Securing traffic camera footage after an auto collision in Texas starts with identifying the camera’s owner. It could be the property of a local government entity, a transportation department, or a private individual or organization. You’ll usually need a lawyer’s help to subpoena the footage.
At The Wilhite Law Firm, our attorneys can simplify the process of obtaining video footage if you get hurt in an accident. We have significant experience dealing with the various governmental and private entities that might own the data. We know who to talk to, what to ask for, and how to request it effectively. Our team can also preserve the video properly, use it as evidence for your case, and leverage it for better outcomes.
Still curious about getting traffic camera video after a Texas car crash? Here’s what you should know.
Can Having Traffic Camera Video Help My Car Accident Claim?
Traffic camera footage can be pivotal in your accident claim, offering clear, unbiased proof of what transpired. In addition to confirming what you already know or suspect about the accident, video footage could reveal details you missed in the chaos of the impact. It could also establish fault by showing crucial elements like speed, right of way, traffic light status, road conditions, and the behavior of all involved parties.
Clear-cut video evidence makes it harder for other parties to dispute your account of what happened, increasing your chances of a favorable settlement. This visual proof can be a powerful tool when establishing fault in your claim. It can also expose whether the other party’s recounting of the accident is false or inaccurate.
What Are Some Different Sources of Video?
If you’re wondering whether video footage exists that could help your car accident case, you might be surprised at the number of possible sources, which could include the following:
- Traffic cameras – Traffic cameras operated by government entities or local law enforcement can be excellent sources of footage. These cameras often monitor intersections and major roadways.
- Dashboard cameras – Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular in private vehicles for personal security and can be data goldmines. If you or another road user had a dash cam running when the collision occurred, it might have recorded helpful footage.
- Surveillance cameras – Many businesses, homes, and public buildings have security cameras that monitor their exteriors and common areas. If your accident happened near one of these locations, there’s a chance it was caught on a surveillance camera.
- Body cams or patrol car cameras – In cases where law enforcement was present at the scene, their body cams or patrol car cameras might have recorded useful video.
- Cellphone footage – With smartphones nearly everywhere these days, it’s possible that a nearby driver, pedestrian, or other road user recorded the accident – either deliberately or accidentally.
- Public transportation cameras – Many modern buses, trams, trains, and other public transport vehicles have exterior cameras that could have captured your accident.
What Are Some Things Camera Video Can Show About the Car Accident?
Video recordings can provide concrete visuals that could significantly benefit your claim. Here’s a list of potentially valuable things a video recording might show after an accident:
- The sequence of events – Video can offer an accurate timeline of how the accident unfolded, including who was at the scene, when they arrived, and their actions leading up to the crash.
- Driving behavior – Video can also capture erratic behavior, negligence, or traffic violations that might have contributed to the accident.
- Impact and damage – Some footage can depict the collision and the immediate damage to the vehicles involved, which could substantiate your claim.
- Weather and road conditions – The state of the road and weather conditions at the time of the accident can also be evident in a video, which could influence the assessment of fault.
- Post-accident behavior – Video footage could also show the actions of the parties involved after the accident, which could be relevant to your case.
Are There Downsides to Using the Video as Evidence?
While video footage can provide critical evidence in a car accident claim, there are potential drawbacks, such as:
- The video’s limited scope might not capture the entire incident, missing crucial details.
- Issues with video quality due to poor lighting or obstructions could make it hard to use as evidence.
- There could be disputes in the interpretation of the footage that undermine or delay your claim.
- If you were partially at fault, video could highlight your own mistakes and damage your case.
Do a Large Number of Accidents Happen Near Traffic Cameras?
The use and prevalence of traffic cameras can vary significantly based on numerous factors, like the specific state, county, city, or even intersection where an accident occurs. Where the crash happened could affect whether a camera was there to capture your car accident. While many busy intersections have cameras to oversee traffic patterns, this doesn’t always mean a particular accident was caught on tape.
If you got hurt in a Texas car accident and want to know if there could be footage of the crash, contact the experienced team at The Wilhite Law Firm. We’ll do everything possible to determine whether such footage exists and retrieve it if it does. Trust us to put our experience to work for you as we strive to build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Texas?
In Texas, you have two years from the date of a car accident to file a lawsuit for any personal injury or property damage resulting from the accident. If you fail to act within this two-year window, the courts will likely refuse to hear your case.
It can take time to find and gather all the evidence you need to support your case, including any video footage available. Always consult a lawyer to confirm that you’re taking the right steps within the required time frame after an accident.
Contact a Texas Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t let valuable evidence slip away. If you were in a Texas car accident and suspect video footage might be available, now is the time to act. At The Wilhite Law Firm, we know how to investigate and secure this evidence and incorporate it into a compelling case on your behalf. Trust us to work hard for the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach out to us now for your free consultation.
