If you are considering filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit following a motor vehicle accident, then gathering proof of the other driver's negligence is crucial. Yes, accident and police reports, accident scene pictures, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimonies are invaluable. But security footage that shows how the crash occurred in real-time can likewise be invaluable to your case. Most people are unsure how to do this. Can you get security footage of your motor vehicle accident in Florida, or do you need a lawyer?
While you may face issues trying to get traffic camera footage of your auto accident, it's still possible to get it, but working with a lawyer at Hancock Injury Attorneys can make the process a lot easier. A Tampa car accident lawyer knows the landscape of accident investigation. If you need assistance with gathering this evidence or any aspect of your case, consulting with an attorney can be instrumental in navigating these complexities and enhancing your chances of a favorable outcome.
The Process of Getting Traffic Camera Footage Of An Auto Accident
It's common for someone to request a copy of surveillance camera footage. But, it's also a common procedure for entities to only release such videos under a court order. It is also vital to note that some traffic cameras erase footage after a day or two. This means that you must call a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to secure footage of the crash.
A skilled Tampa motor vehicle accident lawyer can work with your local police department or other law enforcement who worked the car accident scene in obtaining traffic camera footage. An attorney can also help you get security footage from traffic cameras that the government or private companies may own. Your lawyer will have to send a subpoena to get the footage you need to support your claim.
Obtaining Surveillance Footage From Private Cameras
Traffic cameras are not your only source of accident security footage. Plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, stores, and other businesses use CCTV cameras for security. You can usually find these cameras inside and outside the store. CCTV cameras usually record real-time footage of all kinds of accidents.
ATMs are also excellent sources of video footage. These machines have cameras in front to record user transactions but can also record an accident in front of them.
Yet, you don’t have a guarantee that you’ll get a copy of the footage. Some businesses archive their surveillance footage, but others delete it or record over it after a couple of days. To get the footage, you must reach out to the owners as quickly as you can. But be prepared to get some pushback because, legally, businesses are not obligated to release their security video.
Yet, if you have your Tampa auto accident attorney to communicate with the CCTV camera owners, you may be able to secure the camera footage on time.
Other Forms of Video Evidence
Aside from security and traffic cameras, other cameras may have captured your car accident in real time. One example is the dashcam, which many drivers now install in their vehicles. If you or anyone else near the accident happens to have a dashcam running, the footage might reveal important details like the other driver’s speed, traffic violations, or even the exact moment of impact.
Even if you don’t own one, your lawyer can check with witnesses or others at the scene who may have dashcams, which can be highly beneficial. Obtaining this footage promptly can make a major difference when establishing fault and negotiating with insurance companies.
Bodycams
Bodycam footage recorded by police officers or first responders is another potential source of evidence. If law enforcement arrived at the scene, their body cameras may have captured statements from drivers, the condition of the vehicles, road hazards, or weather conditions. A lawyer can help you request and review this footage, which could further strengthen your car accident claim by providing yet another perspective on the accident’s aftermath.
Speed Cameras
Speed cameras are specifically set up to monitor how fast vehicles are going and take photos or video when a driver exceeds the speed limit. Traffic cameras, on the other hand, generally monitor traffic flow, congestion, and accidents without necessarily recording vehicle speed.
In an accident claim, either type of camera could potentially capture useful footage. However, a traffic camera is more likely to provide a broader view of the accident scene, while a speed camera might only capture you (or another vehicle) if it was triggered by speeding. If you suspect a speed camera recorded your accident, it can still be worth exploring whether that footage is available and useful in proving liability.
The Importance of Prompt Action After a Car Accident in Florida
Acting quickly is essential when gathering evidence after a traffic accident. Many businesses and government agencies overwrite or delete surveillance footage from their security cameras within a few days. If you wait too long to request these recordings, you could miss out on critical evidence.
Additionally, Florida law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits—so the longer you delay, the more challenging it becomes to build a strong claim. Contacting a lawyer right away to assist with obtaining footage helps ensure car accident victims request traffic camera footage and collect and preserve all other available evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.
How Obtaining Camera Footage Impacts Negotiations and Trial
Clear, compelling video can be a game-changer if you’re seeking compensation for damages. First, having strong footage might encourage insurance companies to settle fairly and more quickly since the visual proof makes it harder to dispute liability.
Second, video evidence can be highly persuasive in a courtroom setting. Written police reports and witness testimony are useful, but actually seeing the moments leading up to a car crash can help a judge or jury better understand what really happened. This can significantly bolster your position if your case goes to trial.
Addressing Privacy and Legal Concerns
In some cases, footage may capture bystanders or private property. Navigating privacy issues and legal constraints often requires careful handling, which is where an attorney’s guidance becomes essential. Businesses or government entities may also be hesitant to release footage without a valid court order or subpoena. A lawyer can help you follow the proper legal channels to secure the recordings you need while respecting privacy laws and procedural rules.
How a Lawyer Manages the Investigation
An experienced Florida car accident attorney can assist you with locating and preserving all possible video evidence—beyond just traffic or surveillance cameras. They’ll know the local landscape, from convenience stores and gas stations to city-owned traffic cameras, and can quickly send out formal requests or subpoenas to prevent footage from being deleted.
Furthermore, if necessary, your legal team may work with accident reconstruction specialists who can analyze any video to confirm important details like speed and the exact point of impact. Together, these efforts give you the best chance at building a strong, evidence-based case.
Consult With An Experienced Tampa Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Today
Ultimately, time is of the essence when it comes to securing security footage of your motor vehicle crash. As mentioned, security footage can be lost if you fail to persuade the owners to give you a copy of the footage you need to help with your claim.
If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a motor vehicle crash in Florida, get in touch with Hancock Injury Attorneys now. Our Tampa motor vehicle accident attorney can review the details of the crash, get proper evidence to strengthen your claim and prove your accident-related losses. To talk about your legal options in a free case evaluation, call 813-915-1110 or contact us online.