Do Dash Cams Reduce Truck Accidents?

When asked whether dash cams reduce truck accidents, our team points to the monitoring and accountability they provide. While helping people injured in truck accidents is one of our main goals at Hammack Law Firm, we believe the implementation of security devices, such as dash cams, and driver facing cameras, helps deter bad driving behavior and minimize the risks of these collisions occurring in the first place.

We advocate for safety measures in the trucking industry and justice for accident victims; having the ability and technology to see what occurred before and after a truck accident is crucial when building a civil case. It also creates opportunities to improve road safety. This technology can also help the trucking company defend against frivolous lawsuits, which only serve to harm our justice system and create skepticism in the legal system.

The Benefits of Dash Cam Footage From Truck Accidents

First, video footage from a dash cam can provide definitive proof of a truck driver’s actions prior to a collision, which can go a long way toward helping accident victims seek compensation. Being held accountable for their negligent actions can discourage drivers from making similar mistakes in the future. A truck driver that knows she is being recorded will be less likely to engage in reckless behavior. Similarly, a safe truck driver welcomes this technology as it can help exonerate them in many situations.

Second, reviewing dash cam footage reveals opportunities for increased driver training, education, and regulatory compliance. When researchers and lawmakers understand the main causes and factors in these collisions, they can take steps to prevent similar scenarios in the future. Also, the trucking company can implement better driver training and safety protocols to minimize similar 18-wheeler collisions in South Carolina.

For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) most recently proposed changes to the hours of service rules for truck drivers. The goal of these changes was to further cut down on driver fatigue. Drowsiness is one of the many factors dash cams can help detect. While the final hours of service rule change may have arguably made things less safe, as it eased driver restrictions, the impetus for the change began by studying driver behaviors affecting safety.

Are Dash Cams in Large Trucks Legal?

In many states, including South Carolina, dash cams are legal as long as they are mounted correctly. Per S.C. Ann. Code § 56-5-5000, cameras must be mounted on the cab’s dashboard versus the truck’s windshield to ensure it does not obstruct the driver’s view in any way.

What Activity Does a Dash Cam Capture?

Big rigs, semis, and other large trucks — like garbage trucks, moving trucks, and delivery vans — can all be outfitted with dash cams. One type of dash cam (outward-facing) records the road and activities in front of the driver, while another type (driver-facing) records the driver.

Truck drivers may not like the continual monitoring of either type of dash cam. However, while some truck drivers dislike dash cam technology, many fleet managers see the advantages they offer.

Like fleet managers, our truck accident team believes the benefits of dash cams outweigh privacy concerns with their ability to lower the number of accidents and insurance rates, along with increased knowledge of safety data for themselves and their drivers.

Truck Driver Violations a Dash Cam Can Capture

The FMCSA commercial driver’s license (CDL) manual, updated as recently as 2018, cites the following “serious traffic violations” often committed by truck drivers:

• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Improper lane changes
• Tailgating

Depending on the type of camera installed in the truck, the device can record many of these driving behaviors.

Dash Camera Footage Can Help Prove Your Right to Compensation

If you are involved in a truck accident, the at-fault driver, their employer, and their insurer will require proof of fault before considering any form of compensation. The evidence available to present in a personal injury case can include:

• The official crash report
• Witness statements
• Accident scene photos
• Police-generated photos
• Traffic camera footage

Bystanders and witnesses to the accident might also capture many of its details on smartphones. These videos typically capture the accident’s aftermath, though, and not necessarily what led up to it.

When our team represents you in pursuing compensation in South Carolina, we will also seek to add forward- and driver-facing dash cam footage to your evidence file whenever it is available. It likely captured the accident in its entirety.

Our Mission is Safer Roads in South Carolina and Justice for Victims

In addition to lobbying for change, we help injured clients collect the following recoverable damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and income
• Property damage or loss
• Treatment-related travel costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Funeral expenses, if applicable

If you were injured or suffered the loss of a loved one due to a truck accident, our firm will support you throughout the compensation process. You can browse our Google reviews to learn more about the care and concern we provide when you work with our firm. We are client-focused, treat you like family, and demand compensation for every truck accident victim we represent.

Choose Hammack Law Firm for Your South Carolina Truck Accident Case

Our team works hard to understand how dash cams help reduce accidents and save lives. A crucial function of dash cams in the trucking industry is driver accountability, leading to increased driver caution and regulation compliance.

If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a truck accident, choose Hammack Law Firm to represent you. Our team will request any available dash cam footage and other evidence to prove your right to compensation. We understand how valuable this footage can be as evidence in a personal injury or wrongful death case. You can get started by contacting one of our team members at (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333 today.