When a pedestrian is involved in an accident, establishing fault is often one of the biggest challenges. Drivers may claim they didn't see the pedestrian, or there may be disagreements about who had the right of way. In these cases, surveillance footage can play a crucial role in proving what happened, offering clear evidence to support a pedestrian's claim. Whether from traffic cameras, nearby businesses, or private surveillance systems, video footage can be a game changer in pedestrian accident cases!
The Importance Of Surveillance Footage
Video evidence can provide an unbiased, objective account of the incident, showing exactly how the accident unfolded. In many pedestrian accidents, witnesses may be unreliable or may not be present at all. In these instances, surveillance footage offers concrete proof that can help corroborate the victim's version of events.
For instance, a camera might capture the driver’s behavior right before the collision, such as running a red light, speeding, or failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Likewise, footage can show whether the pedestrian was following traffic signals and walking in a designated area.
How Surveillance Footage Affects Pedestrian Injury Claims
A pedestrian accident lawyer needs to establish that the driver exercised negligence or failed to follow the rules of the road and surveillance footage can be a major bargaining chip.If the footage shows that the driver acted recklessly or that the pedestrian was in the right, it can strengthen the case significantly, making the other side more willing to settle.
Time Is Of The Essence
In many cases, surveillance footage is only kept for a limited amount of time before it is overwritten or deleted. This is especially true for private businesses or public cameras that may only store footage for a few days or weeks.
Acting quickly after a pedestrian accident is crucial to preserve this evidence. If possible, contacting local businesses, traffic camera operators, or law enforcement as soon as possible can help ensure that the footage is saved and made available for review. Acting quickly is also important for the insurance claim process and having an attorney on your side can help establish that you have a strong case.
Attorneys like those at Blaszkow Legal, PLLC can attest to how quickly valuable evidence can disappear. In some cases, the delay in obtaining footage can mean that key video footage is no longer available, making the case more difficult to pursue.
How A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
Collecting and using surveillance footage is not always straightforward. Depending on the circumstances, securing this footage may require subpoenas or cooperation from various parties, including government agencies or private businesses. Moreover, once the footage is secured, it must be carefully reviewed and analyzed.
A lawyer will be able to assess the footage in light of the surrounding facts of the case to determine how best to use it. In some instances, the footage might also be used in court to demonstrate key facts. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, working with an attorney can strengthen your chances of a fair settlement. Contact a lawyer today to see what your options are!