Can My Lawyer Recover Video Footage of the Car Crash?

Nowadays cameras can be found almost everywhere in public and private places. Whether it is a red-light camera, police car dash cam, local traffic camera or nearby security camera, there could be a good chance your car crash was captured on video as it occurred.

If you are seeking financial compensation for injuries you sustained in a car accident, video footage can provide clear proof of who was at fault for causing the crash. If the video shows you were obeying traffic laws and driving safely when you were struck by the other driver, you may have a better chance of recovering compensation for medical costs and other damages related to your crash.

Below, the experienced attorneys at Lynch Law Firm, PC discuss cameras that may have captured your accident and how it may be possible to obtain this footage.

Cameras That May Have Captured Your Crash

There are many types of cameras that may have recorded your crash, such as:

• Red light cameras – Many traffic lights have these cameras installed to monitor drivers who run red lights. If you wish to obtain this footage your lawyer will likely need to submit a formal request with the state.
• Private traffic cameras – Sometimes private companies, such as news organizations and local news stations install these cameras to monitor traffic patterns and provide updates on gridlock caused by accidents, inclement weather or construction.
• Security cameras – Businesses, such as gas stations and convenience stores usually have surveillance cameras installed and if your crash happened nearby, the camera may have seen it.  Although some business owners will voluntarily provide the footage, sometimes an attorney may need to formally request it by issuing a subpoena.
• Police car dash cam – If a police car was in the area, the dash cam may have recorded the accident. Your lawyer should be able to make a formal legal request for this footage.
• Private witness cameras – Sometimes private witnesses on the scene taped the accident on their dash cam, bicycle helmet camera or even their smartphone. If you see any witnesses after an accident, they may tell you if they recorded it. You can also ask them when you talk to them about what they saw.

If you think video footage may be available or have questions about recovering it, contact a New Jersey car accident lawyer at Lynch Law Firm, PC. Our lawyers have many years of combined experience helping car crash victims and know how to obtain evidence, including video footage.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

After being in a car crash, you may be filled with a combination of fear, anger and confusion. You may not think about your surroundings as you focus on your well-being and the well-being of others involved in the accident. However, if possible, it is important to survey the area to see if there are any video cameras that may have captured the events leading up to the crash.

If you see a video camera, take a picture of it and note where it is. Although you may be able to recover this footage on your own, the agencies responsible for maintaining the cameras will be more likely to comply if the request comes from a lawyer.

Ways Video Footage Can Help

A video recording of your crash may show the other driver was speeding or distracted. Maybe the driver ran a stop sign or was tailgating you on the approach to a stop light.

Cameras can be particularly helpful if you were in a crash with a hit-and-run driver. These accidents often happen so fast injury victims barely get a chance to notice the fleeing vehicle. Other times crash victims’ cars get hit while they were parked on the street or in a parking lot. There may be no way of knowing who struck the vehicle without video footage.

Call to Learn How Our Lawyers May be Able to Help You

If you were involved in a car crash and think you might benefit from obtaining video footage, the dedicated lawyers at Lynch Law Firm, PC are here to help.

Our firm has recovered over $300 million on behalf of our clients since we were founded back in 1994.* We do not charge anything up front to discuss your claim and we do not get paid unless you do. Your information is kept private and there is no need to commit to our firm, even after your free evaluation, so there is no risk to you.

Call us anytime at (800) 518-0508 to learn more.