Sources Of Video Evidence In Auto Accident Claims
The evidence available determines the strength of your auto accident case. For example, video evidence can provide significant value to your case. Below are some of the ways to source video evidence to strengthen your case.
Police Dashcam Videos
Most police officers have dashboard cameras (dashcams). Most of these dashcams can activate automatically or manually. For example, some dashcams automatically activate when the police lights start flashing. The video footage from police dashcams is not public property. However, the police can produce the footage if necessary — for example, if the footage contains crucial evidence in an auto accident case.
Police Bodycam Videos
Some states have laws that deal with body cameras (bodycams) for the police. Police bodycams work more or less the same as dashcams. The main difference is that dashcams sit in cars while bodycams sit on police bodies. The wearer of a bodycam has to activate the device manually for it to commence recording. Again, the footage is a property of the government, and you can only get it by an application to the relevant police department.
Passerby Dashcams
Most public vehicles, such as commercial trucks and buses, have dashcams for their own use. Many private motorists also have dashcams for their vehicles. All these dashcams can capture video footage that can prove useful in your auto accident case. In this case, you need to deal with the owners of the dashcams as you would deal with auto accident witnesses. Take their contacts and ask them to preserve the evidence for your use.
Security and Safety Surveillance Video
Many public places have security and safety surveillance video for the safety and security of the public. Many private facilities also have their own safety and security cameras. Most of these cameras come in the form of closed circuit television (CCTV). Canvas the properties near the scene of the accident and ask property owners in the area for relevant video footage.
Camera Phones
Lastly, you can also use footage from smartphones as evidencing your case. Such footage is even more likely to be available if your accident occurred in a highly-populated area. Talk to passersby and bystanders around the accident scene for a chance at using their cellphone videos as evidence. Move fast because some of them might delete the videos if you delay.
Note that you are likely to need more than one form of evidence to win your case. You may also need to prove the legality of the evidence — in case the defendant challenges it. Another challenge is to tie the evidence to your case. An auto accident attorney can help you obtain video evidence and tie it to your case, boosting your chances of getting the damage compensation you deserve.