Does dashcam footage help your claim if you have been in an accident?
Well, let’s see.
The truth is, it can do more than help. In many cases, dashcam footage is the key piece of evidence that proves what happened and who was at fault.
Around 1 in 6 UK drivers, or 17%, already use a dashcam, and 30% more plan to start within the next year.”
Among drivers who owned a dashcam and were involved in an accident, 62% used their footage in a claim, and 32% said it proved they weren’t at fault.
At Claim Time Solicitors, our personal injury specialists have used dashcam evidence to help clients across the UK win road traffic accident claims. But before you rush to upload your clips or file reports, here’s everything you need to know — broken down clearly and without the legal jargon.
What counts as dashcam evidence?
Dashcam accident footage refers to any video captured by a forward- or rear-facing camera mounted in your vehicle that records while you drive. These cameras are often set to loop-record, meaning they’re constantly capturing what’s happening on the road.
It may consist of:
- The moments before a collision
- The collision itself
- Responses from other drivers or passersby
- Licence plates and road signs
- Environmental conditions (fog, rain, ice, etc.)
This footage is impartial, time-stamped, and often captures key details human memory can miss, making it invaluable in personal injury claims.
Is dashcam footage useful in proving fault after an accident?
In a dashcam car accident, the most important factor is proving liability, identifying who caused the collision.
Dashcam footage can:
- Show if the other driver was speeding, tailgating, or running a red light
- Prove that you were driving safely and within the law
- Help counter false accusations made by the other party
- Highlight dangerous driving patterns or reckless manoeuvres
Unlike verbal testimony, dashcam footage does not forget or get nervous in court. It’s a neutral witness, and insurers love it.
Are you allowed to send dashcam footage with your accident report?
Yes, and you really ought to. In the UK, you are allowed to submit dashcam footage when reporting a crash to police, your insurer, or when filing a claim with personal injury solicitors, with us.
Here’s when and how to send it:
- Police: Submit footage via the National Dash Cam Safety Portal or directly to your local police force
- Insurers: Most major providers now accept dashcam uploads, just make sure to do it immediately after the accident
- Solicitors: We use your footage to build a stronger claim and aim for a faster settlement.
Remember: if the footage clearly shows fault, it could fast-track your claim, and that means quicker compensation in your pocket.
Can the other side demand your dashcam footage?
This one’s challenging.
Legally speaking, during a personal injury claim, the opposing party can request dashcam footage, but only through a formal disclosure process if it’s relevant to the case. You won’t be forced to hand over anything without a valid reason.
However, withholding footage that could help resolve the case may damage your credibility in court. Therefore, we usually advocate transparency unless the video undermines your claim, and we will always give you advice on what to share and when.
What if you’re caught in an accident on a dashcam, but it’s not your footage?
Sometimes, an accident caught on a dashcam may not be yours; it could be someone else’s.
If:
- A witness’s dashcam caught the crash
- The other driver has footage
- Nearby CCTV captured the scene
Then it may still be admissible in your claim.
At Claim Time Solicitors, third-party footage has often made a crucial difference in winning claims. You or your solicitor can formally request this material, and we will handle the entire process on your behalf.
When dashcam footage conflicts with eyewitness testimony
After a fatal accident, people often rely on what witnesses remember—but memory can be unreliable, especially in stressful or fast-moving situations. Details can be missed, mixed up, or influenced by emotion.
Dashcam footage, on the other hand, shows exactly what happened. It doesn’t forget, change, or get confused. We’ve seen cases where early assumptions were proven wrong once the footage was reviewed. That kind of clear, time-stamped evidence can make all the difference in getting to the truth and making sure the right outcome is reached.
What makes dashcam evidence unusable?
Dashcam footage isn’t always definitive proof.
It might be rejected or less persuasive if:
- The timestamp is wrong or missing
- The footage is low-quality or unclear
- It’s edited or appears tampered with
- It was filmed illegally (e.g., without proper mounting or while obstructing the view)
Don’t worry, before submitting your video, we make sure it complies with legal requirements and supports your claim rather than undermines it.
Dashcam tips to protect yourself legally
Want to ensure your dashcam works for you, not against you?
Follow these golden rules:
- Keep your lens clean and position the camera properly
- Use a high-capacity memory card to record longer trips
- Check date and time settings regularly
- Save important clips immediately to avoid overwriting
- Avoid commentary that could be interpreted negatively
- Don’t post footage on social media before legal consultation
How do we turn dashcam footage into compensation-winning evidence?
Here’s how we assist you when you get in touch with us following a dashcam accident:
- We review your footage for key moments and liability
- We gather supporting evidence, like witness statements, police reports, and medical records
- We communicate with insurers on your behalf, showing them the hard evidence early
- We build a compelling case using dashcam clips as part of your injury claim
- We maximise your compensation, whether your injuries are minor or life-changing
With our experienced solicitors, dashcam footage becomes more than a video; it becomes your greatest advantage.
And remember, all claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk to you.
Ready to claim? Let’s put your dashcam to work.
If you have been involved in a dashcam car accident, don’t wait. Let us turn your footage into a winning case.
We have helped thousands across the UK with road traffic and personal injury claims, and dashcams are changing the game.
Speak to us today on 0800 970 2727 or request a free call-back. We will review your footage, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
In the courtroom of chaos, your dashcam is the one witness that never blinks.
