When car accidents and injuries occur, proving how the accident happened and who was at fault is a key part in ensuring you get the compensation you need to recover. Police reports, witness statements, and accident investigators can help put together many of the pieces, but nothing can take the place of actual photos or videos taken directly at the scene.
Dashboard cameras have enjoyed a surge in popularity, providing a technological eyewitness to incidents that occur behind the wheel. Once used mainly as a tool for law enforcement, increasing numbers of manufacturers have geared them towards everyday drivers. The following are some of the best dash cams available in 2017, as well as some of the benefits they offer.
Benefits of Using A Dash Cam
Digital Trends reports that digital dash cameras are gaining in popularity, both among commercial and everyday drivers. Most are placed on the windshield of the car, and can record for several hours, overriding older recordings when they reach digital storage capacity. Some newer, more elaborate models feature wi-fi and cellular capability so that videos can be uploaded, as well as GPS tagging, which can show the time, date, and place the video was recorded.
Tagging is particularly important when it comes to using recordings for insurance companies claims and car accident lawsuits. They can provide a clear image of how, when, and where an accident occurred, and where another driver may be to blame. It can also provide a glimpse into the severity of an accident or the injuries that result, something insurance companies often attempt to downplay.
Best Dash Cams of 2017
Popular Mechanics tried out some of the latest dash cams on the market, and chose the following as among the best picks for 2015:
- Novatek NT96650 G1W: At under $50, this is one of the bestselling and least expensive dashcams on the market, it has an HDMI output so you can review footage directly from your TV, and accelerometer that senses if your car has been hit and earmarks the footage.
- Papago P2 Pro: A step up from the Novatek model and priced at around $150, it has all the above features, plus some safety features to help prevent accidents, such as driver alarms that detect lane drifting, imminent conditions, and traffic congestions that lies ahead. Its only downside is that it is larger, more bulky, and less discreet than other models.
- Cobra Drive HD CDR 900: The most expensive at over $200, this dash cam is designed to be both functional and fun. It can be used as a dash cam or as a hand-held camera, and it is wi-fi enabled, so that videos can be uploaded to your phone or shared on social media. It lacks the bells and whistles of the Papago Pro, but it is also smaller and less bulky, making it less obtrusive on your windshield.
Have You Been Involved In An Accident?
If you or someone you care about is involved in a car accident, contact the Johnston Law Firm today. We provide professional legal representation to accident victims, advising you on the best course of action to get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.