How Video Footage Is Changing The Game In Personal Injury Cases
In today’s age, it is almost impossible to go anywhere without being caught on camera. Traffic cams, police dash and body cams, bus cams, personal cell phone cameras, and surveillance cameras are everywhere. With all of this video footage available now, personal injury cases are taking on a new shape.
Video footage is some of the most powerful evidence available in personal injury cases. This digital revolution is changing the game in personal injury cases.
Police Dashcams and Bodycams
While police reports are important in motor vehicle accidents, actual footage obtained from either police dashcams or body cams is even more beneficial. This footage allows you to see the investigation of the accident carried out.
The initial, vulnerable statements of all involved caught on camera can be extremely useful in determining fault in motor vehicle accidents. We are all very familiar with high-profile cases recently surrounding police body cam video footage. This footage is extremely useful in determining several factors for all parties involved.
Security Camera Footage
A great percentage of businesses have some form of security camera present on their property. While they use this footage in the case of robberies or other acts of violence, the footage can actually be quite helpful in personal injury cases as well.
Slip and Fall Evidence
For example, if you slip and fall on the premise of a restaurant due to a wet floor, there may be security footage available that documented the entire event. This footage can prove invaluable in a case where the victim claims one thing and the business owner claims another.
Commercial Vehicle Cameras
Many public transportation vehicles are equipped with dash cams. These cameras can document accidents on the road as well as altercations that might occur within the vehicle.
Examples of Use
For example, we have seen several examples lately of bus drivers being attacked by riders caught on camera inside the bus. This footage is extremely useful in determining what exactly occurred rather than relying simply on the word of those involved.
Also, many over-the-road truck drivers are installing dash cams in their trucks to have video footage available in the case of an accident. This can prove wrongdoing on the part of another driver. Of course, this can work both ways and also implicate the driver of the truck if errors in driving were made.
Cell Phone Camera Footage
It seems everyone has a cell phone nowadays. Maybe it is someone trying to be a YouTube sensation or maybe just a mom at a park recording her child playing. There is a good chance that someone around you is recording something at any given moment.
Irreplaceable Evidence
While this is annoying to some, this actually increases the likelihood that if something bad happens to you it will be caught on videotape, thus providing irreplaceable evidence. When violence erupts in a public place, there is a very high probability that someone will record the footage on a cell phone camera. If you are the victim of the violence, this means there is likely video evidence of the event that could be helpful in a personal injury case to follow.
Obtaining Video Footage
Sometimes video footage is not always easy to obtain. It is important to have legal counsel on your side to assist in obtaining this footage and ensuring its legitimacy in a personal case.
Legal Assistance
Often, if you know who has the footage all you have to do is ask. However, other times a subpoena is required in addition to detailed forms and/or fees.
Mckenzie and Snyder LLP has the experience and expertise necessary to direct you in a personal injury case in which video footage may be available and helpful. Call us today to discuss whether or not video footage could prove beneficial in your case.
