If you drive in Texas, a dashcam can be the difference between a he said, she said and a clear, persuasive story. But video alone is not enough. What you do in the first 72 hours after a crash often decides whether your footage becomes powerful evidence or a lost opportunity. This guide explains what to do, what to avoid, and how Eric Ramos Law, PLLC and our San Antonio car accident lawyer team can protect and use your video the right way.
Why dashcam video matters in Texas cases
Dashcam footage can clarify fault, capture road conditions, preserve what witnesses forget, and counter insurance tactics. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, so clear proof of how the crash unfolded can prevent blame shifting (see our overview of comparative fault in Texas). Video can also support damages by showing severity, location, impact angle, and immediate injuries.
The first 72 hours: a step‑by‑step checklist
0–6 hours: Secure and duplicate the raw file
- Power the dashcam off to stop overwriting loops.
- Remove the SD card and set it aside in a labeled sleeve.
- Create two direct copies of the raw file onto separate devices. Avoid any editing, filters, or app “enhancements.”
- Save the device settings file and any logs if available.
6–24 hours: Preserve metadata and context
- Document the dashcam make, model, serial number, and firmware version.
- Write down time settings, GPS status, and your vehicle’s plate and VIN.
- Take photos of the dashcam mounted position and the roadway.
- Record a short timeline: where you were headed, weather, traffic, and any roadwork.
- If you sought treatment, review our guidance on medical care after an accident so you don’t miss steps that support your claim.
24–48 hours: Notify and protect
- If a commercial truck or company vehicle was involved, send a simple preservation letter asking the company to retain their own video, telematics, and logs. We can do this for you and track compliance.
- Do not share clips on social media or with adjusters. Clips taken out of context can be used against you.
48–72 hours: Get counsel involved
- Hand copies of the raw file to your attorney for secure storage and analysis.
- If the video appears incomplete or corrupted, do not try to “fix” it yourself. We coordinate proper forensic recovery and authentication when needed.
Common mistakes that weaken your footage
- Overwriting the loop by continuing to drive for days without offloading the card.
- Editing or trimming the video. Even minor edits can raise authenticity questions.
- Using cloud apps that transcode the file, which may strip metadata like GPS, date, and time.
- Sharing with the insurer before counsel. Adjusters may request only a snippet. Let your lawyer control what is produced and when.
- Throwing out packaging and manuals. These can help verify settings and model‑specific details.
How dashcam footage is authenticated
Courts generally require that video be what it claims to be and that it fairly depicts the scene. In Texas, this tracks with the Texas Rules of Evidence (Rule 901: Authentication), which outline how parties show a recording is genuine and unaltered; see the official court publication of the Texas Rules of Evidence for context. We help establish:
- Source: who owns the dashcam and who retrieved the file.
- Chain of custody: when and how the file was handled from the car to our evidence vault.
- Integrity: hash values and file properties that show no alteration.
- Accuracy: timestamps aligned to cell‑tower time or event logs; GPS tracks matched to the roadway.
When video is helpful even if fault is disputed
Dashcam clips can still help when the other driver denies fault, when multiple vehicles are involved, or when a police report is incomplete. Video can show:
- Speed differential and following distance.
- Lane position before a sideswipe or T‑bone.
- Brake lights, turn signals, or hazard flashers.
- Weather, glare, and visibility at the exact moment of impact.
If your crash was a classic rear‑end or perpendicular impact, start with our pages on rear‑end crashes and T‑bone accidents to see how liability is typically analyzed.
How we use dashcam footage to strengthen your claim
At Eric Ramos Law, we integrate video into the full strategy, not just liability proof. That includes:
- Early negotiation leverage: Pairing video stills with medical records in the demand package. See our overview of the settlement negotiation process.
- Litigation readiness: If the insurer refuses to be reasonable, your footage is preserved for exhibits and expert analysis. Learn more about the trial and litigation process.
Preservation letters 101
A short, targeted letter asks companies and agencies to keep potentially relevant evidence. For motor vehicle crashes, we often request:
- In‑cab or exterior camera video, dashcams, and parking‑mode clips.
- Telematics and ELD data, including speed, braking, lane assist alerts, and hours‑of‑service.
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance logs, dispatch notes, and bills of lading.
- For city or business cameras, retention policies and the exact time window.
Timing tip: Many systems auto‑delete within days or weeks. Send letters early to stop the clock.
If your dashcam records audio
Audio can capture admissions, horn use, sirens, or directions from 911. Avoid editing volume or clipping the track. If the mic was off or wind noise is heavy, we can seek expert enhancement without altering the underlying file.
Cloud and app backups without losing metadata
- Download the original file from the app, not a compressed share link.
- Verify the file extension matches your device manual (for example, .mp4 or .mov).
- Compare file size, duration, and hash values between your SD card copy and the cloud copy to confirm integrity.
- Keep screenshots showing the app’s date and GPS settings at the time of recording.
Evidence beyond your camera
Even if your unit missed the moment, nearby sources may fill the gap:
- Neighbor doorbells, storefront cameras, ride‑share interior cams.
- Traffic management centers and toll plazas that log plate reads and video.
- Event Data Recorder snapshots that capture speed, throttle, and braking just before impact.
- 911 audio and CAD logs for timing and location corroboration.
What to do if your dashcam missed the impact
Not all cameras capture every angle or event. If the clip cuts off or fails to show the crash, we can still build your case using:
- Nearby surveillance cameras or doorbell footage along your route.
- The other driver’s dashcam, if any, requested through preservation and discovery.
- Event data recorders (black boxes) in involved vehicles.
- Scene measurements, skid analysis, and witness statements.
Talk to a lawyer before you share your video
The insurer’s request for “just the part that shows the crash” sounds harmless. It is not. What you disclose and when you disclose it can change case value. We analyze the entire file, extract stills, and produce the correct portion at the right time to support your claim.
How Eric Ramos Law, PLLC helps
From day one, we take custody of your footage, preserve it correctly, and deploy it strategically. We also send preservation letters to trucking companies, businesses, and government agencies when additional video may exist. If there are authenticity challenges, we bring in qualified forensic video experts who can testify and validate your clip.
Ready to start? Begin your free case review today — contact our team.
Free consultation
Call (210) 404‑4878 or visit Eric Ramos Law, PLLC, 7979 Broadway #207, San Antonio, TX 78209. We can review your dashcam and outline next steps today.
Quick FAQs
Do I have to give my entire video to the insurance company right away?
No. Share footage strategically through your lawyer to protect context and value.
Is dashcam video legal in Texas?
Recording on public roads is generally allowed. Avoid posting identifiable private information online. When in doubt, talk to counsel.
What if the timestamp is wrong?
We can align the timeline using phone records, receipts, and known landmarks so the clip remains usable.
Will posting on social media hurt my case?
Often yes. Snippets can be misread. Preserve first, consult counsel, then decide if and what to release.
How long should I keep the original SD card?
Keep it intact until your case is fully resolved and your lawyer clears you to rotate it. Store it in a labeled sleeve in a dry place. Use a different card for daily driving so you don’t overwrite potential evidence.
What if my dashcam recorded audio? Do I need consent?
Texas is a one‑party consent state for audio recordings. Recordings made on public roads are generally allowed, but publishing identifiable audio online can raise privacy concerns. Always preserve first and discuss with your attorney before sharing.
Note: This article is for general information. Every case is unique. Speak with a lawyer before making decisions about evidence or insurance communications.