Texas Courts Recognize the Importance of Video Evidence

Texas courts have repeatedly emphasized the importance of video evidence in civil cases, including accident claims.

In Diamond Offshore Services v. Williams, the Texas Supreme Court held that excluding relevant video evidence without reviewing it was an abuse of discretion. The Court recognized that video evidence can be critical to evaluating claims and defenses, particularly when credibility and factual disputes are central to the case.

This decision reinforces how powerful dash cam footage can be when determining liability, damages, and even the credibility of parties involved.

Dash Cam Footage Is Presumed Admissible in Texas

Texas law further strengthens the value of dash cam footage in vehicle collision cases.

Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 72.055, video recordings of a vehicle involved in a collision are presumed admissible if they are properly authenticated. This means dash cam footage can often be introduced as evidence even when it supports or challenges claims about fault, injuries, or damages.

For truck accident victims, this presumption can significantly reduce evidentiary hurdles during litigation.

Authentication and Relevance Still Matter

While dash cam footage is powerful, it must still meet basic evidentiary standards. Texas courts examine whether the footage is relevant and whether its probative value outweighs any potential prejudice.

In Hartwell v. State, the court upheld the admission of dash cam footage after determining it was relevant and satisfied the balancing test under Texas Rule of Evidence 403. This case highlights the importance of properly preserving and authenticating dash cam video after a crash.

Dash Cam Footage Helps Resolve Disputed Facts

Dash cam footage is especially valuable when facts are contested.

In State v. Wilson, the court relied on dash cam video to evaluate factual disputes and deferred to findings supported by the footage. Although this case arose in a different context, it demonstrates how Texas courts use video evidence to assess what actually occurred.

In truck accident claims, this same principle applies when determining fault, causation, and driver conduct.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Dash cam footage is not always retained indefinitely. Trucking companies may overwrite, delete, or lose video unless it is promptly preserved. This is why acting quickly after a truck accident is critical An attorney can send preservation letters and take legal steps to ensure dash cam footage is secured before it disappears.

Conclusion

Dash cam footage is one of the most effective tools available in Texas truck accident claims. It provides objective evidence, supports liability arguments, and helps cut through conflicting accounts of what happened. Texas courts and statutes recognize its importance, making it a powerful asset when properly preserved and presented.

If dash cam footage exists, it should be identified and protected as early as possible to strengthen a truck accident claim.

If you were injured in a Texas truck accident and believe dash cam footage may exist, contacting Wyde & Associates can help ensure that critical evidence is preserved and used effectively.