Can Dashcam Footage Be Used in Minnesota Car Accident Cases?
Dashcam footage is often used as evidence in Minnesota car accident cases to show exactly what happened. Video recordings can be very helpful when insurance companies or other drivers challenge your version of events or try to deny fault.
While this video can make your story more believable, there are rules about privacy, audio, and whether all footage can be admitted in court. When you work with our team, we can explain the rules and make sure we use as much evidence as possible to prove your story. Contact our team to schedule a free consultation.
Is dashcam footage admissible in Minnesota courts?
If you’re involved in an accident that you believe was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be considering filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. If you have a dashboard camera in your vehicle, you might be wondering if this type of evidence can be used in your claim.
Minnesota’s rules and what “relevant evidence” means
Under the Minnesota Rules of Evidence, most materials, including videos, are admissible in court if relevant. This typically means they help prove or disprove something important in the case. If your dashcam footage clearly shows who caused the crash or helps explain how it happened, that footage is usually seen as “relevant evidence.”
Proving the video is real (authentication)
One of the most important parts of using dashboard evidence is proving that the video portrays what you claim it does and hasn’t been altered. This step is called “authentication.” Usually, someone who owns the dashcam or was present during the recording may need to testify and confirm that the video accurately shows what happened, when it happened, and where.
Chain of custody considerations
To avoid anyone suggesting the footage was changed or tampered with, it’s important to track exactly who had copies of the video and where it was stored from the time of the accident to the time it is used in court. This clear record is called the “chain of custody.” While formal chain-of-custody proof is not always required for video evidence in civil cases, keeping clear records of how the footage was stored and preserved helps prevent arguments that it was altered.
Restrictions by the judge
Even when a dashcam video meets these rules, the judge has the decision-making power over whether to use it. Footage may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by risks such as unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, under Minnesota Rule of Evidence 403. Prejudicial evidence – something considered so unfair it might confuse or mislead jurors – might not be allowed.
Why admissibility still matters even though most cases settle
Having a dashcam video after a car wreck can make a big difference in proving who was at fault. This footage provides a clear record that’s often more powerful than memories or stories alone. Here’s how dashcam evidence can make an impact.
Establishing fault
Dashcam video can help show who really caused the crash by providing details such as whether you or the other driver ran a red light, changed lanes dangerously, or sped through an intersection. If someone was distracted or driving with their phone in hand, your dashcam might catch behavior that explains why the accident happened.
Supporting your version of events
Police reports aren’t perfect, and the other driver or their insurance company might twist the facts in their favor. Dashcam footage gives you a way to correct records by showing you exactly what happened. This helps fight back against false claims.
Minnesota’s comparative fault rule and why video matters
Minnesota uses a “modified comparative fault” system, which means you can get compensation only if you are not more than 50% responsible for the crash. Your payment is reduced by whatever percentage you are at fault.
Dashcam evidence can be very important under this rule because it often gives lawyers, insurance companies, and judges a way to see how much (or how little) you contributed to the crash.
Keep in mind that videos sometimes reveal that both drivers did something wrong. If your dashcam shows that you share some responsibility for the crash, this can lower your settlement.
Practical tips if you have dashcam footage
If you were in a car accident and have dashcam footage, taking the right steps can protect and strengthen your case.
Preserve original files
Keep your dashcam video in its original format. Don’t rename the file, make cuts, or otherwise change it in any way. Making sure the video footage isn’t altered and doesn’t appear altered is critical for being able to use it if your case goes to trial.
Do not post online
It can be tempting to share dashcam clips on social media or with friends, but publicly posting these is never a good idea. You don’t want to share anything about your case with anyone except your lawyer.
Back up files securely
Make a copy of the footage soon after the incident and store it in a safe place, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage. This ensures you have a backup in case you lose or accidentally damage the card from your dashcam.
Provide a video to your attorney
Share your footage with your car accident lawyer first. An attorney will review what the video shows and decide how and when to reveal it for your claim. It’s often not the best idea to send it to the insurance company yet; it should be handled with legal guidance.
Taking these simple precautions ensures your dashcam video supports your case rather than causing extra issues.
Schedule a meeting with Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, about crash footage and your car accident claim
Having dashcam footage does not always guarantee it will help your claim; in some cases, it might actually dispute a certain part of your story. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk with a Minnesota car accident lawyer about any dashcam video you want to use. A legal professional can review your evidence and advise you on the best way to present it. Call our team today to schedule a free consultation.