You can use your smartphone to capture photos or videos at the scene of your car accident. Other photographic and video evidence may be available from witnesses’ smartphones, residential and commercial security cameras, and other sources. By partnering with a car accident lawyer, you can collect and review a wealth of evidence from a wide range of sources.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm works hard to help auto accident victims gather and assess evidence. To find out more, contact an auto accident lawyer from our firm. We can take a look at your car accident and answer any questions you have about your case.
What Is Surveillance in a Car Accident Case?
Surveillance refers to the monitoring of activities that result in a car accident. It can come from video cameras, eyewitnesses, and other sources. Any of these sources can help you present a compelling argument if you seek compensatory damages after an auto accident.
For example, a witness may have seen a negligent driver crash into your vehicle. In this instance, the witness may be able to testify on your behalf during your personal injury trial. The witness can explain what they saw, which can help you secure the maximum amount of damages.
There can be times when surveillance footage is available from security cameras at residential and commercial properties. These cameras can capture your car accident. If you can access this footage, you may be well-equipped to present a compelling case to a judge or jury.
How Can I Get Surveillance that Can Be Used in a Car Accident Case?
It pays to partner with an attorney that has plenty of experience with motor vehicle accident cases. Your attorney searches far and wide for evidence you can use during your trial. Plus, your lawyer can figure out who to contact to retrieve evidence.
There can be instances where an attorney asks residents near the scene of an auto accident for video doorbell footage. Or, a lawyer may find car and truck drivers that have dashcam footage of an auto accident. An attorney may even connect with car accident witnesses to find out if they captured videos of the incident.
The best attorney recognizes the value of evidence in your auto accident case. This lawyer explores every opportunity to gather evidence and use it to strengthen your argument. If the attorney is successful, they can help their client secure the most damages possible.
What Should I Do with Surveillance Footage from a Car Accident?
If you have surveillance footage, you should share it with your attorney immediately. You and your lawyer can review the footage and figure out how it can be presented during your trial. Also, your attorney can get in touch with anyone that provides you with evidence, as these individuals may be able to serve as witnesses.
Maintaining a collection of surveillance footage and other evidence for your car accident case is beneficial. You should secure this evidence and make sure you and your attorney have no trouble accessing it. As you and your attorney gather surveillance footage, you should add it to your collection of evidence.
Review any evidence you get with your lawyer. There can be instances where certain pieces of evidence are irrelevant to your case. In these instances, your attorney can help you identify the best pieces of evidence to present during your trial.
Will I Need to Pay for Surveillance Footage from My Car Accident?
You may need to pay legal fees so your attorney can help you gather surveillance footage from your auto accident. If your attorney works on an hourly rate, you will be charged this rate. On the other hand, if your lawyer works on a contingency basis, your attorney will deduct a percentage of your settlement at the conclusion of your case.
In many instances, you can ask for video footage from your car accident, and someone may willingly provide it. For example, a local homeowner may have captured video footage of your auto accident from their doorbell camera. You can ask the homeowner for this footage, and they may choose to provide it to you without delay.
Comparatively, you may need to file a subpoena to request video footage. Your attorney can help you submit a subpoena and make sure it is enforced. Once the party that receives the subpoena follows through on it, you will get the video footage you requested.
What Do I Need to Do to Get as Much Surveillance Footage as Possible for My Car Accident Case?
Partnering with a Charleston car accident lawyer is an excellent starting point. Your attorney can help you collect surveillance from a variety of sources. In addition, your lawyer will make sure that you:
- Understand all aspects of the legal process
- Set realistic expectations for your case
- Are ready for your trial date
Expect your attorney to use surveillance footage in conjunction with other evidence and witness testimony. This ensures you can present a multi-faceted argument to a judge or jury. From here, a judge or jury decides whether to award damages.
Does Using Surveillance Footage as Evidence Guarantee that I Will Be Awarded Damages in My Car Accident Case?
Surveillance footage can strengthen your case for damages relating to your car accident. However, it does not determine your case. Rather, surveillance footage is one of many pieces of evidence that you can provide to compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor.
Your attorney works diligently to help you present the strongest argument possible. Surveillance footage can help you win or settle your case, and your lawyer will consider it accordingly. Meanwhile, your attorney will not rely exclusively on surveillance footage to help you secure damages.
At The Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we can help you retrieve and evaluate surveillance footage and other evidence for your auto accident case. For more information or to request a free consultation, please get in touch with us today.
