Dashcams for Motorcycles: Are They Worth It for Accident Protection?

Motorcycle dashcams are a popular purchase among riders who want to protect themselves after a crash.

And for good reason. Motorcyclists are among the riskiest drivers on the road. Fault for accidents between two vehicles is on the other driver an incredible 58% of the time. That leaves riders often fighting to prove what happened after a crash.

The Problem:

Without any video to show for it, it typically becomes a “he said, she said” situation. Insurance companies love to drag out these types of claims. They know that the longer the claim drags on or outright deny claims, the less money they have to pay out.

A motorcycle dashcam can turn things around.

What’s Inside:

• The Challenges Motorcycle Riders Face After Crashes
• Why Dashcams Offer Powerful Accident Protection
• Choosing the Right Dashcam for Your Bike
• The Downsides You Should Be Aware Of

The Challenges Motorcycle Riders Face After Crashes

Riding a motorcycle is a dangerous hobby. The reality is that drivers of passenger vehicles simply face less risks on the road. The National Safety Council reports that motorcyclists are almost 28 times more likely to die in a crash per mile driven than those in passenger vehicles.

But here’s the kicker…

After a crash, proving liability becomes exceptionally hard. Motorcycle accident attorneys see this all the time. The insurance company for the other driver will often blame the rider for the crash even if they were not at fault because there is no evidence to prove otherwise.

The statistics back this up. In 43% of two-vehicle motorcycle crashes that end in a fatality, the other vehicle was in the process of turning left while the motorcycle was going straight. Drivers of passenger vehicles are simply terrible at seeing motorcycles. Or, if they do see motorcycles, they often misjudge the speed and distance of the bike.

This is one of the main reasons that it is often so critical to work with an experienced Illinois Motorcycle Accident Attorney after a crash. Lawyers understand the inherent challenges that riders face and know how to gather the right evidence to build a strong legal case.

When the documentation is weak or lacking, riders are at a distinct disadvantage.

How Dashcam Footage Can Protect Riders in Accident Claims

Dashcam footage is some of the most powerful evidence in the hands of a motorcycle rider. If a camera captures what happened leading up to a crash as well as the moment of impact and the aftermath, there is simply no disputing what occurred.

Insurance companies know this. A camera video that has a timestamp and clearly documents another driver running a red light or making an illegal manoeuvre can completely change the results of an insurance claim. Liability is suddenly no longer an issue.

Dashcam footage captures:

• Driver negligence like distracted driving or failing to yield
• Road conditions including potholes, debris, and other hazards
• The weather and visibility at the time of the incident
• The exact events that occurred leading up to impact

Many motorcycle insurance claims end up dragging on for months due to the driver’s insurance disputing the facts of the case. Video footage cuts through all of the confusion and provides objective and documentary proof.

This alone can help claims get settled more quickly. Insurance companies often offer more fair and equitable settlements when liability is obvious from the camera footage to avoid time-consuming legal battles.

One other benefit that many riders fail to consider…

Dashcams are also good protection against fraudulent insurance claims. Some drivers are intentionally causing accidents or exaggerating injuries to get insurance money. Video footage ensures that this cannot happen.

The Features to Look for in a Motorcycle Dashcam

Not every dashcam on the market is going to be the right one for motorcycles. Riders need cameras that are specifically built to handle the rigors of two-wheel travel.

Video quality is important. The higher the resolution of the video the better the footage will be. It is important to be able to make out license plates, road signs, and the actions of other drivers. Look for dashcams that offer at least 1080p resolution.

A wide-angle lens is also key. You want a camera with 140 degrees or more of coverage to eliminate blind spots and ensure that everything around you is being captured on camera. Nothing important should be missed.

Night vision should not be overlooked either. The majority of motorcycle crashes occur between the hours of 6 PM and 9 PM, according to the Insurance Information Institute. This is a time when visibility starts to become a challenge. A dashcam that does not have strong low-light performance is completely worthless after dark.

Weather resistance is a must as well. Motorcycle dashcams have to be rugged and tough. There is no windshield on a bike to protect a camera from rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. The camera will have to take it all head-on.

Loop recording capability is also a feature that riders should seek out. This means that the camera overwrites the old footage with new once storage space is filled. Riders do not have to constantly manage and delete files. The dashcam will always be ready to record when needed.

Additional features of some higher-end cameras include:

• Parking mode that triggers when motion is detected
• GPS Tracking that documents speed and location
• Dual cameras that cover both front and rear views

The Downsides of Getting a Dashcam for Your Motorcycle

Dashcams have some downsides. There are a few issues that riders should be aware of before purchasing a camera.

Footage does not always work in the rider’s favor. If the dashcam records the rider speeding or committing another infraction like making an unsafe lane change, that evidence can be used by insurance companies to lower settlement offers or outright deny claims. Dashcams are completely objective. They do not care who is at fault or not. The recording is simply how the footage plays out.

Riders should also be aware of privacy laws by state. Certain jurisdictions have specific rules about the ability to record audio or video in certain situations. It is always a good idea for riders to know the law before installing a camera on their motorcycle.

The initial investment and maintenance costs associated with dashcams can add up. Quality cameras that are built to withstand the elements and abuse of motorcycle travel are not cheap. Riders also need to ensure that the dashcam is functioning properly regularly.

Technical issues can also happen at the worst possible time. If a camera malfunctions the moment a crash occurs, the crucial footage is gone. Riders should do their research and select trusted brands and should test their cameras regularly to ensure they are working properly.

Despite these concerns, most riders find the dashcam is worth the purchase.

Wrapping Things Up

Motorcycle dashcams are a purchase that is well worth the investment. In a country where riders are nearly 28 times more likely to die in a crash than those in passenger vehicles, having an objective video record of what occurred can make all of the difference in the world.

Video footage provides clear documentation of events to include driver negligence, road conditions, and the exact sequence of events that led up to a crash. Motorcycle dashcams evidence can strengthen accident claims and can often speed along the process.

Here are the key takeaways:

• Select a dashcam that has high video quality, wide-angle lens and night vision
• Make sure the camera is rugged and weather resistant for motorcycle use
• Remember that dashcam footage is completely objective and documents everything including rider errors
• Think about hiring motorcycle accident attorneys who understand how to use video evidence in court

When it comes to protecting one’s legal rights and making sure that they are getting a fair shake after a crash, a motorcycle dashcam is one of the smartest investments that a rider can make.