The Role of Dash Cams in Truck Accident Cases
Author: Auger Law | June 17th, 2019
More and more semi-truck drivers are choosing to implement dash cams in their vehicles to document any collision or other event they may be involved in. This is especially crucial on North Carolina’s roads, where trucks are often stuck in traffic and can be involved in accidents either caused by their own actions or by the actions of other drivers.
However, even if truck drivers do have their own dash cams, their case isn’t always cut and dried. An experienced North Carolina truck accident lawyer can use their video and look for discrepancies and other issues to show that the trucker was at fault.
What’s more, if you have a dash cam of your own, you can more easily show your side of the story and what really happened in the wreck. Dash cameras are becoming more popular for everyday drivers, and they already play an important role in the legal system. If you don’t have a dash cam, here are just a few reasons why you should get one, and why it can be vital in the event that you are in a truck accident in Charlotte.
Your Brain Isn’t a Computer. It’s a Tattered Filing Cabinet
Our brains are our greatest tools. In fact, they’re generally regarded as the greatest thing ever created by nature. With all of its power, we like to believe that our brains are virtually perfect. After all, we can often recall events that happened decades ago, with absolute accuracy.
But that’s where humans go wrong. The sense of security we get from being able to recall memories so well is falsely placed. Just think: Can you remember your favorite birthday party? Who was there? What kind of cake did you have? Now, ask your parents or your friends who were there. They may have a wildly different account of the party. Further, when they tell their version of the story, you may start remembering your own account differently — even if the details they provide are false.
Beyond false memories, our brains have a tendency to block out the most painful memories. For example, if you broke your arm when you were a child, you probably remember how it happened. But no matter how hard you try, you probably can’t recall the actual pain you felt. Your brain won’t let you recall that kind of memory, because it causes real pain.
This applies to car accidents as well. During a traumatic event like a truck accident in Charlotte, your brain may block out many of the details of the collision that would otherwise be important to your case. This “blackout” happens because your brain goes into fight-or-flight mode — and remembering small details isn’t important to immediate survival. Chemicals that flood the brain to fuel the fight-or-flight response inhibits the brain’s ability to store memories.
Though our brains are wonderful, the evolutionary responses we have developed makes it difficult to recall memories of some traumatic experiences. However, dash cams record everything, whether you remember the details or not.
Why Dash Cam Footage Is Vital to Your Case
Though they aren’t mandatory, more and more truck drivers have started using dash cameras on their rigs. Drivers and companies have been taken to court for injuries for decades, whether the driver was responsible or not. When the case is just what the trucker says versus what the other driver says, the court will often side with the other driver since they often sustain the worst injuries. Trucking companies know this, so they regularly choose to settle the case out of court.
Dash camera footage tells the whole story, though. The evidence is often overwhelming and helps the court see exactly what happened. Or, that’s the hope. Dash cameras do only show the story from one side. If that video shows you to be at fault for the accident, you could lose your case, even if you weren’t actually at fault.
If you have your own dash camera in your car, the court can see both sides of the collision. That way, they really can get the full story. Your own video evidence, along with testimony by witnesses and a case constructed by an experienced North Carolina truck accident lawyer, can greatly increase your chances of getting the full compensation you deserve.
Speak to a North Carolina Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you have legal options. Even if the truck driver has a dash camera and you don’t, an experienced attorney can still build a strong case on your behalf. A strong case will use evidence, expert testimony and other components to prove that you were not at fault for the accident.
At Auger & Auger, our North Carolina truck accident lawyers have been helping injury victims get the compensation they deserve for over 25 years. If you have been in a wreck with a semi truck, we can help. Call us at (800) 559-5741 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
