Car camera footage is admissible as evidence in traffic accidents

After a car accident, the question of cause always arises. Video recordings significantly facilitate the investigation. The Frankenthal Regional Court has now admitted a video from a Tesla as evidence.

All-round cameras installed in modern vehicles record almost everything that happens in traffic. video recordings Data from such vehicle cameras may be used for the reconstruction of traffic accidents as Evidence The Frankenthal Regional Court has ruled that the recording can be used as evidence in civil proceedings, even though data protection issues are involved. The recording made it possible to... Liability to clearly clarify the circumstances of the accident.

The case

A Tesla driver parked in a parking space at the side of the road. He got out and opened the rear driver's side door to get his daughter out of the car. A passing Opel drove against the open door The damage amounted to more than 8.000 euros. The Opel driver claimed the door was suddenly opened, he therefore caused the accident avoid can. 

A camera The event in the Tesla had completely recordedThe video helped to clearly clarify the course of the accident and to hold the person responsible accountable. 

The judgment

The court largely ruled in favor of the Tesla driver. convicted the Opel driver and its insurance 70 percent to bear the resulting damage. The video proved that the driver of the Opel saw the open door of the Tesla. would have recognized and be able to drive past it without incident. 

Data protection breach 

According to the court's ruling, data protection concerns do not preclude the use of the video in this case. Even if a data protection violation were to occur, this would not automatically prohibit the use of the video recording. Such recordings are, in any event, permissible if... usable, if only neutral traffic events were documented and that Interest in proof of the injured party in the individual case higher The data protection rights of the filmed accident opponent should be assessed.

The required balancing of interests in this specific case is predominantly in favor of the other party. The outcome is in favor of the Tesla driver. However, he must 30 percent He must bear the cost of his own damages because he opened the door over longer time left wide open. 

Frankenthal Regional Court, judgment of July 7, 2025 Ref. No. 5 O 4/25 (not legally binding, appeal has been filed)

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