Why Surveillance Footage Matters in Summerville Car Accident Cases
When a car accident occurs in Summerville, the immediate aftermath often becomes a battle of competing narratives. One driver claims the other ran a red light. The other insists they had the right of way. Insurance companies frequently side with their policyholder without objective evidence, leaving accident victims with inadequate compensation.
Surveillance footage transforms this dynamic entirely. Video evidence establishes clear liability without relying on potentially conflicting witness testimony. It provides an objective record of driver behavior, vehicle positions, traffic signal status, and the sequence of events leading to impact. This clarity dramatically strengthens settlement negotiations and trial preparation.
At Crantford Meehan, our attorneys understand the value of surveillance footage. Video evidence often represents the difference between disputed and resolved claims. Our legal team immediately works to preserve and retrieve video evidence before it disappears—a critical step many accident victims overlook. We have recovered $1 million in settlements for clients injured in I-26 collisions near Summerville. Evidence preservation played a key role in those outcomes.
Types of Surveillance Footage Available After a Car Accident
Surveillance footage comes from multiple sources throughout Summerville and the surrounding Berkeley County area. Understanding where to look significantly increases the likelihood of locating crucial evidence.
Traffic Camera Footage
represents the most obvious source. Intersections along major Summerville roads—including I-26, Dorchester Road, and Main Street—feature traffic signals equipped with cameras. These systems capture vehicle movements, traffic signal compliance, and accident sequences at busy intersections. The South Carolina Department of Transportation maintains these systems. Footage can be obtained through formal requests or subpoenas. Our Summerville car accident lawyers have extensive experience filing these requests and obtaining critical video evidence.
Business Security Cameras
Often provide the most detailed footage. Gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants, retail establishments, and shopping centers maintain surveillance systems. These systems frequently capture nearby roadways. An accident occurring near a commercial property may be recorded from multiple angles. This provides comprehensive documentation of the collision. When businesses resist providing footage, we pursue subpoena procedures to compel production.
Residential Security Systems and Video Doorbells
Have become increasingly common in Summerville neighborhoods. Homeowners with Ring doorbells, security cameras, or other residential systems may have captured footage of accidents. These systems often provide high-quality video with clear timestamps. Identifying and contacting these property owners requires prompt action and local knowledge that our Summerville personal injury team possesses.
Dashcam Footage
From involved vehicles or witness vehicles provides first-person perspective of the accident. Many drivers now record their journeys. This footage can prove valuable in establishing fault. Dashcam evidence has become increasingly admissible in South Carolina courts when properly authenticated. Our attorneys understand the authentication requirements and can present this evidence effectively.
Parking Lot Cameras
Capture accidents occurring in commercial areas. Banks, shopping centers, and parking facilities maintain surveillance systems. These systems may document nearby vehicle collisions. They typically retain footage for 30 to 90 days before recycling. Quick action is essential to preserve this evidence before it’s lost.
ATM Cameras
Vary in retention periods depending on the operator. Bank ATMs typically retain footage for 6 months to 1 year for regulatory compliance. Independent ATMs operated by third parties generally retain footage for 30 to 90 days before recycling. Understanding these retention policies helps us prioritize which footage sources to pursue first.
At Crantford Meehan, our investigation process is designed to locate and secure evidence systematically. We issue preservation notices to local businesses, file subpoenas with municipalities, and work directly with property owners to ensure all relevant footage and records remain intact. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Summerville have built strong relationships with area businesses and government agencies. This allows us to efficiently collect and preserve the evidence to support your claim.
How Surveillance Evidence Proves Fault in Summerville Accidents
Surveillance footage serves multiple evidentiary functions in establishing fault. Video evidence demonstrates vehicle speed and acceleration patterns leading up to impact. It shows whether drivers complied with traffic signals and stop signs. It captures indicators of driver distraction or impairment—such as swerving, delayed braking, or erratic lane changes.
Video evidence also establishes right-of-way violations with precision. Rather than relying on conflicting accounts, surveillance footage shows exactly which vehicle had the legal right to proceed. This clarity eliminates the ambiguity that insurance companies exploit to deny or minimize claims. In distracted driving accidents, video evidence often captures the moment a driver’s attention is diverted from the road.
Additionally, surveillance footage documents weather and road conditions at impact. Rain, fog, or debris become visible factors that contextualize the accident. The video shows whether road defects or hazardous conditions contributed to the collision. This is particularly important in rear-end collision cases, where video can show whether the at-fault driver had adequate time to brake.
In multi-vehicle accidents, surveillance footage reveals the precise sequence of events. Which vehicle struck which? What was the impact order? These details matter significantly in determining liability among multiple parties. Under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence system, establishing the precise sequence of fault can determine whether a plaintiff recovers any compensation at all. Our attorneys understand how to present this evidence to maximize your recovery.
