When a careless driver injures someone in a car accident, the victim is often entitled to damages. If someone hurt you or a loved one in a car wreck, call an attorney. A personal injury lawyer informs victims of their rights and provides valuable legal advice. They can also help determine if the accident was on video.
The technology of today allows for the recording of almost everything. Often, buildings and public places have a camera recording 24 hours. Video surveillance can be used to find fault in a car accident. Your lawyer can help you determine how to use video surveillance in your case.
Video Surveillance Legality
In the U.S, there are no national laws about surveillance cameras, leaving it to the states. Only a handful of states created laws about the use of video surveillance. In Florida, it is legal to have video surveillance in businesses or private residences, and many choose to exercise this right. However, the state requires disclosure of the presence of hidden cameras.
Some places are not suitable for a camera. According to the Florida Statutes §810.145, there is a reasonable expectation of privacy in places where people might become undressed. Some of these places include:
- Changing rooms
- Locker rooms
- Bathrooms
- Hotel rooms
- Bedrooms
How Surveillance Videos Can Be Used to Find Fault in a Car Accident
Video evidence that proves the car accident was the other driver’s fault improves your chances of winning. It shows the court that you are unquestionably a victim, and you deserve to be compensated for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. It is conceivable that the amount of compensation will increase, too. Surveillance video is solid proof in the court of law because it shows what happened. Video footage is hard to dispute.
Video Surveillance Can Work Against Your Claim
A video that casts fault on you or exposes errors in your story can harm your case. Sometimes, people remember their accident differently and tell their version. Whether you meant to or not, recounting the details of the accident differently than what is shown on video can damage your trustworthiness. This can ultimately hurt your case.
The other side wants to find a video that shows you in a negative light. Insurance companies have an objective to prove that you had some fault in the accident. They have also been known to film plaintiffs using private detectives.
Examples of Video Surveillance Used in Civil Cases
Camera footage has shaped the outcome of many civil and criminal proceedings. If there is video footage that shows you injured in a car accident at no fault of your own, it may significantly help your case; we want to find that video. The accident could have been taped without your knowledge. Some examples of video surveillance sources are:
- Cellphone videos
- GoPro
- Dashcams
- Home video surveillance
- Nanny cams
- Security cameras on businesses
- Red-light cameras
There are three significant areas where we discover videos: private residences, public spaces, and the workplace.
Home security cameras are gaining popularity. In some cases, home security cameras captured events on the street. It is important to note that neighbors cannot record the property next door in Florida, as it is considered an invasion of privacy. For this reason, sometimes cameras are not positioned to pick up the road in order to keep the camera from recording other houses.
There are a lot of cameras in public places. When out and about, we are often videoed without being aware. These videos might be helpful to your case if they caught a recording of your accident. Cameras may have recorded the accident from a nearby park, gas station, store, or intersection.
Some workplaces have security cameras, like office buildings, steel mills, schools, and retail stores. Often, business owners use cameras to prevent theft and observe employees coming and leaving the building. Outdoor cameras may catch the action on the street, and there are times when indoor cameras can help.
How to Find Out if a Video of the Accident Exists
Video surveillance may maximize compensation. On the other hand, it can hurt your case. You will want to know either way. The first step is to be upfront with your lawyer and disclose all of the details. This will help your case in the long run. Your lawyer will conduct an investigation, and during this period, video footage may surface.
There are some cases where an accident wasn’t filmed, especially on long stretches of highway or back roads. If it turns out there is no footage, your attorney will look for other kinds of evidence.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer
Video surveillance can be used to find fault in a car accident. A personal injury attorney can help you discover if footage relevant to your car accident exists. They can also assist you in obtaining the footage. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we are committed to going the extra mile so that you can focus on healing and getting better. Let us take care of everything else. Call and speak with a member of our team today at (954) 525-0050.
