How Do I Submit My Dashcam Footage as Evidence?

In the chaotic moments after a car accident, a silent, unbiased witness was recording everything. Your dashboard camera, or dashcam, captured the truth of what happened—a driver running a red light, an illegal lane change, or an abrupt stop. This digital recording is not just a video; it is arguably the most powerful piece of evidence you possess to prove your case.

Unlike eyewitness testimony which can be flawed by memory, or physical evidence which can be open to interpretation, video footage presents a clear, indisputable account of the events. It can quickly shut down a “he said, she said” dispute and clearly establish who was at fault.

But having the footage is only half the battle. Knowing how to properly preserve, handle, and submit it to the police and your insurance company is a critical process. Mishandling this crucial evidence could diminish its impact or even render it inadmissible. This guide will walk you through the essential steps.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• Preserve the Footage Immediately: The first and most important step is to save the video file. Do not let it get overwritten. Download it to your computer and a cloud service (like Google Drive or Dropbox) as soon as possible.
  
   
• Do Not Edit or Alter the Video: Submit the footage in its original, unedited form. Any editing, even just trimming the ends, can make it seem like you are trying to hide something.
• Inform the Police at the Scene: Tell the responding officer that you have dashcam footage of the incident. They will note this in the police report and provide instructions on how to submit it.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: When you file your claim, immediately inform your insurance adjuster that you have video evidence. They will provide you with a secure method to upload or send the file.
• Do Not Post it on Social Media: Never post your accident footage online. This can seriously harm your case and give the opposing insurance company ammunition to use against you.

Step 1: The Golden Rule – Preserve and Back Up Your Footage

Your immediate priority after an accident is to ensure the video file is saved and protected. Most dashcams record on a loop, meaning they will eventually record over old footage.

• Save the File: Many dashcams have a button to manually save and lock the current recording segment. Do this immediately at the scene if you can.
  
   
• Remove the SD Card: As soon as it is safe, consider removing the memory card from the camera to prevent any accidental overwriting.
• Create Multiple Backups: When you get home, transfer the video file from the SD card to a secure location. Best practice is to save at least two copies: one on your computer’s hard drive and another on a secure cloud storage service (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.). This protects you against data loss or corruption.
  
   
   

Step 2: Submitting the Footage to Law Enforcement

When the police officer is at the scene of your Tacoma-area accident, calmly and clearly inform them that you have a dashcam recording.

• Say: “Officer, just so you are aware, my dashcam was recording and captured the entire incident.”
• Follow Their Instructions: The officer will document this in their report. They may ask to view the footage at the scene on the camera’s screen, but more often, they will provide you with an email address or a reference to a web portal where you can upload the video file later. Be sure to include your police report number in any communication.

This is a critical step because the police report will now officially note the existence of video evidence, adding immense credibility to your claim.

Step 3: Providing the Video to Your Insurance Company

When you open your claim with your insurance company, your dashcam footage is your ace in the hole.

• Inform Your Adjuster Immediately: On your first call, state clearly that you have video of the accident.
• Ask for Submission Method: Your adjuster will tell you the best way to send it to them. This is usually via a secure online portal or a dedicated email address. Avoid sending large video files as standard email attachments, as they can be rejected.
• Send the Original File: Always send the raw, unedited MP4 (or other format) file. Do not edit it in any way—don’t add titles, don’t trim the beginning or end, and don’t add music or slow-motion effects.
  
   

Crucial Mistake to Avoid: Do NOT Post Your Footage Online!

It can be tempting to post a dramatic video of your accident on YouTube, Facebook, or other social media platforms to vent your frustration or show others what happened. Do not do this.

Posting the video publicly gives the other driver’s insurance company and lawyers a chance to scrutinize it, take your words from the comments section out of context, and build a case against you. Keep your evidence private and only share it through official channels with the police, your insurer, and your attorney.

Your dashcam footage is a powerful tool. It can simplify a complex situation and provide the objective truth needed to secure a fair outcome. By handling it properly, you ensure that your most powerful piece of evidence speaks as clearly as possible on your behalf.

When you have irrefutable evidence like dashcam footage, you need a professional who knows how to use it effectively to maximize your claim. If you’ve been in an accident in the Tacoma area, search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. Compare profiles and read real client reviews to find an experienced attorney who can leverage your video evidence to build the strongest possible case.

References

• Washington State Legislature – Admissibility of recordings: This section of the state code discusses the rules of evidence, including the foundations for admitting recordings like dashcam footage into a legal proceeding. https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.73
• Digital Media Law Project (DMLP) – Washington Recording Law: Provides guidance on the legality of recording video and audio in Washington, which is relevant for dashcam users. https://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/washington-recording-law