The Critical Timeline for Preserving Surveillance Footage
Surveillance footage preservation operates under strict time constraints. Most businesses recycle security footage every 30 to 90 days. Traffic camera systems may retain footage for shorter periods. Once the tape cycles, the evidence disappears permanently. This is why evidence preservation must begin immediately.
This reality demands immediate action. Within 24 to 48 hours of an accident, Crantford Meehan contacts relevant businesses and municipalities. We issue preservation notices. These legal holds instruct property owners and government agencies to retain all footage related to the accident. South Carolina law recognizes the duty to preserve evidence once a party has notice of potential litigation.
Without prompt preservation action, crucial evidence vanishes. We have handled cases where surveillance footage would have definitively established fault. However, the tape had already been recycled before the victim retained counsel. This preventable loss significantly weakens accident claims and reduces settlement leverage. Hiring a lawyer after a minor car accident ensures that evidence preservation begins immediately.
Our rapid response protocol ensures preservation notices reach relevant parties before footage retention periods expire. This proactive approach protects your legal rights and strengthens your claim from the outset. We maintain detailed records of all preservation notices sent. This creates a documented timeline that demonstrates our diligent evidence preservation efforts. When you contact our Summerville office, we begin this process within hours.
How Crantford Meehan Retrieves and Authenticates Surveillance Evidence
Obtaining surveillance footage requires navigating legal procedures and technical requirements. When businesses or municipalities do not voluntarily provide footage, we file subpoenas compelling production. These legal documents require custodians to produce the requested evidence or face contempt of court sanctions. Mastering these procedural requirements is key to understanding how to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina.
Chain of custody documentation proves critical for admissibility. We maintain detailed records showing who possessed the footage, when it was obtained, and how it was stored. This documentation establishes that the video has not been altered or manipulated—a requirement under South Carolina Rules of Evidence for digital evidence admission. Our meticulous record-keeping protects your case at every stage.
Technical authentication ensures the footage meets legal standards for admission into evidence. We work with video forensics experts who can testify regarding the footage’s authenticity. These experts address the camera system’s operation and the video’s accuracy as a representation of the accident scene. They can also identify any compression artifacts or digital manipulation. This expert testimony is crucial during personal injury depositions.
Accident reconstruction specialists analyze authenticated footage to extract maximum evidentiary value. These experts can calculate vehicle speeds, determine sight lines, and establish timing sequences. Their analysis corroborates or contradicts liability theories. Their expert testimony carries significant weight in settlement negotiations and trial proceedings. In complex cases involving multi-vehicle collisions, this expertise proves invaluable.
Surveillance Footage and Insurance Settlement Negotiations
Insurance companies frequently dispute liability in car accident claims. They employ adjusters trained to minimize payouts and deny claims whenever possible. Surveillance footage fundamentally changes these negotiations. Understanding how to deal with insurance companies in personal injury claims is essential.
When we present video evidence clearly showing the other driver’s fault, insurance companies lose their negotiating leverage. The footage provides objective proof that contradicts the policyholder’s account. This reality forces more serious settlement discussions and typically results in higher settlement offers. Our experience negotiating car accident settlements for maximum claims demonstrates the power of video evidence.
Demand letters accompanied by surveillance footage command significantly higher settlement offers than those based solely on police reports and witness statements. The video evidence eliminates ambiguity and reduces the insurance company’s litigation risk. Insurance companies recognize that juries find video evidence highly persuasive. Settlement becomes more economically rational than trial. We understand how car accident settlements work and leverage this knowledge for your benefit.
We have successfully resolved numerous Summerville car accident claims through settlement negotiations strengthened by surveillance footage. In one case involving an I-26 rear-end collision near Summerville, video evidence clearly showed the at-fault driver’s delayed braking response. This footage proved essential in securing a substantial settlement. The settlement fully compensated our client for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our case results demonstrate our success in similar matters.
What Happens When Surveillance Footage Is Lost or Unavailable
Despite best efforts, surveillance footage sometimes cannot be located or has been destroyed. When this occurs, accident victims need not abandon their claims. Alternative evidence sources can establish fault and support recovery. Understanding the evidence needed to prove your claim helps you prepare for this scenario.
Dashcam footage from witness vehicles, cell phone videos recorded by bystanders, and photographs taken at the scene provide visual documentation. Police accident reports contain officer observations and measurements. Medical records document injuries consistent with the accident mechanism. Expert accident reconstruction can establish fault through physical evidence analysis. This includes vehicle damage patterns, skid marks, and final resting positions. We also understand how to read an accident report to extract maximum evidentiary value.
