Using Dash Cam Footage in Illinois Car Accident Litigation: How We Help Victims Secure Justice

Dash cam footage has become an indispensable tool in Illinois car accident litigation, offering crucial evidence that helps victims prove their case and obtain rightful compensation. At John J. Malm & Associates, we represent victims of car accidents, using dash cam footage whenever available to strengthen claims and demonstrate liability clearly and effectively.

This blog will delve into the growing use of dash cam footage in Illinois, how our firm leverages this technology to fight for victims, and why dash cam evidence is key in securing fair compensation for those injured in car accidents.

The Growing Prevalence of Dash Cams in Illinois Car Accidents

Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular across the United States, including Illinois. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have highlighted the potential benefits of dash cam footage in improving road safety and documenting accidents.

According to Dashcameras.net, popular dash cam apps available on the iTunes App Store include:

• Nexar AI Dashcam, which records video and uses AI to detect incidents in real-time. Nexar also stores videos in the cloud, making it easy to retrieve footage when needed.
• DashCam, which integrates with iOS features like GPS to capture location and speed data alongside video recordings​.
• Drivermatics Blackbox, an app that uses telematics to track driving habits and provides video evidence during accidents​.

These apps can turn smartphones into fully functioning dash cams, offering a reliable way to collect footage and provide critical evidence after an accident.

How Dash Cam Footage is Transforming Car Accident Claims for Victims

Dash cam footage has revolutionized car accident litigation, making it easier for victims to prove their claims and secure fair compensation. Here’s how this vital piece of evidence can make a difference in personal injury cases:

1. Proving Fault with Clear Evidence

In car accident cases, determining fault is crucial for obtaining compensation. In Illinois, the party found at fault is responsible for the damages. Dash cam footage offers a clear and unbiased record of the accident, capturing essential details like:

• Speed and movements of the vehicles involved
• Driver behavior (e.g., texting while driving, failing to stop at a red light)
• Road conditions and visibility
• The point of impact and the sequence of events leading up to the crash

This visual evidence is especially important in cases where both drivers claim the other was at fault. As attorneys for the victims, we use dash cam footage to present an irrefutable account of how the accident happened, giving our clients the best chance of winning their case.

2. Supporting Serious Injury Claims

Dash cam footage is not just valuable for proving fault; it also plays a key role in supporting claims for serious injuries. The footage can capture the severity of the impact, the speed of the vehicles, and the conditions immediately following the crash, helping establish a direct link between the accident and the injuries sustained by the victim.

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize the seriousness of a crash to reduce the amount they pay out in settlements. With dash cam footage, we can counter these tactics by providing clear evidence of the accident’s force and the injuries it caused, ensuring that our clients are fairly compensated.

3. Strengthening Negotiations with Insurance Companies

When negotiating with insurance companies, having dash cam footage gives us a major advantage. Insurers are more likely to settle cases quickly and fairly when faced with undeniable visual evidence that supports the victim’s claim. Without dash cam footage, insurance companies may dispute the details of the accident or offer a lower settlement than the victim deserves.

According to Progressive Insurance, insurance companies are recognizing the benefits of having dash cams, due to the clear and credible evidence they can provide. As Illinois personal injury lawyers representing accident victims, we use dash cam footage to maximize the value of our clients’ claims by ensuring that the true nature of the accident and its impact on the victim are accurately portrayed.

A Real-Life Example: Helping a Pedestrian Recover $395,000

At John J. Malm & Associates, dash cam footage has helped some of our clients in their car accident and pedestrian accident cases. One notable case involved a pedestrian who was struck and injured while walking in a crosswalk in Chicago. During the discovery process, we obtained dash cam footage from the vehicle that struck our client. It showed that the woman was exactly where she said she was – in the crosswalk.  The footage taken by the driver’s dashcam showed the car driving into the crosswalk, striking our client and fracturing her femur (her upper leg). This critical evidence allowed us to clearly demonstrate fault, and we ultimately helped our client recover $395,000 for her injuries.

“Dash cam footage was essential in helping our client, a pedestrian struck in Chicago. The video footage of an accident can put the viewer in the position of the driver just as the collision occurred.  Dash camera footage is both graphic and compelling. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a million. The dash cam video in our client’s pedestrian accident case helped us prove exactly how the driver was responsible for causing the accident, leaving no room for dispute.” – Illinois pedestrian accident attorney, John J. Malm

Why It’s Important to Secure Dash Cam Footage Early

Dash cam footage is typically recorded in loops, meaning that if it is not preserved immediately after an accident, it could be overwritten or lost. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the importance of securing this valuable evidence as quickly as possible. We work diligently to obtain dash cam footage from:

• Our client’s vehicle (if available)
• The other party’s vehicle (especially in commercial or truck accidents)
• Witness vehicles that may have captured the accident

We also look for public camera footage at intersections, highways, or businesses nearby that might have recorded the accident. By acting swiftly, we ensure that critical evidence is preserved and can be used effectively in our clients’ cases.

How John J. Malm & Associates Uses Dash Cam Footage to Help Victims

At John J. Malm & Associates, we help victims of car accidents secure justice and obtain fair compensation for their injuries. Whenever possible, we use dash cam footage as an essential part of our strategy in car accident cases to:

• Prove fault by providing a clear, real-time account of the crash
• Support injury claims by showing the severity of the collision
• Negotiate with insurance companies from a position of strength using indisputable visual evidence

With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, Illinois, we’re dedicated to serving victims throughout the state. Our attorneys are experienced in using every available tool, including dash cam footage, to build a strong case and fight for our clients’ rights.

Conclusion

Dash cam footage is becoming an increasingly valuable resource in Illinois car accident litigation, especially for victims seeking compensation. At John J. Malm & Associates, we use dash cam footage in every case where it’s available to help our clients secure justice and prove their claims. With clear visual evidence, we can hold the at-fault parties accountable, ensure insurance companies pay fair settlements, and support our clients’ injury claims.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Illinois, contact our dedicated Naperville personal injury lawyers for a free consultation. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our personal injury attorneys are ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.