally, the judge has the authority to exclude footage that fails to meet the standards in Florida’s evidence code.
Some of the most common reasons dashcam footage gets challenged include:
- Evidence that the video has been edited, like gaps in footage
- A broken chain of custody, where it is unclear who handled the footage or how it was stored after the crash
- Poor video quality
- If the footage is more inflammatory than informative, and could unfairly sway a jury
These are just a few of the issues that could stop you from using dashcam footage in your case. Reach out to an attorney today to find out if your dashcam footage is admissible in Florida court. A lawyer will answer all your questions and work hard to get the compensation you deserve.
How Dashcam Footage Can Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim
Dashcam footage can be some of the most powerful evidence you have after a crash. Car accident claims often come down to one driver’s word against another’s, and insurance companies are quick to dispute fault when the facts are unclear.
If your dashcam footage is admissible in a Florida court, it can help you by:
- Establishing fault by showing exactly how the crash happened and who caused it
- Contradicting a false account of the crash from the other driver
- Capturing road conditions that played a part in the collision
- Documenting driver behavior like speeding or distracted driving
- Strengthening your position in settlement negotiations
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Having dashcam footage that is admissible in Florida court is a strong start to your claim, but that’s just one step in the process. A skilled car crash lawyer will take many steps to strengthen your claim and get the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Here’s what a lawyer will do to help you after a serious collision:
- Preserve and help authenticate your dashcam footage so it holds up as evidence
- Investigate the crash by gathering police reports, witness statements, photos, and other forms of evidence
- Identify every potential source of compensation
- Calculate how much your claim is worth
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement and push back against lowball offers
- Take your case to court, if necessary, and fight for the verdict you deserve
- Guide you through the entire process, answering any questions you have about the admissibility of dashcam footage in Florida courts
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Learn More About When Dashcam Footage Is Admissible in Florida Courts
You should not have to face the insurance company alone after a serious car crash. As South Florida’s most well-known personal injury lawyers, the team at Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers is here to stand up for you after a collision.
We are local, we answer when you call, and we do not get paid unless we win. We’ve won over $250 million in damages for accident victims and have 40 years of combined experience.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll meet with you to discuss your crash, explain whether dashcam footage is admissible in Florida Courts, and help you get started on your claim.
