What to Know About Surveillance Footage After an Accident

Surveillance footage can be one of the strongest forms of evidence after an accident. From car crashes to slip-and-fall accidents, video footage can reveal exactly what happened, who was involved, and who may be at fault.

Unlike witness statements, which can be inconsistent, video footage captures details as they occur. This footage can support your claim, but tracking it down and accessing it can be complicated.

With the help of an experienced Appleton personal injury lawyer, you can learn where to look for potential cameras and how to request the footage.

Where to Look for Surveillance Footage

Nowadays, cameras are everywhere, capturing valuable evidence that can support your case. Potential sources of footage include:

• Dashcams: Many drivers now use dashcams that record continuously while the car is on. Footage from your vehicle, other involved cars, or even nearby drivers may have captured the accident.
• Traffic Cameras: Cities like Appleton, Wisconsin, often have cameras at intersections or along highways like I-41. These can capture collisions, red-light violations, or dangerous driving before the accident.
• Bodycams: When law enforcement responds to an accident, their bodycams may record statements from those involved, the condition of the vehicles, or the overall scene.
• Security Cameras at Businesses: Many stores, gas stations, and office buildings have security cameras pointing toward parking lots or sidewalks. Cameras at nearby businesses may have captured the accident.
• Home Security Cameras: Doorbell cameras and home surveillance systems often record activity on the street or sidewalks in residential areas. Homeowners may have footage showing how the accident happened.
• Parking Lot or Garage Cameras: Security cameras from nearby parking areas may have recorded the incident.

Surveying the area after an accident can help identify potential sources of footage. Even if a camera isn’t immediately visible, an experienced lawyer can assist in locating and obtaining any available recordings.

Why You Need to Request Footage Quickly

Requesting footage as soon as possible gives you the best chance of preserving valuable evidence. Many cameras only keep recordings for a short time; once deleted, the footage can’t be recovered.

Delays can mean losing critical proof. Some security cameras erase footage within 24 hours, and dashcams often overwrite recordings within hours or days unless saved.

Cities may only keep traffic camera footage for days to about a month unless it’s part of an investigation. Once deleted, the footage is gone for good, making it harder to prove what happened.

How to Request Surveillance Footage

When a camera captures your accident, requesting a copy as soon as possible is important. The process varies based on the camera type; legal action may sometimes be necessary. Here’s how to get started:

• Identify the Camera Owner: If a business or home security camera captured the accident, ask the owner if they will share the footage.
• Make a Formal Request: Some businesses require a written request for security footage. If law enforcement has the footage, you may need to file a public records request.
• Provide Details: Be specific about the accident’s time, date, and location so the camera owner can find the right footage.
• Follow Up: Failing to get a response? Follow up promptly to prevent the footage from being automatically deleted.
• Consider a Subpoena: When critical footage is withheld, your lawyer may be able to issue a subpoena to secure it for your case.

A skilled attorney can manage these requests while you focus on healing from your injuries. They know where to look, how to request recordings from businesses or city agencies, and what steps to take to secure footage before it’s erased.

How Surveillance Footage Helps Your Claim

Clear video evidence can make a difference to the outcome of your accident claim. At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, we use surveillance footage to:

• Confirm how the accident happened, which is especially useful if those involved give conflicting accounts
• Show if someone ran a red light, was speeding, or acted negligently, helping establish fault
• Capture details like a vehicle’s make, model, or license plate in hit-and-run cases
• Demonstrate the accident’s impact and connect injuries to the incident, making it harder for an insurance company to dispute the claim

Having objective video evidence can make it easier to prove your case and pursue fair financial recovery on your behalf.

Get Qualified Legal Support for Your Personal Injury Claim

Surveillance footage can be the key to proving what happened after an accident. But without quick action, that evidence could be lost. Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can track down recordings, secure copies, and use them to build a strong case for you.

We know how to prove fault and hold negligent parties accountable. Our team can investigate potential footage, handle requests, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free case review, and let us protect your rights after an accident.