How to Get Surveillance Camera Footage of a Car Accident

Are Florida businesses required to give you copies of accident video?

For someone involved in a car accident in Palm Beach County, Florida, surveillance footage can be one of the most important pieces of evidence in their pursuit of justice and financial compensation for their injuries. These video recordings often reveal key details about how the accident occurred, clarify who may be at fault, and provide vital support for an insurance claim or legal case, helping them move forward during a difficult time.

However, getting access to surveillance footage after a car accident can be a challenging process. Knowing Florida laws regarding how to obtain this footage, the types of cameras that may have recorded the incident, and the steps to follow to secure the evidence can help build a strong case for maximum injury compensation.

Why surveillance footage matters after a Florida car accident

Surveillance footage can be a critical piece of evidence after a car accident. It can offer a clear and unbiased account of events. Unlike witness testimony, which can be inconsistent or inaccurate, surveillance footage provides a visual record of what occurred. Video evidence can be particularly valuable in:

Proving fault. Surveillance footage can reveal who caused the accident, whether by running a red light, speeding, or other forms of reckless driving.
Supporting an insurance claim. Having video evidence can make it easier to negotiate with insurance companies and increase the chances of a favorable outcome.
Documenting road conditions. Footage can also capture environmental factors, such as weather, traffic flow, or road hazards, that may have contributed to the accident, providing a fuller picture of the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Strengthening legal cases. If the accident leads to a lawsuit, surveillance footage can be a powerful tool for lawyers working to prove liability.
Proving injury severity. Surveillance footage can capture the force of impact and the moments immediately after the crash, offering visual evidence that may help demonstrate the seriousness of injuries sustained, which can be helpful when negotiating compensation or presenting a case in court.

Securing surveillance footage can be complicated, especially if footage is being withheld. A car accident lawyer can assist in filing subpoenas, negotiating with businesses or private individuals, and ensuring that any available footage is preserved for use in a case. Additionally, a lawyer can help gather other evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, to build a strong case if surveillance footage is not obtainable.

Steps to obtain surveillance footage in Palm Beach County

To understand where to look for footage, it is helpful to know the different types of cameras that might record a car accident: traffic cameras, private security cameras, businesses, parking lots, and residential properties, dash cameras, publicly owned cameras on government buildings and public transportation systems, for example.

Here are the key steps to follow to secure surveillance footage after a car accident in Palm Beach County:

Identify nearby cameras
The first step in obtaining footage is identifying the potential sources of surveillance cameras near the accident scene. Check for traffic cameras at intersections, security cameras at businesses, and private cameras on residential properties. If the accident occurred in a parking lot or near a busy commercial area, there is a good chance a camera may have recorded it.
Act quickly to preserve the footage
Surveillance systems typically have limited storage capacity, meaning older footage is often overwritten after a few days or weeks. It’s important to request the footage as soon as possible to prevent it from being lost. Delaying the request may reduce the chances of obtaining the footage.
Contact private businesses
If the accident occurred near a business with security cameras, the next step is to contact the business and politely request access to the footage. Most businesses require an official request and some may need legal documentation.
Ask residents for footage
For accidents that occur in residential areas, homeowners may have security cameras that captured the crash. In such cases, the best approach is to ask residents directly if their cameras recorded the incident.
Request traffic camera footage
If the accident happened at or near an intersection, traffic cameras may have captured the event. However, obtaining traffic camera footage can be more difficult, as these cameras are typically operated by government agencies. In Palm Beach County, it may be necessary to file a public records request to access footage from government-operated traffic cameras. Keep in mind that some traffic cameras are used primarily for real-time traffic monitoring and do not record video continuously.
Filing a subpoena
If informal requests for surveillance footage are denied or ignored, a subpoena may be required to obtain the footage. A subpoena is a legal order compelling the release of specific evidence, such as surveillance video. A car accident lawyer can help file a subpoena, which is typically necessary if a business, private individual, or government agency is unwilling to share footage voluntarily.

Surveillance footage is not always easy to access, and in many cases, it may be deleted or overwritten if not requested quickly. Many injured accident victims and their families rely on car accident lawyers with experience in their specific communities to inquire about and obtain important video evidence.

Legal considerations when requesting surveillance footage

While anyone involved in a car accident has the right to seek out surveillance footage, there are several legal factors to keep in mind. For example, Florida does not legally require businesses to release surveillance footage unless there is a court order or subpoena. But many businesses cooperate when a formal request by a lawyer is made. Other factors to consider include:

Privacy laws. Some camera owners may refuse to release footage due to privacy concerns. However, footage of public spaces, such as roadways or parking lots, is generally not protected by privacy laws.
Private property. Like businesses, Florida does not require homeowners to release footage, even if their cameras recorded the accident. In these cases, obtaining a subpoena through legal channels may be the only way to secure the video.
Florida public records requests. Florida traffic camera footage can be requested but obtaining it may require filing a public records request. Government-operated traffic cameras often have specific procedures for accessing footage. Contact the agency directly.

Whether the footage is captured by traffic cameras or private security systems, acting quickly and following the correct procedures increases the chances of obtaining this valuable evidence.

Secure key video evidence to maximize car accident compensation

Crash footage availability varies by camera system. Some delete within 24 to 72 hours, while others store for weeks or months. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Palm Beach County, obtaining surveillance footage and building a strong case for maximum compensation can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate this process alone.

A lawyer can act quickly to request footage before it’s erased, improving your chances of obtaining this key evidence. When footage has been deleted or is unavailable, a lawyer can still build a strong case using other evidence like photos, police reports, and witness statements to support your claim and prove liability effectively.

At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, our experienced Palm Beach County car accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact Mr. Shomo and his respected legal team today for a free case review. Our case results include over $1 million recovered for many car accident victims. Let us help you pursue justice and peace of mind after your accident.

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