Imagine this situation: you've been in a car accident. Emotions are running high, and confusion takes over. In the midst of this chaos, have you ever thought about the importance of having a video recording of what happened?
This footage can make the difference between a successful insurance claim and a messy legal situation. Let's explore how video footage after a crash can be your ally and provide crucial evidence at critical moments.
- Capturing the Details of the Accident:
Human memory is fragile and can become fuzzy over time. By having a video recording, you can capture the details of the accident objectively and accurately.
- Determination of Fault:
Assigning fault is a critical part of settling insurance claims and legal cases. Video footage can provide visual evidence to support your version of events.
- Witness Testimony:
In many cases, people who witness an accident can provide valuable testimony. However, having a witness statement can be tricky, as memory of events can fade. If you are fortunate enough to have witnesses, video recording can be invaluable for preserving and using their statements as solid evidence.
- Rebuttal of False Claims:
Video recording can be your best defense when parties present conflicting versions of what happened.
Visual evidence can effectively refute false claims or attempts to manipulate the truth. This strengthens your position and can also discredit other parties' attempts to misrepresent the facts.
- Facilitates the Claims Process:
By providing tangible evidence, video recording can streamline the process of filing claims with insurance companies.
Instead of relying solely on verbal descriptions, you can take pictures of a car accident to back up your case. Not only does this speed up the process, but it can also increase the likelihood of getting fair compensation.
In a technology-driven world, using available tools can make all the difference in difficult situations such as a car accident. Video recording is an impartial witness and can be your best ally in seeking justice and compensation.
How to Obtain Surveillance Footage After a Car Accident?
In a car accident, obtaining accurate details about the incident becomes crucial, especially if personal injuries are involved. While eyewitness accounts are valuable, the subjective interpretation of witnesses can vary. This is where obtaining surveillance footage, such as video, becomes invaluable.
Emergency Vehicle Dashboard Cameras
In the event that an emergency vehicle, such as the police, is involved in the accident, it is possible to obtain a copy of the footage from the vehicle's dashboard camera. These cameras record events with video and audio, capturing what happens in front of the cruiser and inside the vehicle.
While dash cams are useful, they are typically activated only when the vehicle's sirens and lights operate. Although most states consider the video from these cameras a public record, victims can request this information from law enforcement.
However, since this process can be complicated, having a personal injury attorney is the best option. Their expertise will facilitate the process of obtaining these images in a timely manner.
Local Business Chambers
Many local businesses now have surveillance camera systems on their property. If the accident occurs near a business establishment, management can be contacted to request access to the surveillance footage.
In some cases, management may not voluntarily provide the footage; in such situations, a subpoena may be required. This step should be done quickly to avoid data being deleted or overwritten. Again, having the advice of an attorney is essential in these circumstances, and this service is usually provided free of charge.
Road Traffic Cameras
The Freedom of Information Act makes obtaining images from highway traffic cameras easier. These images can be crucial in determining liability in an accident.
Although this process can be complex, as the cameras often have different owners (the state operates some, while businesses privately own others), a skilled attorney can file a subpoena to obtain the footage efficiently.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for Help
Whether a camera captured the collision or not, it is critical to contact an attorney immediately.
You may need compensation to repair your vehicle or cover medical expenses. Regardless of the evidence available, having an experienced car accident attorney who will stand up for your rights and work hard to get you the compensation you are entitled to is essential.
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation!
Jany Martinez Ward
Partner
Jany Martínez-Ward is a Founding and Managing Partner of The Ward Law Group, PL, a Florida law firm representing victims of car accidents. She focuses her practice on providing legal representation to Hispanic clients that have become injured in a car accident as a result of the negligence of others. In 2018, The National Trial Lawyers Association recognized Jany as one of the top attorneys in the state and among the top 40 under 40 attorneys.
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