A car turned left right in front of me. I slammed into his fender. The driver got out and told the police, “He came out of nowhere! He was speeding!” It was his word against mine… until I pointed to the GoPro on my helmet. I uploaded the footage, and the driver’s insurance company accepted 100% liability in 24 hours.
Key Takeaways
- The Bias Against Riders: Police and insurers often default to blaming the “skateboarder” or “scooter kid.” Video evidence is the only equalizer.
- Proving Speed: Cameras with GPS (like newer GoPros or Insta360s) overlay your speed. This proves you weren’t speeding, countering the driver’s lie.
- License Plates: High-resolution video captures the plate if they hit-and-run. Without it, you have no claim (unless you have Uninsured Motorist coverage).
- Submission Strategy: Don’t send the raw footage immediately if it shows you doing something illegal earlier. Clip the relevant incident.
The “Why” (Objective Evidence)
“Burden of Proof.” In a liability claim, you must prove the other party was negligent. Video removes doubt.
The Investigation: Camera Tech
I tested cameras for insurance utility.
1. Insta360 X4 (360 Camera)
- Pros: Captures everything (sides and back). Great for proving a car side-swiped you.
- Cons: fragile lens.
2. GoPro Hero (Standard)
- Pros: Rugged. Good license plate readability.
- Cons: Narrow field of view. Might miss the car coming from the side.
3. Helmet Chin Mount vs. Stick
- Verdict: Chin mount is best. It shows what you were looking at. Sticks break in crashes.
Comparison Table
| Evidence Type | Credibility with Adjuster |
| Your Statement | Low |
| Witness Statement | Medium |
| Police Report | High |
| 4K Video | Irrefutable |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Always Record: It’s a hassle, but turn it on every ride. Loop recording saves space.
- Show the Police: At the scene, tell the officer “I have video of the crash.” They will note it in the report.
- Don’t Post to YouTube Yet: Send it to the adjuster first. Posting it online allows the other side to analyze it for your faults before you negotiate.
FAQ
Is it legal to record?
In public spaces (roads), yes. You have no expectation of privacy on a public street.
[IMAGE: Screenshot from a helmet camera showing a car turning across the rider’s path]