By Dan Noll on September 12th, 2025 in Articles, Car Accident
Springfield Car Accident Lawyers Answer: Is Dashcam Footage Admissible in a Motor Vehicle Crash in Illinois?
Each year in the United States statistics reveal that there are almost 6 million police-reported traffic accidents, resulting in over 40,000 fatalities and almost 2.4 million injuries. Of these figures, Illinois crashes accounted for almost 300,000 traffic accidents with nearly 21% of all crashes resulting in injuries. Although liability in some of these accidents may be obvious, the Springfield car accident lawyers at the Noll Law Office know that most times liability and damages are contested. But as technology advances and drivers seek better protection in liability disputes, dashcam usage has grown substantially, with recent market research indicating that nearly 30% of American drivers now use dashboard cameras, representing a threefold increase from just five years ago. Following a traffic accident in Illinois, victims may wonder is dashcam footage available and able to help prove my case or refute what the insurance carriers do to disclaim my case?
Yes, in some cases it may be admissible – but not in all cases or in all circumstances. Which is why victims of car accidents in Illinois need to hire an experienced Springfield car accident lawyer such as Dan Noll or Sarah Noll. They know how to help victims and their families recover compensation for their personal injuries, lost wages and medical bills following a motor vehicle accident – including wrongful death damages if a loved one passed away due to his or her injuries after a crash. These legal professionals understand the complexities of Illinois traffic laws, insurance regulations, and evidence requirements that can significantly impact the outcome of a personal injury claim. To learn more about how they can help you prove your case, including after a motor vehicle accident where there may be dashcam footage, call the Noll Law Office to schedule your free consultation today.
What Is a Dash Cam?
A dashboard camera, commonly known as a dashcam, is a small digital video recording device that mounts to a vehicle’s dashboard or windshield and continuously records the view through the windshield or rear-view window while driving. These devices typically operate on a loop recording system, automatically overwriting older footage when the memory card reaches capacity unless the driver manually saves specific clips or the camera detects an impact that triggers automatic file protection. Modern dashcams often feature high-definition recording capabilities, wide-angle lenses to capture multiple lanes of traffic, night vision technology, and GPS functionality that records speed and location data alongside the video footage.
The primary purpose of dashcams extends beyond mere documentation of scenic drives or unusual events on the road. These devices serve as impartial witnesses that can capture critical details before, during, and after a collision, including traffic signal status, weather conditions, the behavior of other drivers, point of impact, debris fields and the precise sequence of events leading to an accident. Cases involving dashcams often settle, as the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is often magnified in video form to a court or jury.
Many dashcams also feature dual-camera systems that simultaneously record both forward-facing road views and the interior of the vehicle, while some advanced models include rear-facing cameras for comprehensive coverage. This technology has become increasingly sophisticated and affordable, making it an attractive option for drivers who want an additional layer of protection and documentation in case of traffic incidents or insurance disputes. Some even have audio recording for inside and outside of a vehicle, which is also helpful to hear tires screeching, skidding or other sounds associated with a traffic accident.
What Does It Mean When Evidence Is “Admissible” in Illinois?
In Illinois legal proceedings, evidence is considered “admissible” when it meets specific criteria established by the Illinois Rules of Evidence and can be presented to and/or considered by a judge or jury during a trial. For evidence to be admissible, it must be relevant to the case at hand, meaning it has a tendency to make a fact of consequence more or less probable than it would be without that evidence. Additionally, the evidence must be reliable, authentic, and obtained through legal means, while its probative value must substantially outweigh any potential for unfair prejudice, confusion of issues, or misleading the jury.
Said differently, the evidence being offered must be relevant, accurate and beneficial to the issues being tried. Many times evidence is “authenticated” in order to determine these facts. For instance, with video footage from a dashcam, a witness may be asked questions to “lay a foundation” such as the following:
- Where was the video obtained from? Or who created the video?
- Did the witness review the footage?
- Does the footage fairly and accurately depict the scene and happenings of the event as the witness remembered them to occur?
- Has the footage been manipulated or edited in any way? (and if so, how?)
