The Role of Surveillance Footage in Strengthening Personal Injury Claims

The Role of Surveillance Footage in Strengthening Personal Injury Claims

When an accident occurs in New York City – whether on a busy street or in a commercial building – having a visual record of the incident can make a real difference.

Video footage captures the events surrounding a personal injury incident without bias. Thus, CCTV and other forms of surveillance offer a dependable account of what happened. If you have experienced an injury from an accident, one way to strengthen your personal injury claim is by gathering footage from surveillance systems installed in public spaces or private properties.

In this discussion, we explain how video records can bolster your personal injury claims. Our firm treats every client like a family member, and we are here to help you piece together the details of your case with warmth and care.

The Value of Video Records

When an accident happens and a personal injury claim is made, conflicting statements from the victim and other parties involved may make it difficult to determine who is responsible for what happened.

However, video records can assist in determining who was responsible when different accounts exist. Surveillance cameras record the moment the event occurred and present a factual record that supports your claim.

Security camera footage gives the court or insurance company an account of the incident that is not distorted by individual memory. Whether the incident took place during a car accident, a slip-and-fall, or another type of mishap, a reliable video record can help establish the details needed for your case.

CCTV Footage and Personal Injury Lawsuits

CCTV systems are one form of surveillance footage commonly used in New York City. Commercial buildings, streets, and public areas often have surveillance cameras that record continuously.

This type of footage offers critical evidence in personal injury cases by showing the series of events leading up to an accident. It gives visual proof that can be used to help set the record straight when questions or conflicting accounts arise in personal injury lawsuits.

For example, if a slip-and-fall occurs in a retail establishment, the store’s security cameras might show conditions such as a wet floor or an area in need of maintenance. The video footage offers a way to compare what was said and done by each party involved in the accident. This can help settle disagreements about what occurred on the day of the accident.

Traffic cameras

Consider a scenario where two drivers dispute what occurred in a collision. The footage from a nearby traffic camera can show how the vehicles approached the intersection and where the impact occurred.

This visual record provides a basis for determining responsibility in the case. In a similar way, if you experience a fall in a public place, a recording from a security camera might reveal the condition of the floor and any warning signs that were absent.

Alternative Video Records

Beyond fixed CCTV systems, there is a variety of recording devices that capture events from unique viewpoints. These additional sources can bring new light to the details of an incident, when determining fault for what occurred.

Doorbell camera recordings

Modern doorbell cameras capture the happenings right at your doorstep. Such recordings might show what occurred outside your home or business immediately before an incident. The angles from these devices can offer perspectives that stationary surveillance cameras might miss.

Helmet and action camera footage

For those engaged in sports or activities where head or body-mounted cameras are used, helmet and action camera footage bring an energetic view of events. These devices capture fast-moving scenes from a personal point of view, offering details that can add depth to your account.

Cell phone videos, dashcam footage, and body cameras

In our connected age, many people record events on their cell phones. Likewise, body cameras – often worn by security personnel or peace officers – capture interactions as they happen.

Dashcams in vehicles record what unfolds on the road. These recordings document traffic conditions, sudden maneuvers, and collisions from the driver’s perspective. They contribute a perspective that can complement fixed camera footage and help build a fuller picture of the incident.

Bringing these diverse recordings together adds an extra layer to your case. Each source offers its own angle, enriching the overall record and giving decision-makers a more complete view of your accident.

Local Rules and the Use of Video Records in New York

Some may worry about privacy issues when it comes to using surveillance footage in a personal injury claim. In New York, rules govern how recordings are collected and their admissibility in court. Such rules balance the right of individuals to keep personal moments private with the need for factual evidence in injury claims.

The system that collects and stores surveillance recordings must follow these guidelines to protect the privacy of all involved while still allowing for an honest recount of events.

For example, there are laws that govern surveillance footage obtained by employers, as well as surveillance footage of residential property. By following established procedures, video recordings serve as a reliable account that supports your case.

At Hill & Moin LLP, our personal injury attorneys are familiar with the procedures required to request and use these records appropriately. We work with city agencies and property owners to obtain copies of footage that was captured at the time of an incident. Let us guide you through the legal process so that you have every available piece of crucial evidence on your side.

The Impact of Video Records on Your Claim

The visual record captured by surveillance systems does more than just document an event; it can help shape the entire case. When courts or insurers review such evidence, they gain insight into the sequence of events that occurred leading up to an accident.

Although no recording can undo the distress caused by an accident, it does offer a foundation upon which your claim can rest. So how can you go about gathering video evidence?

Here are some steps you might consider taking:

• Take note of details: Jot down the time, date, and exact location where the incident took place. Write down any information that might help in locating the camera or recording system that captured the event. These details are useful when reaching out to property owners or local authorities.
• Consult a caring legal team: A legal professional familiar with personal injury claims can advise you on how to request the recordings properly. He or she can also assist with any forms or official requests needed to access the video records.
• Contact the property manager or local authorities: If the incident took place on private property, reach out to the owner or manager to ask if there is a surveillance system in place. For incidents on public roads, contact the relevant city department that manages traffic or public safety cameras. Ask whether there is any available video record from the time of your incident.
• Ask about the retention period: Security recordings are typically kept for only a limited time. It is wise to ask how long the footage is stored so that you can arrange to obtain a copy as soon as possible.
• Gather other evidence: Along with the video record, collect any additional documents such as photographs, witness accounts, and medical reports. These items together can form a strong case.

When the recordings are combined with witness statements, medical records, and other documents, they form a strong case that supports your claim. When you work with a Hill & Moin attorney, he or she can help you compile the right evidence so that your story is told in a complete and coherent manner.

Utilize Surveillance Footage Wisely: Contact Hill & Moin Today

We know that no accident is merely a set of facts on paper. From car accidents to falls, every incident affects the lives of real people and carries with it painful emotions and numerous challenges.

When you have a recording of the incident, it brings a level of detail that written accounts cannot match. It captures the motions, sounds, and conditions of the time, offering a tangible record that stands as a reminder of what really happened.

We encourage you to get in touch if you have questions about obtaining video records or are ready to pursue a personal injury claim after an accident. Our team is open to discuss your situation.

If we take on your case, we will guide you through each step of the legal process. Contact us today for your free consultation and learn about your Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ.

Don’t wonder about your rights!