Legal question

[gbm85]

ditchdj's thread about witnessing an accident reminded me about this. I bought a windshield mount for my PDA to hold it while I use the GPS navigation. It also has a camera so after getting the mount I thought about using it as a camcorder when I'm not using the navigation software. I too have been in an accident that wasn't my fault, but the other driver's insurance company took about 8 months to admit fault, so I want to protect myself.

I know there are some members here with a legal background, so I figured I would ask if there is anything I should be aware of legally. From what I've heard, it's completely legal to video tape anything in a public place where there's no "reasonable expectation of privacy," which I'm sure includes public roads. But in these days of law suits and such, I want to be sure and CMA. I live in Texas if that makes any difference. Thanks in advance for your replies.

[digilight]

I'm not a lawyer, but I would assume that theres no legal problem with recording the scene of a accident. Hell they encourage you to take pictures of the scene of a accident so why not a video too. If you are concerned about legal implications of doing this why not just head over to your local PD and ask them. They'll give you the straight dope on it.

[RogueOne]

I'd ask the DA instead.

[Crosshair]

No legal problem with video taping in public or videotaping something FROM a public place. (Video taping someone in their house from the street, creepy yes, but legal.) At least in the US, you can also legaly record private conversations so long as one person in the conversation is aware of the recording. (Me recording a conversation with my boss.)

[LostMyMind]

Recording sound have some privacy issues, and vary from state to state. Some states require 2 people being recorded to consent, others require all being record, some require only 1.

As far as video, unless it's in a place of expected privacy (such as a bathroom). You'll probably be fine.

[One-Fang]

I believe most states probably have the inference that you can be recorded on the roads by the state at any time (speed cameras, traffic flow cameras, etc). Therefore the expectation of privacy is already gone.