If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be able to obtain video footage of the crash from cameras that are located on public property. If you need to get camera footage to help your case, a car accident lawyer Decatur Illinois can help. At Carlson Bier Associates we have the knowledge and experience to investigate and get all the information we need to pursue your claim. Contact us for a consultation at 312-622-2900.
Camera footage can be useful to prove that you didn’t cause the accident and to show which driver was at fault. Camera footage from businesses, a home, a police dashcam, or traffic cameras can help you with your personal injury case. It isn’t always easy to get camera footage and an attorney would definitely be helpful.
What to do after a crash
If you’re involved in a crash, there are several steps you should take immediately.
- Call the police. If it’s safe to do so, get the other driver’s information: license plate number, name, phone number.
- Check yourself for injuries. If you have any cuts or bruises or other injuries that aren’t just superficial scrapes, go to the hospital right away. If injuries don’t look too serious, you can wait and see a doctor. Explain to them that you were in a motor vehicle accident and want to get checked for any injuries that aren’t external.
- Contact the insurance company. Most insurance companies will do their own investigation and will likely compensate you for damage to the vehicle.
- Contact a car accident lawyer Decatur Illinois if you want to take legal action to get medical bills, lost wages, or other damages covered.
Obtaining traffic camera footage
If you are involved in a car accident and you see that there are cameras in the vicinity, document where they are. Are they traffic cameras? Are they on someone’s private business or property? Knowing this will help you and your car accident lawyer Decatur Illinois contact the right people to get the camera footage.
If you need footage from the State of Illinois:
- The state will provide recordings of accidents at intersections that have traffic cameras.
- You have to give a reason for your request. The state won’t just let anyone see these videos; they’ll only release them if there’s an investigation or it’s required by law (like in court).
- The state may charge a fee for viewing the video, but not necessarily for obtaining it.
If you need footage from a private property:
- Private businesses or homes do not have to submit their camera information to you.
- Having a police report to show them may be helpful in getting access to the footage.
- A car accident lawyer Decatur Illinois may be able to issue a subpoena for the camera footage.
Our car accident lawyer Decatur Illinois can help you obtain camera footage for personal injury claims
Camera footage can help prove liability in traffic accidents. It’s difficult to dismiss video evidence and can help you prove your case.
You can get a copy of traffic camera footage from a car accident. The process may be different depending on the city or county, and it may be different if you are seeking footage from a private property, such as an apartment complex. It’s also important to know that the process will be different if you are seeking footage from a red light camera.
If you’ve had a car accident in Illinois, it’s important to know your rights. You have a right to obtain footage from traffic cameras that recorded the accident if requested by a police officer or by yourself. This will help determine who is at fault for any injuries sustained during an accident and can help you and your attorney pursue compensation for medical bills or other damages. Contact Carlson Bier Associates today to get the compensation that you need and that you deserve.