Clear Footage Can Change the Outcome of Your Case
Not long ago, a car accident claim came down to conflicting stories. One driver says the light was green; the other insists it was red. There’s no camera, no witnesses. Just word against word. But today, dashcams are changing the game. In car accident cases throughout Fort Worth, Arlington, and across Texas, dashcam footage can make the difference between denied compensation and a successful claim.
Whether a crash happens on I-35W, along Camp Bowie Boulevard, or at a tricky intersection near Hulen Street, video evidence gives juries and insurance adjusters something far more persuasive than a written statement; it gives them the truth in motion.
Why Dashcam Footage Matters in Texas Car Accident Claims
Dashcam video provides a real-time, objective account of what happened before, during, and after a collision. In Fort Worth, where road construction, lane merges, and distracted driving are common, having this kind of evidence can be crucial in disputed claims. Texas law permits the use of dashcam footage in court, provided it meets specific evidentiary standards. A skilled attorney knows exactly how to present it to strengthen a case.
Footage can be especially impactful in scenarios such as:
- Intersection crashes where traffic signals, lane changes, or right-of-way issues are contested
- Hit-and-run accidents, where the footage may capture a license plate or identifying vehicle features
- Rear-end collisions, to show sudden braking, tailgating, or road hazards
- Lane-drift accidents, where distracted or fatigued driving may be to blame
- Insurance fraud cases, where drivers intentionally cause a crash or lie about the facts afterward
But dashcam footage is only valuable if it’s preserved, authenticated, and submitted correctly.
Turning Video Into Admissible Evidence
Just because a camera captured the moment doesn’t mean the footage will automatically be used in court or during settlement negotiations. Like any form of evidence, it must be handled carefully to meet legal standards in Texas courts.
To be admitted as evidence, dashcam footage must:
- Be relevant to the case and clearly depict what occurred
- Be unaltered, with a reliable date and time stamp
- Be properly authenticated—typically by someone who can confirm the footage’s origin and accuracy
If the footage has been edited, corrupted, or lacks context, opposing counsel may challenge its credibility. That’s why attorneys often rely on expert testimony, chain-of-custody documentation, and metadata analysis to validate video evidence.
What Happens If Dashcam Footage Is Lost?
Accident footage doesn’t last forever. Many dashcams record over old video within days or hours if not saved. In some cases, parties might intentionally delete or withhold footage. When that happens, Texas law allows courts to consider the spoliation of evidence, a legal term referring to the destruction or concealment of evidence.
If a party destroys relevant dashcam footage after a crash, it could result in legal consequences, including jury instructions that favor the injured party. A lawyer familiar with Texas spoliation rules can utilize this to build a stronger case, even when the video itself is no longer available.
What to Do With Dashcam Footage After a Crash
For drivers who already have dashcams, knowing what to do with the footage after an accident is just as important as having the dashcam itself. The first priority should always be health and safety, but once the immediate situation is stable, preserving the footage becomes a critical next step.
Below are key actions to take to ensure dashcam video helps, not hurts, a personal injury claim:
- Save the Footage Immediately: Many dashcams overwrite video within hours or days. Secure the file to prevent it from being automatically deleted.
- Back It Up in Multiple Locations: Save a copy on a computer or external drive, not just the SD card.
- Avoid Sharing With Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may twist footage to serve their interests. Consult a lawyer before submitting anything.
- Note the Time, Location, and Other Details: This supports authentication and helps attorneys line up the footage with other evidence.
- Provide Footage to Legal Counsel ASAP: Early review helps identify crucial facts and shapes the direction of the case.
Even if the video seems unclear or partial, a lawyer may still extract valuable information from it. A small detail, like a traffic light, another vehicle, or a brake light, can often shift the balance in a claim.
Injured in an Accident? Don’t Wait to Take Control
In Texas, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident. That may sound like plenty of time, but critical evidence like dashcam footage can disappear within days if not preserved properly. Every delay increases the risk of lost proof, confused memories, and weakened cases.
Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., has earned a reputation for fighting hard on behalf of crash victims in Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington, and throughout Texas. Our case results include settlements of $750,000 and more for Texas car accident victims. When injuries are serious and insurance companies start playing games, it takes experienced legal counsel to take control of the situation.
Injured in a Texas car accident? Don’t leave your future in the hands of the insurance company. Contact Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., today for a free case consultation. Legal deadlines apply, and early action can make all the difference. Texans don’t take chances. Texans take control.
"Coby and his team are true gems. They are patient, kind, and thorough. They make you feel like your case is the most important case they are working on. I was always able to connect with Coby in a timely manner, and he was gracious and professional. He went out of his way to answer my questions, address every concern or challenge, and keep me informed. I would not hesitate to recommend his firm." - Bea C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