Busy intersections see a high frequency of accidents due to the constant activity. However, there is a silver lining when accidents occur at intersections, as these areas are often equipped with traffic cameras. In cases where the facts of the accident are disputed, intersection camera recordings can help establish liability. If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced New York City Auto Accidents Attorney who can help you find surveillance footage that can serve as evidence to prove your claim.
Can intersection camera footage help prove negligence?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, there’s a good chance that an intersection camera may have recorded the events leading up to your accident and the accident itself. This hard evidence is crucial for your accident claim because you must fulfill the burden of proof before collecting any compensation for your damages. An intersection camera recording will show the accident in real-time, which may portray the other driver’s negligence. For example, the other driver may have run a red light.
Nevertheless, while this recording can significantly impact your accident claim, traffic cameras were designed to capture traffic violations. This means they may not have recorded the accident. They usually focus on license plate numbers. With this in mind, you can turn to private surveillance footage. Depending on the location of the accident, a business or residential home with surveillance cameras installed to monitor their premises may have caused the accident. Therefore, you should speak to an attorney who can help you obtain this footage.
What other forms of evidence can help prove my claim in New York?
Although an intersection camera recording can be instrumental, other evidence can help you satisfy the burden of proof. As mentioned above, it’s crucial to provide sufficient evidence that leaves no doubt that your injuries and damages were the direct result of the other driver’s negligence. Therefore, gathering as much evidence as possible is in your best interest.
If you’re physically capable, you should capture photos and video footage of your visible injuries and vehicle damage at the accident scene. In addition, you should ask witnesses for their contact information as they may corroborate your version of the events. You should file a police report and obtain a copy. It’s also beneficial to keep track of your medical records and bills, as they can verify the extent and severity of your injuries.
While some of these pieces of evidence can be obtained independently, others will require the assistance of a qualified attorney. Regarding traffic recordings, time is of the essence, as footage is often lost after a couple of days. Please don’t hesitate to contact a trusted attorney from the legal team at Swerling Law, who can help you get the justice you deserve.
