There are several different types of evidence that may be presented during a car accident lawsuit. One potentially valuable piece of evidence is traffic camera footage. However, acquiring this footage can be challenging for victims.
To obtain traffic camera footage after a car crash in Knoxville, TN, you should begin by reaching out to the local law enforcement agency that maintains the camera at issue. You can request the footage by providing necessary details surrounding your accident. Fortunately, the legal professionals at our firm can offer crucial assistance during this process. We can also review the contents of any recovered footage to determine how your potential case may be affected.
Get help from our Knoxville car accident lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
Acquiring Traffic Camera Footage After a Car Crash in Knoxville, TN
It can be very difficult to obtain traffic camera footage of a car accident in Tennessee. Still, our Knoxville personal injury attorneys can offer support during each of the following steps for pursuing such footage in your case:
Contacting Local Authorities
In Knoxville, TN, traffic camera footage is typically maintained by local law enforcement agencies, such as the Knoxville Police Department or the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Therefore, the first step is to contact the relevant law enforcement agency that responded to the accident scene. You can find their contact information on their official websites or by calling their non-emergency line.
Requesting the Footage
When you contact the appropriate law enforcement agency, ask to speak with the records or public information department. You will need to make a formal request for the traffic camera footage. They may have a specific request form to fill out, or you can provide the necessary information over the phone. Be prepared to provide details about the date, time, and location of the accident to help them locate the relevant footage.
Comply with Legal Requirements
It’s important to be aware that obtaining traffic camera footage may involve legal requirements and potentially fees. In some cases, you may need to submit a formal public records request, and there could be charges associated with processing and providing the footage. Make sure to ask about any associated costs during your initial contact with the law enforcement agency.
Patiently Wait for a Response
After submitting your request, be prepared to wait for a response. The process of obtaining traffic camera footage can take some time because of the need to locate and review the video. Typically, you will receive a notification when the footage is available or when it’s been determined that no relevant footage exists.
Reviewing and Using the Footage
Once you obtain the traffic camera footage, it’s essential to review it carefully. You may want to consult with your car accident lawyer to analyze the footage for evidence that can support your case. This can include establishing the cause of the accident, determining liability, and providing critical information for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
How Traffic Camera Footage Can Help with Your Case in Knoxville, TN
Traffic camera footage is a valuable source of information when investigating car accidents. This footage can provide a comprehensive view of the accident scene and the events leading up to it. It typically includes data on the exact date and time of the incident, allowing for precise documentation.
Moreover, traffic camera footage captures the positions and movements of vehicles involved, helping to determine the sequence of events. This evidence can reveal factors like speeding, sudden lane changes, or red-light violations that may have contributed to the accident.
Additionally, it offers an unbiased perspective, helping to eliminate disputes over fault. All in all, traffic camera footage can play a pivotal role in reconstructing accidents, identifying responsible parties, and ensuring that justice is served in the aftermath of a car accident in Knoxville.
Other Sources of Video Evidence Used in Knoxville Car Accident Cases
In addition to traffic cameras, there are potentially multiple other sources of video evidence that may be used in a car accident case. When gathering evidence to support your claim, our team will search for footage from any of the following:
Dashboard Cameras
Dashboard cameras, also known as dash cams, are mounted inside vehicles and record footage of the road ahead. These cameras can capture accidents from the perspective of the driver and provide valuable evidence. For example, if a car suddenly swerves into your lane, causing a collision, your dash cam can record this incident, helping to establish fault and liability.
Doorbell Cameras
Doorbell cameras, such as Ring or Nest devices, are typically installed at residential entrances to monitor visitors and deliveries. In some instances, these cameras may capture car accidents that occur near homes or on the streets adjacent to them. For instance, if a collision takes place at an intersection close to a residence with a doorbell camera, the footage can potentially capture the accident and its circumstances, aiding in determining fault.
Security Cameras
Security cameras are commonly placed in public and private locations, including businesses, parking lots, and street intersections. These cameras may record accidents that happen in their vicinity. For instance, if an accident occurs in a commercial parking lot, security cameras may provide clear evidence of how it transpired and who is at fault.
Toll Booth Cameras
Toll booth cameras are installed at highway toll collection points to capture images of vehicles passing through. In some cases, these cameras may record accidents that happen on the toll road or near toll booth entrances and exits. For example, if a rear-end collision occurs as vehicles approach a toll booth, the camera footage can be instrumental in determining responsibility.
Cell Phone Cameras
Cell phone cameras, carried by many individuals, can also serve as a source of evidence for car accidents. Passersby and other drivers at the scene may use their cell phones to record accident aftermath or immediate events. If a pedestrian captures a car accident on their cell phone camera, this footage can offer an additional perspective on the incident, supporting the assessment of fault.
Call Our Car Accident Attorneys for Help with Your Claim in Knoxville, TN
Seek guidance from our Tennessee car accident lawyers at Howe Law by dialing (844) 876-4357.
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