When you are injured in a car accident, the main concern is how to prove your claim. The camera footage can be the evidence you need to build a solid case.
However, obtaining the camera footage can be a time-consuming and meticulous process that starts by identifying the source of the video.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain camera footage for your accident.
Importance of Video Evidence in Car Accidents
If you are hurt in a car accident, the success of your claim depends on the evidence. It provides you with the best opportunity to prove another driver’s negligence. Consult with an accident injury lawyer in Atlanta, GA to know about the specific evidence you need in your case. The common types of evidence include:
- The police report
- Eyewitness testimony
- Traffic citations
- Medical bills and records
- Footage from nearby cameras
Video can be the most compelling evidence that is not subject to any lapses of vagaries. Also, it can’t be impartial in a way that other evidence can be. Moreover, it’s difficult to argue with a sequence of events in video footage of the accident.
What Kind of Camera Footage Can You Use?
Dashcams
Dashcams can be very advantageous in the event of a car accident. The footage captured by your dashcam can be beneficial to your claim. You can also request dashcam footage from others involved in the accident.
Surveillance Cameras
The stores, buildings, or other businesses near the accident scene may have captured the event on their surveillance cameras. Nowadays, more and more businesses are using security cameras. The footage captured by these surveillance cameras can prove to be useful in your claim.
Videos Recorded by Bystanders
Sometimes video of accidents can be recorded by a bystander unintentionally. This footage can be useful and prove to be strong evidence in your car accident claim.
Determine Which Camera Caught the Accident
The first step to getting footage is to determine which camera caught the accident. This can be a difficult task that requires thorough investigation. Your lawyer can investigate the area and determine which cameras may have caught the accident.
After identifying the cameras which are most likely to have captured the accident, the next step is to identify the camera owner who can be the landlord or store owner. Once you identify the person responsible for the camera, you can make a request for the footage. You need to be quick as the footage can be deleted over time to make space for new footage.
How to Get Traffic Camera Footage Connected to Your Collision?
Georgia’s Open Records Act authorizes the Georgia Department of Public Safety to consider the request for camera footage related to your accident. The request for photos and other crash-related records can be submitted to the Georgia DPS Open Records Unit. You need to include the following details:
- Your name, phone number, and mailing address
- Name of the city where the collision took place
- Date of the accident for which you need the records
- Crash report number
- Names of any victims or subjects of the investigation
Conclusion
Evidence is critical to build a strong personal injury case. However, gathering evidence can be a time-consuming task. Fortunately, you are not alone, experienced Atlanta car accident attorneys at Karma Injury Law can help gather the evidence, build a strong case, and get the compensation you deserve due to the suffering you experienced.