Accidents are common occurrences, and chances are you will be involved in a crash at some point. Fortunately, most accidents are minor, resulting in minimal damage or minor injuries. Accidents happen quickly, and even the drivers may not know exactly how they occurred. In such situations, video camera footage can prove negligence in an accident.
It would be best to determine what happened so that the negligent party can be held responsible for paying the damages. Police crash investigators and insurance adjusters attempt to piece together what happened by reviewing police reports, witness and driver statements, analyzing the accident site, and evaluating vehicle damage. In some cases, video footage records the accident, making it easier to assess negligence.
Types of Video Cameras Capturing Accidents
It seems as though there are cameras almost everywhere we go these days. They are found in parking lots, at intersections, and on buildings. It is possible that a video camera captured part or all of your accident. Several types of video surveillance cameras include commercial, governmental, public, and personal.
- Cell phones
- Vehicle recording devices
- Traffic cameras
- Video surveillance cameras
- Doorbell cameras
- Dash cams
Your Houston auto accident attorney will determine whether video footage will be helpful in your case. If so, there may be ways to locate the information to show how the crash occurred. Video is compelling evidence, especially if it shows the complete accident. The video can also combat a defense expert’s accident reconstruction. Other evidence, like EDR computer data, can also help your case.
How to Obtain Video Recordings to Prove Negligence
The first step is to find out whether it is possible that a video camera captured the entire incident. One way to do this is to return to the crash scene to investigate for cameras. You will need to know the exact date and time of the incident.
It is crucial to obtain camera information promptly, as many cameras begin recording footage after a certain period. Once that happens, the video will be lost. Some surveillance videos are privately owned, while others might be governmental devices. For example, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has a list of camera locations online. You must obtain the proper permission to access video surveillance of a particular accident.
Examples Where We Used Video to Win a Car Accident Case
- A professional truck driver was driving a dump truck. While pressing an intersection, the traffic signal turned red for the driver. Our car accident client had the green light and was severely injured in the accident. The truck driver initially claimed his light was green. Still, upon investigation and review of the video, the insurance company quickly settled the case in favor of our client for a substantial sum.
- A man was driving to work when a big rig crossed the roadway in front of him. The truck driver and the trucking company initially denied responsibility. After obtaining a video from sources in the area, our truck accident attorneys settled the case for a premium number with the insurance carrier for the trucking company.
- Our client was riding a motorcycle on the highway in a group. One of the riders was wearing a GoPro camera. While one motorcycle rider in his group slowed down to make a left turn, a motorcycle behind our client slammed into him, injuring him severely. The case settled pre-litigation for a substantial sum.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Attorney
Locating and obtaining video documentation of the accident scene can be complicated. A skilled attorney understands the laws and will work quickly to gather video documentation.
Getting a subpoena for access to the required video documentation is often necessary. The first step is to find out if one of the vehicles involved in the accident was recorded at the time. Traffic cameras might have caught the accident on video. Another consideration is the local businesses or residences in the area. Sometimes, other drivers or bystanders have recordings of the incident.
While finding digital media is not always easy, it could be critical in favorably resolving your case. It is best to seek the services of a reputable Houston personal injury lawyer in your area as soon as possible after the accident, when video evidence is more likely to be still available.
Contact Baumgartner Law Firm in Houston today for a free initial phone consultation.
Call 281-587-1111
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