Should I Get a Dashcam for My Car?

Have you ever wondered if a dashcam could protect you in an accident? These small devices have come a long way since their early days, becoming popular for capturing real-time footage of events on the road. From recording accidents to deterring theft, dashcams offer a range of benefits that have made them a standard safety tool for drivers everywhere.

If you’re considering investing in a dashcam, here’s what you need to know about its advantages, potential drawbacks, and how to choose a suitable model.

How Dashcams Work

A typical dashcam is installed on top of the instrument cluster and records through the windshield. More advanced models can record in different directions, providing multiple angles.

Most dashcams are designed to be user-friendly and operate automatically. Once installed and connected to your vehicle’s battery, a dashcam typically turns on when you start the car and begins recording continuously. Many models record in loops, meaning that when the storage card fills up, the dashcam automatically overwrites the oldest footage, ensuring it always has space for new recordings.

Some advanced models also feature motion detection or impact detection. They can trigger recording even when the engine is off, capturing potential evidence of incidents while your vehicle is unattended, such as hit-and-runs or vandalism. This automatic functionality makes dashcams convenient for everyday use without much maintenance or oversight.

The Benefits of Driving With a Dashcam

Data compiled by Grandview Research indicates that, as of 2023, the global dashboard camera market was valued at just over $4 billion. The market size is expected to grow by 9.6% each year on average, showing dashcam usage is not only high but still growing because of its benefits, which include:

Evidence in Accident Cases

Most dashcam owners treat dashboard cameras as vehicular safety devices capable of recording accidents and other road incidents. Dashcam footage can be instrumental in proving fault in a collision, especially in cases where liability is disputed.

If you have access to a dashcam, our experienced Syracuse car accident lawyers can use the footage it recorded as potential evidence to strengthen your case. It can help determine which drivers are at fault, resolve cases more quickly, and support your right to compensation.

Encouragement of Safer Driving

For many motorists, knowing their dashcam is on and recording can improve their driving habits. Drivers with dashcams often report feeling more attentive to road conditions and more likely to follow traffic laws. Even if the dashcam cannot force drivers to be safer, it can raise their accountability, reducing the risk of an accident.

Added Security When Parked

Many dashcams today include a parking mode. It can detect movement or impacts while the car is parked. If parking mode is activated, the camera turns on and records footage. This mode can capture evidence of vandalism, negligent or drunk drivers impacting a parked vehicle, or even theft attempts.

Protection Against Fraud

Dashcams can record footage of insurance fraud schemes and incidents, such as staged accidents or false injury claims.

For example, a dashcam can help provide evidence of a swoop-and-squat fraud, demonstrating that the victim was forced to brake and did not intentionally cause a rear-end crash. Access to this evidence provides an objective record of the events, helping refute fraudulent claims and limiting the risk of unnecessary costs.

Potential Downsides of Installing a Dashcam

Although dashcams are affordable and serve many valuable purposes, they can have potential downsides, particularly if improperly used.

Costs

The more features a dashcam has, the more expensive it is. While all dashcams can record footage, the quality, resolution, recording modes, and features depend on how advanced and costly the model is.

Examples of additional features that cost extra include GPS tagging, extra-high resolutions (2K, 4K, or higher), night vision, and parking mode.

Storage and Footage Management

Most dashcams require the recorded footage to be stored and managed. Traditional models rely on memory cards, such as microSD devices, which vary in price depending on the storage size.

Some offer automatic uploads to the cloud but require an internet connection and a subscription for cloud storage. Regardless of the storage solution used, dashcam owners should manage their video data to avoid the risk of recordings being deleted and overwritten.

Legal and Privacy Concerns

Dashcams can record video and audio. Under New York’s wiretapping laws, as a one-party consent state, it is legal to record without prior consent of every party. However, some rules and exceptions apply:

• Must Not Obstruct the Windshield: The dashcam used must comply with New York’s windshield obstruction law. It must be placed so it doesn’t interfere with or block the driver’s view through the windshield.
• Must Not Focus on Private Properties: New York’s state civil rights legislation protects owners and tenants on private properties from being videotaped without their consent. Dashcams may not be used with the intent to record inside a private property, including open areas such as the backyard.

How to Choose the Right Dashcam for Your Needs

If you’re considering installing a dashcam in your vehicle, here are a few tips for choosing the right model based on your needs:

• Consider the Resolution and Night Vision: Higher-resolution dashcams (2K or higher) provide clearer images, which can help identify license plates or faces. Night vision is also helpful for improved footage quality in low light.
• Look for GPS and Parking Mode Features: GPS functionality can record your speed and location, helping prove where the accident occurred and how fast you were going. Parking mode can record footage and gather evidence of incidents when your vehicle is unattended, such as hit-and-runs.
• Evaluate Data Storage: The more frequently you drive, the higher your storage needs, meaning you should consider high-capacity memory cards or a long-term cloud storage plan.

Is a Dashcam Right for You?

Whether a dashcam is worth the investment depends on your circumstances and driving habits. A dashcam might offer added security and peace of mind if you frequently drive in busy areas or park in public spaces. If you’re interested in improving your driving or protecting yourself from fraud, the evidence a dashcam can provide may be invaluable.

For more insights into how dashcam footage can help in legal situations, reach out to our team of Syracuse car accident lawyers at Catalano Law. In the event of an accident, we can help you understand how this technology can support your rights.