You didn’t expect the driver behind you to accelerate at the red light. But the crash came fast, and so did the blame. As you pulled over, still shaken, the other driver insisted you stopped short. With no witnesses and no clear surveillance footage from the area, it became your word against theirs.
That’s exactly what happened to a woman in Passaic whose car accident case dragged on for months because the insurance company questioned every detail. She didn’t have a dashcam. If she had, things might’ve been very different.
If you’re asking, “should I get a dashcam,” you’re likely thinking about how quickly fault can be disputed after a crash. Dashcams can help in some cases, but they can also work against you depending on what they record.
This blog covers how dashcams work, what New Jersey law says, and how footage from your own camera could help or hurt your case if you’re ever in a crash.
Are Dashcams Legal in New Jersey?
Yes, dashcams are legal in New Jersey. You’re allowed to install a forward- or rear-facing camera in your car as long as it doesn’t block your line of sight. New Jersey traffic law requires drivers to keep the windshield free of obstructions.
You can legally record video in public without anyone’s permission. But if your dashcam records audio, you need to be aware of New Jersey’s “one-party consent” wiretapping law. This applies to private conversations, so at least one person in the recorded conversation must consent. If someone else is riding in your car, it’s best to inform them you have a recording device in use.
How a Dashcam Can Help After a Car Accident
Dashcams can provide clear, time-stamped evidence of what happened in the moments before and during a crash. That can be powerful, especially when dealing with a car accident claim or trying to recover compensation for your losses.
Footage from a dashcam can:
- Show exactly how the accident occurred
- Prove the other driver ran a red light or failed to yield
- Confirm road conditions, traffic signals, and surrounding vehicles
- Back up your version of events in a police report or insurance claim
- Help your car accident lawyer respond to false accusations
If your injuries are serious and your case becomes a personal injury lawsuit, dashcam footage may be presented in court to prove fault or support your demand for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress.
Can Dashcams Affect Fault in a Car Accident Case?
Yes, and that’s one of the biggest reasons drivers install them. Like many states, New Jersey uses a modified comparative fault system. If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault for the crash, you can’t collect damages. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Footage that clearly shows the other driver caused the crash can protect your right to file a personal injury claim. That includes:
- Rear-end collisions
- Drunk driving crashes
- Lane change or merge accidents
- Intersection accidents where right of way is disputed
- Hit-and-run incidents where the at-fault party flees the scene
Dashcams are particularly helpful in auto accident cases where the other party claims you were to blame, or where the police report is inconclusive.
When Insurance Companies Use Footage Against You
Just because you have dashcam footage doesn’t mean it will always help. Sometimes, it can work against you.
Here’s how a dashcam can hurt your case:
- It shows you were speeding, even slightly
- You were using your phone or appeared distracted
- You made a sudden stop or illegal turn
- Your version of events doesn’t match the footage
- You were violating a traffic law at the time of the accident
Insurance companies involved in your claim may use your own footage to deny your injury claim or reduce your payout. This is especially true if you’re seeking compensation for serious injuries, medical treatment, or long-term effects like a spinal cord injury or significant brain injury.
That’s why it’s important to talk to car accident claim lawyers before sharing dashcam footage with the insurance company. Your legal representation can review the video and decide if it strengthens or weakens your car accident case.
Will the Insurance Company Accept Dashcam Footage?
Most insurance companies will review dashcam footage if you include it with your insurance claim, but they’re not required to treat it as definitive proof. If the footage clearly shows the other driver was at fault, it may lead to a faster settlement or better offer.
But if the video raises questions about your actions, the insurance company could deny the claim, question the extent of your injuries, or offer a lower payout. That includes claims filed under your bodily injury liability coverage, auto insurance policy, or uninsured motorist coverage.
How Dashcams Fit into New Jersey Personal Injury Law
Dashcam footage can help your personal injury lawyer prove fault, demonstrate damages, and establish a timeline of events. That’s especially useful in personal injury law, where liability and evidence go hand in hand.
In a typical car accident case, your attorney may use dashcam footage alongside:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Documentation of lost wages and medical bills
If your injuries are severe and you’re pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, having video proof of the crash can support your claim for pain and suffering, future care needs, or a wrongful death claim. And if the footage shows the other driver violated traffic laws, it may help secure a fair settlement before trial.
For accident victims relying on their health insurance, bodily injury coverage, or pursuing damages from a negligent driver, dashcam evidence may tip the scales.
Is a Dashcam Worth It in New Jersey?
For many drivers in New Jersey, the answer is yes. A dashcam provides added security if something goes wrong on the road. Whether you’re commuting, driving for work, or just want to be ready in case of an accident, it’s a smart investment.
Consider a dashcam if:
- You regularly drive on highways or congested roads
- You’ve been involved in past motor vehicle accidents
- You want to document the accident scene for legal protection
- You need backup in case fault is disputed
Just remember that a dashcam is a tool, not a replacement for having the right legal support, solid evidence, and prompt medical treatment.
The Insurance Company Has a Team—So Should You
A dashcam can be a valuable piece of evidence after a crash, but it’s only part of the picture. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, the legal process can feel overwhelming—especially when the insurance company is already questioning your version of events.
At The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, we’ve spent more than 30 years taking on insurance companies that delay, deny, or downplay legitimate injury claims. If you’ve been searching for “car accident lawyers near me,” we can guide you through every step of your case—from gathering evidence and medical records to pursuing compensation for your lost income and medical expenses.
You won’t be handed off to a case manager or left wondering what’s happening. You’ll work directly with a New Jersey personal injury lawyer who listens, explains your options, and knows how to push back when insurers try to minimize what you’ve been through.
Call (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule your free consultation.
Injured in New Jersey? Peter’s got your back!
Copyright © 2025. The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC
72 Essex Street, Suite 2,
Lodi, NJ 07644
(973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246
https://peterdavislaw.com/
