Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
After a car accident, it’s not always easy to prove what really happened. That’s why more drivers in Oklahoma are turning to dashcams. These small cameras can capture valuable footage of a crash as it unfolds, offering a clear picture of the moments leading up to impact.
But just because something is recorded doesn’t mean it can automatically be used in court. Whether dashcam footage is allowed as evidence in an Oklahoma accident case depends on how it was obtained, what it shows, and how the law applies.
This guide explains when dashcam footage is admissible, what Oklahoma law says about camera use, and how this footage could influence your car accident claim.
A dashcam is a small video camera installed inside a vehicle. Most are mounted on the dashboard or windshield and record what’s happening in front of the car. Some models also capture the rear view inside the cabin or even provide full 360-degree coverage.
Drivers use dash cams for many reasons. Some want a visual record in case they’re in a crash, and others hope to catch risky drivers on the road. Fleet vehicles often use dashcams to track routes, driver behavior, or collisions.
Video footage can provide substantial evidence for people involved in a car accident. It may show precisely how the crash happened, helping to clear up disputes about fault.
Oklahoma allows the use of dashcams, but there are rules about where they can be placed inside your vehicle.
Oklahoma Statute §47-12-404(C): No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows on the side or back that block the driver’s unobstructed view of the roadway or any intersections .
This means you can’t legally mount a dashcam on your windshield if it blocks your line of sight. However, it is legal to install one on the dashboard as long as it doesn’t interfere with your ability to see the road. It’s essential to follow these rules. Footage from a camera installed improperly could be questioned in court or affect your case.
In most Oklahoma accident claims, dashcam footage is admissible—but only if it meets legal standards for evidence. Oklahoma Evidence Code §2401 defines relevant evidence as: “evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence… more probable or less probable.”
That means the footage must directly relate to an essential issue in the case, such as who caused the accident. Courts often admit dashcam videos to show how a crash occurred, whether a traffic law was broken, or how the vehicles moved before and after impact.
Footage can also support or contradict witness statements or other evidence, such as skid marks or injury reports. Lawyers may use it to negotiate a settlement or present it to a jury during trial.
Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule. This means more than one person can be at fault for a crash, and your percentage of blame can reduce your compensation.
In a comparative negligence state like Oklahoma, even if you’re partially at fault, Compensation may still be awarded to you, but it will be lessened in accordance with your proportion of the fault..
Let’s say the other driver changed lanes without signaling, causing a crash. But your dashcam also shows you were holding your phone. Even if the other driver was mostly at fault, your actions could reduce your settlement.
Dashcam evidence is valuable, but it may show your mistakes, as well as the other drivers’ mistakes.
Sometimes, police officers may ask for dashcam footage after a crash or if they suspect a crime occurred. You are not required to hand it over right away.
In Oklahoma, law enforcement cannot compel the release of personal dashcam footage without a valid subpoena or search warrant.
Unless officers have a warrant or subpoena, you can choose whether to share your footage. If you’re unsure what to do, talk to a lawyer before releasing it. The footage might be helpful—or it could work against you.
There are clear benefits to having a dashcam in your vehicle:
But there are also risks:
Whether you’re a private driver or operate a commercial vehicle, it’s essential to understand both sides of the story before relying on dashcam footage.
Use Case | Legal Relevance | Risk Level | Common in Oklahoma? |
| Determining fault in accident | High | Low | Yes |
| Supporting witness statements | Moderate | Low | Yes |
| Disproving false claims | High | Low | Yes |
| Revealing distracted driving | High | High | Yes |
| Showing traffic law violations | High | Medium | Yes |
| Used without court approval | Low | High | No |
Not always. Dashcam footage must be relevant and legally obtained. Courts may exclude footage if it violates privacy laws or fails evidentiary standards.
Yes. If it shows you were distracted or negligent, your compensation may be reduced under Oklahoma’s comparative negligence rule.
Not immediately. Law enforcement typically needs a subpoena or warrant to access your dashcam files.
No. It violates Oklahoma law if it obstructs the driver’s view. The legal alternative is mounting the camera on the dashboard.
Absolutely. Many insurers use footage to assess fault, resolve disputes, or verify accident details during the claims process.
Yes. Companies often mandate dash cams for compliance, training, or legal protection—sometimes with multi-angle or AI-assisted systems.
Dashcam footage can be a valuable tool in a car accident case, but only if used correctly. In Oklahoma, it’s legal to record your drive, but you must follow placement laws and understand how the footage may be used in court.
While dashcams can help prove fault and speed up claims, they can also highlight risky behavior. Knowing your rights and the legal rules around dash cam evidence is key to protecting yourself after a crash.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Tulsa and have dashcam footage, the legal team at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers can walk you through the following steps and explain how it can impact your case.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
