Have you been injured in a car accident in South Carolina? If someone else caused the accident, that person could owe you compensation for what you’ve suffered. But before you can secure this compensation, you must prove that the other person is indeed to blame. Traffic camera footage is a powerful piece of evidence that could help you do just that. Cameras are unbiased, providing a neutral and undisputable account of what happened. A Charleston car accident attorney can recover traffic camera car accident evidence on your behalf and use it to bolster your case.
Can Traffic Camera Evidence Be Used in Court?
South Carolina law says it’s illegal for the authorities to use traffic camera footage as the sole basis for speeding tickets and other traffic offenses. However, there’s no such law concerning the use of camera footage in personal injury cases. So, if you can lawfully obtain the footage, you can use it in court to support your case for compensation.
Why Traffic Camera Footage Matters in Car Accident Cases
Traffic camera footage is often one of the strongest pieces of evidence in a car accident case. Why? Because it shows what happened in real time from a neutral point of view.
Unlike witness statements, which can be flawed or biased, video footage captures the crash without opinions or confusion. If you’re hurt in an accident, this footage can help prove who caused the crash and how it unfolded. It may show a driver running a red light, speeding, failing to yield, or texting behind the wheel. In some cases, traffic camera footage can also show the road conditions, weather, and other factors that played a role. This perspective helps build a fuller picture of what happened and who should be held responsible.
This kind of evidence can also protect you from false claims. If the other driver says you caused the collision, traffic camera footage can prove otherwise.
Similarly, insurance companies often look for reasons to deny or reduce payouts. A video clearly showing the other driver’s actions can help move your case forward faster and might lead to a quicker settlement.
How Traffic Footage Can Strengthen Your Injury Claims
Insurance companies and the courts want solid evidence of who caused a car crash. A video clip from the scene can show exactly what happened, helping you prove the other driver’s careless actions and support your account of the crash. Traffic footage can help your case if it shows:
- How the accident happened – The footage can capture the crash from start to finish, including the initial impact and what led to it.
- What the other driver did – It may show another driver engaging in dangerous behavior like running a red light, speeding, tailgating, or making an illegal turn.
- Your version of events – If the other driver’s story conflicts with your account of the crash, traffic footage can back up your claim.
- Relevant outside factors – Video footage may show road hazards, poor signage, heavy traffic, or weather conditions that contributed to the crash.
- – Video can show critical elements of the crash, such as how fast the cars were going, when the drivers applied the brakes, and who had the right-of-way.
- The severity of the crash – A hard impact caught on video helps explain how you were hurt, even if your injuries aren’t visible.
How to Get Traffic Camera Footage After an Accident
Getting traffic camera footage after an accident takes quick action. Many cities don’t store video for long, sometimes just a few days.
Start by identifying where the accident happened. Look for nearby traffic lights, intersections, or city-owned cameras.
Next, contact the local agency that controls those cameras. In Charleston, that might be the city’s traffic department, local law enforcement, or the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Ask them if footage from the date and time of your crash is available. Be ready to provide details like the crash’s location, your direction of travel, and vehicle descriptions.
You may need to submit a written request or public records request. Some agencies have online forms, while others may ask you to mail in your request. Be clear and specific to improve your chances of getting the footage.
You can also work with a car accident lawyer with experience gathering video evidence. They may know where to look and how to make the right requests on time.
Other Sources of Car Accident Footage
Traffic camera footage isn’t always available after a crash. Some intersections don’t have cameras, and the angle or video quality may be poor even when they do. In other situations, the cameras miss the moment of impact or record from too far away to show important details. That’s why it’s crucial to evaluate other possible sources of video footage.
Nearby businesses are a good place to start. Gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants, and retail shops often have security cameras facing the street or parking lot. Their footage may clearly capture the crash or what happened right before it.
Home security systems, like Ring or Nest cameras, can also record accidents if the crash happened in a neighborhood or residential area. These systems often point toward driveways, sidewalks, or roads.
Dashcams are another valuable source of car accident surveillance footage. If you or a witness had a dashcam running, that video could show the crash from a close and clear angle.
Finally, bystanders may have recorded the accident on their phones. Posting a request for video on social media or community forums could help you find someone who saw what happened and captured it.
Contact Our Charleston Car Accident Attorneys for Legal Help
Crantford Meehan has represented South Carolina car accident victims for over 30 years and accumulated an enviable track record. We know how to find surveillance footage and other evidence to support your claim. We can handle the crash investigation while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life, and you don’t owe us any fees unless you recover compensation. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
