Video Surveillance as Evidence in a Car Accident Claim

After a car accident, surveillance evidence may be utilized to help establish fault. It can be especially useful when there are discrepancies or uncertainties about what caused the crash. Or it may help corroborate testimony from witnesses and those who were involved.

Types of Surveillance Video Used as Car Accident Evidence

Red-light cameras can be found at various intersections. Oftentimes they are located at problematic areas where a significant number of accidents happen or it’s known for traffic violations.

Not only can the camera capture violators, resulting in a ticket being issued. But it may help show a driver speeding or going through a red light. The data can specifically indicate the car’s speed and the time that elapsed from when the light turned red and when the vehicle entered the intersection. With cameras typically mounted from various angles, it could become a significant piece of evidence in establishing what caused a crash.

Sometimes buildings have security cameras installed. They may reach far enough that a nearby accident would be captured on video.

Although not widely used, video from in-car cameras could be helpful as evidence after a crash. Sometimes parents install these in vehicles to keep an eye on their teen driver. Or employers use them to monitor their employee’s driving behaviors. But for anyone who wishes to protect themselves from an insurance dispute after an accident, it could become a critical piece of evidence.

Surveillance video can be used in other ways after a car accident. If someone has made claims regarding injuries, that person could be caught engaging in activities that are contradictory. For instance, the other party in the crash says a debilitating back injury has prevented him/her from working and can’t hardly move to take care of daily tasks around the home. Yet that person is captured on video playing a game of softball or lifting heavy items.

Other Types of Car Accident Evidence Used in an Accident Case

Surveillance evidence can tell a lot. But it may not be enough to build a strong case. So it’s important to consider other types of car accident evidence that should be gathered.

Photographs can also help. There may be limitations in what is caught on camera, but pictures can focus on details that would otherwise be missed. This could not only help prove what might have caused an accident, but could also show visible injuries.

Testimony from eyewitnesses may establish the cause of a crash. Oftentimes the person who is struck had no ability to see it coming, so may not fully understand what happened. Another motorist or a pedestrian could offer insight into what they saw before, during and after the crash.

The police report could help in establishing fault, too. If the other driver was given a Breathalyzer and failed, the report may indicate a ticket for this offense. Or the responding officer might offer his/her opinion regarding what likely caused the crash.

Obtaining surveillance evidence and other forms of car accident evidence can be difficult. Contact D.J. Banovitz, who can help victims of car accidents pursue compensation via an injury claim or lawsuit.