What You Should Know About Retrieving Video Evidence in Intersection Accident Cases

As a motorcyclist, you probably know the risks of riding on public roads. Intersections can be particularly dangerous, often requiring extra caution. Unfortunately, accidents can still happen, and when they do, it is crucial to have evidence to support your claim. Video evidence can be a powerful tool in intersection accident cases, but there are some things you need to know about retrieving it.

What Is an Intersection Accident?

An intersection accident is when two or more vehicles collide at an intersection. This can include rear-ending collisions, T-bone collisions, and side-impact collisions. In any of these cases, video evidence can provide valuable insight into the circumstances leading up to the accident and who is at fault.

The benefits of retrieving video evidence for an intersection accident are clear. Video footage allows you to have an unbiased and accurate account of what happened before, during, and after the incident. This can help you establish liability and prove your case in court. Video evidence can also help reduce the time needed to settle a claim, eliminating much of the guesswork associated with determining fault.

Sources Of Video Evidence

There are several sources of video evidence that you should consider when retrieving footage related to an intersection accident.

One of the most common sources is ring doorbell videos. Many homeowners have installed these to record activity in front of their homes. If the accident occurred near someone's property, there is a chance it was recorded on their camera.

Another source of video evidence is dash/body cam videos. Many police officers and some drivers use dash/body cams to document their driving experience. The footage from these cameras can be invaluable in determining fault in intersection accidents.

Finally, security and surveillance cameras are other sources of video evidence for intersection accidents. Businesses and other organizations often use these cameras to monitor the space outside their premises. If the accident occurred near one of these locations, one of their cameras might have recorded the incident.

Other Evidence to Consider

Besides video, there are several other types of evidence that you should consider when trying to establish liability for an intersection accident.

One of these is the 911 call records. This information can be considered evidence in court if someone calls to report the incident. Also, 911 call logs can be used to determine how long it took for emergency responders to arrive at the scene.

Another type of evidence is Electronic Control Module (ECM) data. This data can provide information about the speed and braking patterns of both vehicles involved in the accident. This data can help establish liability by showing if the other party was driving recklessly or failed to brake in time to avoid the collision.

How To Retrieve Video Evidence

The first step is to obtain subpoenas for any relevant video sources. This will give you legal access to the footage and prevent any privacy issues from arising.

The next step is to contact law enforcement and request any footage they may have obtained from their dash/body cams or security cameras at the scene of the incident.

Finally, you should contact any property owners who may have video footage from their Ring doorbells or security cameras. They might be willing to provide you with access to this footage if they think it will help your case.

Potential Pitfalls

One potential issue is privacy laws. Depending on where you live, there could be laws restricting who has access to certain kinds of footage or who can request this footage from property owners. Understanding these laws and ensuring you are not violating them when retrieving video evidence for your case is essential.

Another issue is the poor camera quality. In some cases, the footage may not be clear enough to determine what happened or who is at fault for the collision. This makes it more challenging to assess liability accurately and claim damages.

With proper preparation and an understanding of the available sources and potential pitfalls, motorcyclists can ensure that they have all the necessary evidence to prove their case and get a favorable outcome in court.

For further legal help following an intersection accident, get in touch with us through our website to benefit from their years of experience and tenacity in representing motorcyclists like you.