How Video Evidence Can Protect You When the Truth Is Disputed

Car crashes happen fast. But the legal and insurance battles that follow can drag on for months or even years—especially when the other side denies responsibility. In Chicago and around the country, we see it every day: people who did nothing wrong are forced to fight for basic fairness because an insurance company decides it would rather deny a claim than pay it.

One of the most powerful tools to protect yourself is simple:

A dash camera.

Dash cam footage can mean the difference between a smooth claim and a long, stressful dispute—particularly when the at-fault driver is trying to rewrite what happened, or when an insurance carrier looks for any excuse to deny or reduce compensation.

A Real Example: Green Light vs. Red Light—Until the Dash Cam Proved It

In a recent case handled by Coffman Law, our client was driving through a Chicago intersection with a green light for his direction of travel—completely within the rules of the road. Suddenly, a police vehicle entered the intersection against a red light and smashed into the side of our client’s car, causing extensive damage and severe injuries.

Here’s what made this case especially concerning:

• The police car had no lights activated
• No siren was used
• The police vehicle had no dash camera
• There was no clear warning to other drivers in the intersection
• The impact caused severe vehicle damage and injuries to our client

As you can imagine, claims involving government vehicles can quickly become complicated. And when insurance carriers or public entities dispute what happened, the injured person can be stuck in a frustrating “he said / she said” battle.

But the dash cam video changed everything.

The footage clearly showed our client had the green light and entered lawfully, while the police vehicle entered on red without emergency signals. That objective evidence became the foundation for proving fault, pushing back against denials, and protecting our client’s rights.

Why Dash Cam Footage Matters in Illinois Crash Claims

Dash cam video can be a game-changer because it captures what insurance companies and defense lawyers often try to blur:

• Who had the right-of-way
• Whether a light was red or green
• Speed, lane position, and road conditions
• Whether signals, lights, or sirens were used
• The timing of events leading up to impact

When the evidence is clear, the excuses disappear.

Insurance Companies Deny Claims Every Day—Even When You’re Right

Many people assume insurance companies will “do the right thing.” Unfortunately, that’s not how it often works in real life. They are NOT “your good neighbor.”

Insurance companies are businesses. Their goals frequently include:

• Minimizing payouts
• Shifting blame
• Finding technicalities
• Questioning injuries
• Delaying payment to pressure injured people into low settlements

We have seen carriers deny valid claims, downplay injuries, and challenge obvious liability—especially when there’s no clear video and the case becomes “word vs. word.”

Dash cam footage removes that uncertainty. It gives your attorney leverage. It forces accountability. And it prevents the story from being rewritten after the fact.

Technology Levels the Playing Field for Injured Victims

Dash cams are one of the most affordable legal protections a driver can have. In many cases, they cost less than a single deductible—and they can protect you from:

• False statements from the other driver
• Manipulated police reports
• Biased witness accounts
• “Sudden denial” tactics from insurers
• Disputes over traffic signals and right-of-way

In cases involving commercial vehicles, rideshare drivers, and government vehicles, dash cam evidence can be especially important.

What to Look for in a Dash Cam (Quick Checklist)

• High-resolution video (1080p or better)
• Wide-angle lens
• Night vision / low-light capability
• Auto-save impact detection (G-sensor)
• Loop recording with SD card
• Optional: rear-facing camera

Most importantly: use it consistently and ensure it is recording properly.

After a Crash: Protect the Footage Immediately

If you’re involved in a collision and you have dash cam video:

• Do not overwrite the recording
• Save and back it up immediately
• Provide a copy to your attorney
• Do not post it publicly (social media can complicate claims)

Video evidence is powerful, but it should be handled strategically.

Injured in a Chicago Crash? We Fight Denials and Take on Insurance Companies

At Coffman Law, we use every available tool—dash cam footage, surveillance video, vehicle data, crash reconstruction, witness statements, expert technicians, and aggressive litigation—to protect our clients and hold negligent parties accountable.

If you were injured in a crash in Chicago or anywhere in the country, and the insurance company is denying your claim or blaming you unfairly, contact us. We’ll evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Coffman Law = #ChasingJustice

About Coffman Law Offices, P.C.

At Coffman Law, we are committed to standing up for injured individuals and helping them secure the compensation they deserve. We are proud to have helped our client move one step closer to healing and justice.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident or other motor vehicle incident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and fight for the results you deserve.