Is cycle helmet camera footage admissible in injury claims?

Helmet cameras are increasingly popular among cyclists and motorcyclists for recording their journeys. If you're involved in an accident, this footage is generally admissible in a personal injury claim. To ensure the footage strengthens your case, however, it's important to understand how to use it effectively.

Gathering evidence

Collecting evidence after a cycling accident can be challenging. If you are knocked off your bike and you are able, try to engage witnesses right away. You may find some bystanders reluctant to participate, but their testimony could be critical in making a successful claim.

Try also approaching nearby shopkeepers or residents in case they saw what happened. Returning to the accident at a later date, although advisable, is often not productive when it comes to gathering evidence.

A revolution in road safety and accountability

The evolution of camera technology has enabled the production of high-resolution, long-lasting, and compact devices suitable for helmet mounting.

These cameras are increasingly popular among cyclists and motorcyclists, serving as a visible deterrent by reminding other road users that evidence of their negligence or recklessness may be recorded.

This has provided a new tool for promoting safer roads, although it has also led to some allegations of vigilantism among road users.

Cameras are a new tool for promoting safer roads, although they have also led to some allegations of vigilantism among road drivers.

Admissibility of helmet camera footage in court

Courts accept helmet-mounted camera footage as evidence in both civil and criminal cases. For the footage to support a claim effectively, it must be of sufficient clarity and relevant to the accident. For example, a forward-facing camera may not capture vital details of an accident occurring behind the cyclist, thus limiting the usefulness of the footage in substantiating a claim.

Note that there are no helmet mounted solutions that record what is happening fore and aft of the cyclist, and some even record 360 degree footage.

Camera footage helps claims settle out of court

Only about 2% of personal injury claims end up in court. The vast majority are settled out of court through negotiations

Insurance companies acting for defendants often recognise the compelling nature of video footage in accident claims. When presented with clear video evidence, insurers are likely to assess the strength of a case more pragmatically, often opting to settle rather than engage in lengthy and potentially costly courtroom disputes

See also:

How often do injury claims go to court and what if they do?

Will my solicitors review the footage?

Your solicitor will start your cycling accident claim by collating and examining all available evidence. They will advise you which evidence is usable and will construct the strongest possible case accordingly

Our panel of specialist cycling injury solicitors have years of experience in successful cycling accident claims. To get impartial advice on whether you have a claim, speak to injury claims expert on 0800 376 1001.

See also:

Making a cycling injury claim

Making a motorcycling injury claim

What happened?

If you were injured as a cyclist, or you were involved in a collision with a cyclist, click on the icons below to read more about claiming:

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Author:
Chris Salmon, Director

About the author

Chris Salmon is a co-founder and Director of Quittance Legal Services. Chris has played key roles in the shaping and scaling of a number of legal services brands and is a regular commentator in the legal press.