In cases where surveillance footage was intentionally destroyed, we may pursue spoliation claims against the responsible party. Spoliation—the destruction of evidence—can result in adverse inferences that support liability findings. South Carolina courts recognize that intentional destruction of evidence warrants sanctions against the responsible party. This legal theory can significantly strengthen your position.
Early attorney involvement proves important when surveillance footage is unavailable. We immediately identify alternative evidence sources and develop comprehensive investigation strategies. These strategies do not depend solely on video evidence. Our experience handling cases without surveillance footage ensures your claim receives thorough investigation regardless of video availability. Three reasons to hire an attorney after an accident include our ability to develop alternative evidence strategies.
Contact Crantford Meehan for your Summerville Car Accident Claim
Surveillance footage may strengthen your claim significantly if you have been injured in a car accident in Summerville or the surrounding Berkeley County areas. Crantford Meehan provides free consultations to evaluate your case and discuss evidence preservation strategies.
Our attorneys maintain 24/7 availability for accident victims. We represent clients on contingency, which means you pay no upfront fees. We recover compensation only when we resolve your claim through settlement or trial verdict. Our personal injury attorneys are committed to maximizing your recovery.
William C. Crantford holds a J.D. from Charleston School of Law and a B.A. from Louisiana State University. Jerry A. Meehan Jr. brings extensive trial experience to every case. Both attorneys have demonstrated commitment to thorough case preparation and client advocacy. Your case receives preparation appropriate for trial, even when settlement negotiations occur. Our testimonials reflect our clients’ satisfaction with our representation.
Contact Crantford Meehan today to discuss how surveillance footage and comprehensive evidence investigation can support your car accident claim. Our local Summerville office at 136 W Richardson Ave serves accident victims throughout Berkeley County and the surrounding South Carolina regions. Call (843) 832-1120 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly must I preserve surveillance footage after a car accident in Summerville?
Contact an attorney within 24 to 48 hours of the accident. Surveillance footage retention periods typically range from 30 to 90 days. Prompt preservation notices must reach relevant businesses and municipalities before footage cycles and disappears permanently. The sooner you retain counsel, the greater the likelihood of successfully preserving critical evidence. Our Summerville car accident lawyers can begin this process immediately upon your call.
Can surveillance footage be used in court if the other driver disputes it?
Yes, when properly authenticated. Video forensics experts testify regarding the footage’s authenticity and accuracy. Chain of custody documentation proves the video has not been altered. Once authenticated, surveillance footage carries significant evidentiary weight in establishing fault. South Carolina courts regularly admit properly authenticated surveillance footage as evidence in personal injury trials.
What if the business or property owner refuses to provide surveillance footage?
We file subpoenas compelling production. These legal documents require custodians to produce requested evidence or face contempt of court sanctions. Subpoena procedures ensure access to footage even when voluntary cooperation is unavailable. We handle all subpoena preparation and service, managing the legal process on your behalf. Understanding how to file a personal injury lawsuit includes mastering these procedural tools.
How does surveillance footage affect my settlement amount?
Video evidence establishing clear liability significantly increases settlement offers. Insurance companies recognize that surveillance footage reduces litigation risk and strengthens your negotiating position. Claims supported by video evidence typically resolve for substantially higher amounts than those based solely on witness statements. The objective nature of video evidence makes insurance companies more willing to settle at higher values. Learn more about maximizing your personal injury settlement.
What other evidence works alongside surveillance footage in car accident claims?
Police accident reports, medical records documenting injuries, expert accident reconstruction analysis, witness statements, and photographs all support surveillance footage. Comprehensive evidence presentation strengthens your claim and supports maximum recovery. We gather all available evidence to build the strongest case on your behalf. Understanding the evidence needed to prove claims helps you prepare your case.
Is dashcam footage as admissible as business surveillance video?
Dashcam footage requires authentication, establishing the camera’s operation and the video’s accuracy. While dashcam footage may require additional authentication steps compared to business surveillance systems, properly authenticated dashcam evidence carries significant evidentiary weight. South Carolina courts increasingly recognize dashcam footage as reliable evidence when properly authenticated. Our attorneys have successfully presented dashcam evidence in numerous cases.
What should I do if surveillance footage was deleted or recorded over?
Contact an attorney immediately to identify alternative evidence sources. Police reports, medical records, expert analysis, and witness statements can establish fault without video evidence. In cases where footage was intentionally destroyed, spoliation claims may apply. We develop comprehensive investigation strategies that do not depend solely on video evidence. Three reasons to hire an attorney after an accident include our ability to create alternative evidence strategies when video is unavailable.