- Where was the footage created, where was it downloaded, and where was it stored before trial? (chain of custody)
Moreover, it is important to realize that the Illinois Rules of Evidence govern what types of proof can be introduced in court proceedings, establishing standards for various forms of evidence including documents, physical objects, witness testimony, and electronic recordings such as dashcam footage. Courts evaluate potential evidence through a careful balancing process, considering factors such as the chain of custody, the accuracy and integrity of the recording, and whether the evidence has been properly preserved without tampering or alteration. This also includes whether the evidence has been properly and timely disclosed to the other parties.
For instance, evidence may satisfy all the criteria above, but if the dashcam footage was not disclosed by the party who created it on time (such as before the trial starts or the “close of discovery”), a court may preclude it.
Proving Admissibility of a Dashcam in Springfield Car Accidents
To establish the admissibility of dashcam footage in an Illinois court, several foundational elements must be proven. Each of these must be established, otherwise a court may preclude the evidence from being admitted at trial.
First, the party seeking to introduce the footage must demonstrate authentication, showing that the video is what it purports to be and accurately represents the events in question. This typically requires testimony from someone with personal knowledge, such as the vehicle owner who installed and operated the dashcam, confirming that the footage is genuine and unaltered.
Second, the footage must be relevant to material issues in the case, directly relating to how the accident occurred, who was at fault, or the extent of damages sustained. Footage used for character evidence or to boost a witness’ credibility will not be allowed (i.e., that a driver is always a safe driver and here are hours of that footage but not on the day of the accident).
Third, the video must satisfy the best evidence rule, meaning the original recording or a properly authenticated copy must be provided rather than merely describing what the video shows. When giving the dashcam footage, that is often going to be the best evidence. However, screenshots or still shots may still be best evidence if the footage is corrupted or unable to be played. Where the footage is gone or destroyed and there are no screenshots, it is unlikely but still possible for a witness to testify as to what the footage showed (i.e., a police officer viewing the footage and then issuing a ticket, as opposed to either party saying what was on the footage).
Fourth, whether the video footage was timely disclosed to the other party pursuant to the discovery demands made before trial. Even admissible evidence could be precluded if it was untimely disclosed.
Common Issues Pertaining to the Admissibility of Dashcam Footage in Illinois
Common issues that arise when attempting to admit dashcam footage include questions about video quality, gaps in recording, timestamp accuracy, and potential editing or manipulation of the footage. Technical problems such as corrupted files, poor lighting conditions, or obstructed camera views can challenge the evidentiary value of dashcam recordings. Additionally, opposing parties may argue that selective editing or the limited field of view creates a misleading representation of events, or that the footage is more prejudicial than probative. Chain of custody concerns also frequently emerge, particularly when significant time passes between the accident and the preservation of the footage, raising questions about whether the video has been altered or tampered with during that period.
An experienced Springfield car accident lawyer plays a vital role in establishing the admissibility of dashcam evidence by properly preserving and presenting this crucial footage to support the victim and their family’s case. Experienced attorneys also understand the technical and legal requirements for authenticating digital evidence, working with forensic experts when necessary to verify the integrity of video files and metadata. They can file appropriate motions to admit the evidence, respond to objections from opposing counsel, and effectively present the footage in a way that clearly demonstrates its relevance and reliability to the court. Or, where another party tries to surprise you with previously undisclosed footage, make the appropriate motion to preclude the belated and prejudicial proffer to protect your rights.
Need an Experienced Springfield Car Accident Lawyer to Protect Your Rights in Illinois? Ask the Noll Law Office is Dashcam Footage Admissible in my Case?
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a traffic accident occurring anywhere in Illinois, especially in Springfield, call the Noll Law Office to schedule a free consultation with their compassionate bodily injury law firm. Dan Noll and Sarah Noll are fifth generation lawyers who serve the community where they live, work and socialize, supporting those hurt by the negligence of another with their skilled and dedicated legal representation. Unlike other lawyers who farm cases out across the state or to new lawyers who are still learning at big firms in Chicago, the Noll Law Office handles cases in-house and with the personalized service that you expect and deserve after a life-changing accident.
To learn more about how their Springfield car accident lawyers can help you, call Dan Noll or Sarah Noll by dialing (217) 414-8889 or submitting a message through their website today. They are happy to meet with you where it is convenient to discuss your case – including at the hospital or virtually.