Dashcam Drama: Will Your Footage Help or Destroy Your Injury Case in Burlington?

Car accidents are stressful, and personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, know how overwhelming it can be. 

In times like these, hard evidence can be a game-changer. That’s where dashcams come in. But before you count on yours to save the day, there’s something you need to know—dashcam footage can either help your case or wreck it. 

Let’s break it down.

Think Your Dashcam Will Prove You're Innocent? Vermont Courts Might Disagree

Dashcams are legal in Vermont, but there are rules. Your dashcam can’t block your view of the road, so if it’s too big or placed incorrectly, it could be an issue. 

The law says you can mount it in the lower right-hand corner of your windshield (under 4 inches tall and 12 inches wide) or in the upper left-hand corner (under 2 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide). Stick it anywhere else, and you could be violating state laws.

But here’s where things get tricky—while video footage is usually allowed in court, audio recordings are another story. 

Vermont is an all-party consent state when it comes to audio. That means if your dashcam records sound inside your car and you didn’t get permission from everyone being recorded, that audio could be tossed out in court. 

Worse, it might even get you into legal trouble.

How to Make Sure Your Dashcam Footage Can Be Used:

• Place it legally to avoid any objections.
• Disable audio recording unless every passenger agrees to be recorded.
• Keep your footage unedited—any sign of tampering can make it inadmissible.

Bottom line? Just because you’ve got video proof doesn’t mean the courts will accept it. Knowing the rules ahead of time can make all the difference.

No More Lies! Dashcams Expose the Truth in Burlington Accidents

After a crash, it’s often your word against the other driver’s. They might say you ran the light, cut them off, or slammed on your brakes for no reason. Without evidence, it turns into a classic “he said, she said” battle.

What Dashcams Can Prove in an Accident:

• Traffic Light Status: Show whether you had the green light or if they ran a red.
• Speed & Distance: Capture how fast each car was going and whether tailgating played a role.
• Weather & Road Conditions: Prove if ice, snow, or potholes factored into the crash.
• Driver Behavior: Catch reckless moves like sudden lane changes, illegal turns, or distracted driving.

In Burlington—especially at busy intersections like Main Street and South Winooski Avenue—having video evidence can make or break your claim. It removes guesswork and forces insurance companies to deal with hard facts.

Dashcams vs. Privacy: Are You Breaking the Law Without Knowing It?

Dashcams are great for protecting yourself, but they can also land you in hot water if you’re not careful. Vermont’s privacy laws are strict, especially when it comes to recording conversations.

You can record video in public places—like roads, parking lots, and intersections—because there’s no expectation of privacy. But recording inside your car? 

That’s another story. If your dashcam picks up audio of passengers without their consent, you could be violating state law. That’s a headache you don’t need.

Tips to Avoid Privacy Issues:

• Turn off the audio recording unless everyone agrees to it.
• Don’t aim your dashcam at private property (like homes or driveways).
• Be mindful of where you’re parking—recording people in private settings without consent could be a problem.

Caught in a Lie? What Happens When Your Dashcam Betrays You

Here’s something most people don’t think about—what if your own dashcam footage contradicts your story? 

You might think you had the right-of-way, but your video could show otherwise. That little clip you thought would save your case? It could do the exact opposite.

Let’s say you told your insurance company you were driving the speed limit. But your dashcam shows you were actually going 10 mph over. That’s all they need to shift part of the blame onto you. 

Even small details—like rolling through a stop sign or being distracted—can hurt your claim. Before you hand over your footage, watch it carefully. 

If there’s anything that could be used against you, consult with a personal injury firm before sending it to an insurance adjuster. Once they have it, they’ll use it however they see fit.

Why Insurance Companies Are Obsessed with Dashcam Footage (And You Should Be, Too)

Insurance companies love dashcams—but not always for the reasons you’d hope. While footage can absolutely help your claim, insurers are also looking for anything that might lower your payout.

How Insurance Companies Use Dashcam Footage Against You:

• To Deny Claims Faster: If they spot anything that weakens your case, they’ll latch onto it immediately.
• To Justify Lowball Offers: Even if you weren’t at fault, small mistakes can be twisted to reduce your settlement.
• To Shift Blame: If your footage shows you were even slightly responsible, they’ll argue for shared liability.

It’s a double-edged sword. Dashcams can protect you, but they can also work against you if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s always smart to consult a law firm in Burlington before submitting footage—just to make sure it works for you, not against you.

Let’s Make Sure Your Dashcam Footage Work in Your Favor

The Burlington personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, know how powerful dashcam footage can be—both as evidence and as a potential risk. We understand Vermont’s laws inside and out, and we’ll fight to make sure your footage puts you at an advantage. 

If you’ve been in an accident in Burlington, don’t go up against the insurance companies alone. Call our office today for your free consultation. If you want trusted legal representation, one of the best law firms in America is ready to handle your case.

We also specialize in medical malpractice law firm cases and offer slip and fall lawsuit consultation services to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.