Footage from traffic cameras can serve as valuable evidence in a car accident case. However, these cameras may not store footage for very long. Further, the process for obtaining traffic camera footage can be complicated.
To request traffic camera footage after a car accident in Chicago, you must first identify the accident’s location and contact local authorities for guidance. Afterwards, you must submit a request to the agency responsible for the relevant traffic camera recording. It’s advisable to seek legal assistance when making this request. The team at our firm can help recover your footage and review it for evidence that may support your potential car accident claim.
Get assistance from our experienced Chicago car accident attorneys at the Rhatigan Law Offices by dialing (312) 578-8502.
Recovering Footage from a Traffic Camera After a Car Crash in Chicago
There is a specific process you should follow when seeking to recover traffic camera footage after a car crash. Fortunately, our Streamwood car accident attorneys can offer guidance when navigating each of the following steps:
Identify the Location
First, determine the exact location of the accident. Chicago has an extensive network of traffic cameras throughout the city. Knowing where the incident occurred will help you pinpoint the relevant camera.
Contact Local Authorities
Reach out to the local law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. They can help guide you on the procedures for obtaining traffic camera footage. Be prepared to provide them with the date, time, and location of the accident.
FOIA Request
Because of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you have the right to request access to public records, which may include traffic camera footage. Our legal team can help submit a FOIA request to the relevant city or state agency responsible for managing traffic camera recordings.
Using Traffic Camera Footage to Support Your Car Accident Case
Traffic camera footage can be a valuable tool for a plaintiff in a car accident case. The following are all examples of ways it can be used to support your claim:
Establishing Fault
Traffic camera footage often provides an impartial view of the accident. It can clearly demonstrate who was at fault, helping to establish liability. For instance, if the footage shows the other driver running a red light, it can be compelling evidence in your favor.
Proving the Sequence of Events
Footage can help reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the accident. This is particularly useful in complex accidents where multiple factors are at play. It can show whether any party involved was engaged in reckless or negligent behavior.
Identifying Witnesses
Sometimes, traffic camera footage captures the presence of witnesses or potential third-party liability, such as a business’s security camera. This can help in identifying and contacting witnesses who may be able to provide additional testimony supporting your case.
Disputing False Claims
In cases where the other party is making false claims about the accident, the footage can serve as an objective source of truth. It can contradict false statements and disprove allegations against you.
Strengthening Negotiations
When negotiating with insurance companies or the defendant’s legal representation, having concrete evidence from traffic camera footage can strengthen your position. It can lead to a more favorable settlement offer because of the clear evidence supporting your claim.
Bolstering Credibility
Utilizing traffic camera footage enhances the credibility of your case. It provides an objective and unbiased perspective that can be more persuasive in court, helping to gain the trust of judges and juries.
Do You Need Traffic Camera Footage to Win Your Car Accident Lawsuit?
While traffic camera footage can be very useful in a car accident case, it is not necessary to recover payment. For instance, the following are all examples of evidence that may be used to support your potential case:
Witness Statements
Witness statements are critical pieces of evidence as they provide firsthand accounts of the accident. Eyewitnesses can describe the events leading up to the collision, the actions of the parties involved, and any details that may be crucial in determining fault. These statements can corroborate the plaintiff’s version of events and enhance the case’s credibility. Witness statements are often used to support claims of negligence or recklessness by the opposing party.
Expert Witness Statements
Expert witness statements are valuable when a deeper understanding of specific aspects of the accident is required. For instance, an accident reconstruction expert can analyze the scene, vehicle damage, and skid marks to provide an expert opinion on how the accident occurred. Medical experts can offer insights into the extent of injuries sustained. Their professional opinions can be persuasive in demonstrating liability and the damages suffered by the plaintiff.
Personal Recollection
The plaintiff’s personal recollection of the accident plays a crucial role in the case. While it may not be as objective as other evidence types, it provides insight into the plaintiff’s perspective. Sharing personal recollections of the accident, including what they saw, heard, and felt, can help establish their credibility and demonstrate the impact of the accident on their life. It humanizes the plaintiff and can be compelling in court.
Photos from the Scene
Photographs taken at the scene of the accident can provide visual documentation of the conditions at the time of the collision. These photos may capture the position of vehicles, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. They serve as valuable supporting evidence, helping to recreate the scene and corroborate the plaintiff’s account of the accident. Photos are often used to demonstrate the extent of property damage and physical injuries.
Physical Evidence from the Scene
Physical evidence from the accident scene includes items such as vehicle debris, skid marks, and road conditions. This evidence can be examined to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident. For example, analyzing tire marks can help determine vehicle speed or braking patterns. Skid marks may indicate sudden stops or swerves. Physical evidence can be used to support claims of negligence and establish the cause of the accident.
Call Our Car Accident Attorneys Today for Assistance with Your Case in Chicago
Seek help from our experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
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