You can often get traffic cam footage in Kissimmee by requesting it from the government agency or private business that owns the cameras and recordings. The exact method for accessing footage depends on the type of footage and who owns it.
Traffic cam footage is an invaluable type of evidence for car accident claims, so you always want to get your hands on existing footage to prove your lack of fault. A Kissimmee car accident lawyer can help you gather video evidence and represent you during the car accident claims process.
Types of Traffic Footage That May Be Available
Cameras are practically ubiquitous in modern society, and there are several potential sources for video footage after a traffic accident. Below are some of the most common ones to look out for:
Traffic Cameras
Most states have traffic cameras on major roads for capturing violations like running red lights or using the wrong lane. These cameras are frequently located on major thoroughfares or at traffic intersections. Generally, the local municipality has jurisdiction over these types of cameras, and you can request video footage from them.
Surveillance Cameras
Most businesses and many private homes have surveillance cameras that can capture activity on nearby roads. These may be traditional CCTV cameras or Ring cameras on private residences. The tricky part with this kind of footage is that it gets deleted frequently. So any surveillance footage needs to be accessed and saved quickly.
Dash Cameras
Many drivers now have dashboard cameras specifically to capture footage in case there is an accident. If you have a dash camera in your vehicle, you should always have it save its video to a cloud backup device so there is less risk of losing footage.
Eyewitness Recordings
Victims and third-party witnesses can also capture accident footage on their personal camera phones. These types of videos can be difficult to locate and obtain, but they can turn the tide in arguments over car accident liability.
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How to Get Traffic Can Footage After an Accident
Below is a quick step-by-step guide on how to get traffic footage in Kissimmee after an accident:
- Identify the source of footage. First, figure out what the source of the video footage is, whether a private surveillance camera or a public traffic camera.
- Request access from the owner. Next, you can request access to the footage from the camera owner. For public traffic cameras, you can inquire at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for footage.
- Verify the footage. Look at the video footage to confirm its authenticity. Digital recordings should have metadata showing the location and date that the video footage was taken.
- Follow legal procedures. Any footage you obtain must follow privacy laws. For instance, Florida is a two-party consent state, so it’s not legal to make private recordings without both parties knowing.
- Backup video recordings. Once you have the footage, you should make separate backup copies and store them in a secure location. Ideally, you will have a separate external hard drive or save it to cloud storage.
How Video Footage Is Used as Evidence in Car Accident Claims
Video footage is one of the best types of evidence in car accident claims as it’s an objective record of the sequence of events. Video footage can be used to corroborate your claims and show the exact steps that led up to the accident. Negligence that a video recording can show includes:
- Speeding
- Running red lights/traffic signs
- Not signaling before turning
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Texting and driving
- Driving drunk
- Failing to yield to the right of way
Alternatively, video footage can exonerate you if the other driver tries to blame you. Without tangible evidence like video footage, many claims simply become one driver’s word against another’s.
Pitfalls to Avoid When Handling Video Footage
Below are some of the most common mistakes people make when handling video footage obtained after a car accident:
- Waiting too long. Most video recording systems have limited memory and will delete recorded footage after a few days or a week. If you wait too long to track down and request footage, it may get deleted before you can use it in your case.
- Editing the video. For car accident claims, you should always use the raw, unedited footage. Don’t shorten the video, and don’t cut any footage out. Insurance companies can claim that the edited video is deceptive and leaves out footage.
- Sharing recordings with others. Never share any traffic cam footage with any party other than your lawyer. Sharing footage publicly before it’s been vetted by an attorney can cause confusion and ultimately harm your case.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Kissimmee Today
Do you have more questions on how to get traffic cam footage in Kissimmee? If so, contact Bogin, Munns & Munns today. With over 40 years in business, we have the experience and track record to guide you through your car accident case.
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