From traffic camera clips to dashcam video, footage of your car accident may be available. This footage could be an essential piece of evidence in your claim for compensation.
Video of a collision can prove negligence on another driver’s part. However, obtaining the footage can be challenging and may require a lot of legwork. A personal injury lawyer can help.
Types of Video Footage That May Be Available
We live in a world where cameras are everywhere, including the phones in people’s pockets. Therefore, there is a good chance that video footage of the car accident exists. There are several types of video you may be able to obtain, including:
Traffic Camera Footage
State laws vary regarding the legality of using traffic cameras to catch people violating traffic laws, like speeding or running red lights. But even in states where the footage cannot be used as evidence of a traffic violation, live-streaming traffic cameras may be present and could be used in a personal injury claim.
The first step in how to obtain traffic camera video of a car accident is determining the location of the camera that may have recorded the crash. From there, you can determine the entity with jurisdiction over the cameras. This entity could be a police department, sheriff’s department, government entity, or private company. You will then need to contact the entity and request the footage.
A lawyer can help you accomplish these tasks. They may also be able to speed up the process or resolve any roadblocks you may encounter.
Surveillance Camera Footage
Many businesses, and even private residences, have surveillance cameras. Though not intended to catch car accidents, they sometimes do.
The issue with many surveillance cameras is that the footage can quickly get deleted, sometimes automatically, in a matter of hours or days. You need to act quickly to obtain this video. To do so, you will need to track down the owner. If they do not provide it willingly, you may need to take legal action to get it. A lawyer can assist with requesting surveillance footage after accidents.
Eyewitness Video
It is possible an eyewitness captured video of the crash with their cell phone camera or another handheld recording device. Other motorists may have dashcam video.
As with surveillance video, you will need to track down the owner before they delete it to obtain the footage.
Victim Footage
Sometimes, victims can get cell phone footage of the crash. You may also have a dashcam in your vehicle that recorded the car accident.
If you are physically able to do so after the collision, you should record anything that may be useful to your claim, including your injuries, the involved vehicles, any debris or damage in the area, and the location of the accident.
How Is Video Footage Used in Car Accident Cases?
Your lawyer can review footage of the crash to determine its cause and prove negligence. Negligence examples include:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Speeding or traveling too fast for current road or weather conditions
- Reckless and aggressive driving
- Passing illegally
- Making an improper turn
- Texting and driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
Video footage can also help paint a picture of what happened and support other case evidence, including:
- Police reports
- Crash reconstruction reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony
- Medical records
As soon as you contact an attorney, they can begin the process of obtaining video footage of your car accident. Acting quickly can help prevent the loss of this and other evidence.
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How to Seek Car Accident Compensation
Car accident victims can seek financial compensation from negligent parties. In many instances, this begins by filing an insurance claim against the at-fault driver, though the process varies if you live in a no-fault insurance state.
Your lawyer can advise you on your claim and seek the maximum compensation possible. In general, financial awards may include:
- Medical Treatment –Emergency transportation, emergency services, doctor and hospital fees, mobility aids, medical equipment, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and long-term nursing
- Lost Income – Employment benefits, additional earnings, and lost future earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering – Chronic and severe physical pain, permanent and disabling injuries, mental anguish, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Wrongful Death of a Loved One – Medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost income and future financial support, and loss of the deceased’s services, society, and care
- Miscellaneous Costs – Vehicle repairs or replacement, rental car fees, medical travel expenses, and household services
If an insurance settlement is not an option, or the insurance claims adjuster refuses to offer full and fair compensation, you can pursue losses through a personal injury lawsuit. How much time you have to file your claim will depend on your state’s statute of limitations.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Near You
Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC has helped injury victims recover hundreds of millions of dollars through settlements and verdicts. We know how to get traffic camera footage and other case evidence and use it to build a strong personal injury claim. We aggressively negotiate on behalf of our clients and will fight tirelessly for financial justice for you or your hurt loved one.
We handle car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, hit-and-runs, fatal accidents, and more. We have 40-plus years of legal experience we can put behind protecting your rights and future.
Our car accident lawyers serve clients in western Tennessee and the surrounding Arkansas and Mississippi areas. We have offices in Memphis, TN, and Olive Branch, MS, and will make meetings as convenient as possible for you. We take cases on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees once we successfully resolve your claim.
Call (901) 526-2126 or contact us online for a free consultation. Connect with a car accident lawyer near you today to learn more about your legal rights and options and get the assistance you need.