How to Use Dash Cams and Crash Detection After a Wreck

After an accident, dash cams and phone-based crash detection have become two of the most valuable tools you can have at your disposal. They will document precisely what occurred, remember the details you may have forgotten, and give insurers factual data, rather than having to try to determine the facts with no proof.

In order to maximize the benefits of these devices, you must install them properly and know exactly what to do with the footage. The following is a practical guide to help you through it all.

1. Correctly Set Up Your Dash Cam

A dash cam is only helpful if it is correctly set up and installed correctly.

• Proper Dash Cam Placement

The best place for your dash cam is usually high in the middle of the windshield, typically behind and slightly above the rearview mirror, for the most coverage and a clearer perspective.

• Use High-Quality Video

If you can, use 1080p or 4K quality. High-quality videos help identify details such as speed, lane position, impact sequence, and red-light presence. You don't have to worry about several frames of the video being unclear or blurry.

• Enable GPS and Speed logging.

This metadata might include location data, time, and speed—all of which will be considered by an insurance company when reconstructing the event.

• Enable Loop Recording

Loop recording will automatically overwrite the oldest footage so your memory card does not fill up and stop the recording.

• Invest in a Good SD Card

Purchase a card that is rated for continuous recording. Cheap SD cards fail frequently and can corrupt your most important footage.

2. Enable Phone-Based Crash Detection

Most smartphones and wearables can now automatically detect hard impacts. Once enabled, they call emergency services and record important timestamps. Here is what to enable

• Crash detection capability, Emergency SOS
• Sharing your location with trusted contacts
• Automatic back-ups (Google Drive, iCloud, or whatever you prefer)

These tools ensure a digital trail of what happened in case you’re disoriented or simply cannot respond right away.

3. Save Footage and Metadata Soon After a Wreck

Many dash cams will quickly overwrite footage if the memory card fills up. You do not want to take this risk. Here are some steps to follow:

• If your model has the option, lock the file on the dash camera.
• Take out the SD card and keep it secure
• Transfer the footage to your phone or computer as soon as possible
• Keep any metadata, including timestamps, GPS data, and speed logs, to help your case.

Don’t edit the video. Any modifications could cast doubt on the video's authenticity.

4. Store Everything in Cloud

Cloud storage is essential if your device is lost or damaged in an accident. Some great options include:

• Google Drive
• iCloud
• Dropbox
• Cloud services from your manufacturer (Nextbase, Garmin, etc.)

Store:

• The full raw video file
• Any separate metadata files
• A brief written recollection of what you recall
• Photos from your phone capturing the scene

This will ensure you are protected in case of accidental deletion or hardware failure.

5. Export Clips in Shareable Formats

Your insurance adjuster, lawyer, and repair shop will want to see clips in traditional video format. The best formats are:

• MP4
• MOV
• AVI

Export the video clip with footage before, during, and after the crash; usually about 30 seconds before the event and 30 seconds after. Also, be sure to retain the full original video file. Please do not delete it after exporting a short segment.

6. Document Additional Scene Details for Insurers

While dash cams are great tools, they don’t capture everything. After ensuring it is safe to do so, begin taking photos with your phone of:

• The position of vehicles
• The condition of the road
• Any skid marks on the road
• Traffic signs or signals
• Weather and visibility conditions
• Views of damage from multiple angles
• License plates of vehicles involved in the incident
• The names and contact information of any witnesses

This combination of dashcam footage and images from the scene will give the insurance company a complete picture of the event.

7. Seek Professional Help

Even with solid video evidence and well-documented notes, disputes can arise. Common examples of disputes include the following:

• The other driver says they aren’t at fault
• Insurance companies try to low-ball settlements
• Injuries that present days later
• Incomplete or jerky video footage
• A hit-and-run situation.

When documentation is insufficient to resolve the claims situation, speaking with an Atlanta car accident lawyer can clarify your options to preserve your rights and negotiate a fair settlement.

Endnote

Dash cameras and accident-detection technologies can relieve a lot of stress for you after an accident. If configured and used correctly, they can capture key evidence, support your insurance claim, and explain what happened with certainty.

Backing up footage, preserving metadata, and documenting the accident scene all add up to your overall protection, especially in cases of conflict.