A Brooklyn jury awarded Mr. Vargas $17.5 million for the City of New York’s violation of his civil rights for failing to provide him medical care while in custody. The jury found that the police officers involved failed to provide the necessary medical treatment and awarded $17.5 million to Mr. Vargas.
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Securing Video Surveillance Footage After an Accident: What You Need to Know
After a New York car accident, proving what really happened is often your biggest challenge. Using video footage in personal injury claims is a big help, as it provides a clear, unbiased perspective of the events.
The New York car accident lawyers at Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb understand the importance of getting video surveillance footage after an accident to build a robust personal injury claim.
This guide will demonstrate the steps to obtain video evidence effectively. By following these instructions, you’ll give your case the solid foundation it needs.
Why You Need Video Footage of a Crash for a Car Accident Claim
Securing video footage of a car accident is vital for your personal injury claim. This footage serves as concrete evidence, capturing the events exactly as they occurred, free from bias or memory flaws. It can clearly show the sequence of events leading up to the crash, the impact, and the immediate aftermath, providing indisputable facts that support your version of events.
On the flip side, not having video footage can put you at a disadvantage. Without it, your case might rely heavily on witness statements, which can be subjective or inconsistent. Lack of clear, visual evidence can lead to disputes about who was at fault in the collision. This can complicate the claims process and may result in reduced compensation.
Sources of Surveillance Footage for a Car Accident Case
Finding video surveillance footage after a car accident is like putting together pieces of a puzzle. Each piece of footage offers a unique perspective that can help illustrate the full picture of what happened. Here are some key sources where you might find this crucial evidence:
- Traffic Cameras: These cameras are positioned at intersections and capture real-time traffic conditions and incidents.
- Business Security Cameras: Many businesses use security cameras that may overlook streets and capture accident footage.
- Dashcams: Vehicles equipped with dashcams can provide first-hand recordings of the accident from a driver’s perspective.
- Body Cameras: Worn by law enforcement or security personnel, these cameras can offer up-close footage of the aftermath.
- ATM Cameras: Often overlooked, ATM cameras frequently have a clear view of nearby streets and accidents.
- Residential Doorbell Cameras: Doorbell cameras in residential areas can capture unexpected angles of street incidents.
- Public Transportation Cameras: Buses and trains often have cameras that might record incidents on or near their routes.
- Mobile Phone Footage: Bystanders or witnesses might capture the incident on their smartphones, providing valuable perspectives.
How to Request Surveillance Video from Businesses and Other Sources
After a car accident, acting swiftly to secure video surveillance footage is crucial. This urgency is due to the risk of footage being overwritten or deleted after a specific period. Here are the legal steps to obtain accident footage in New York:
- Business Security Cameras: Approach the business owners directly and politely request a copy of the footage, explaining its importance for your claim.
- Traffic Cameras: Request footage from the New York Department of Transportation or the local municipality that manages the cameras.
- Dashcams: If the dashcam belongs to you or someone you know, save the footage immediately. If it belongs to another driver, ask for a copy or for their contact information for your attorney to follow up.
- Body Cameras: For footage from law enforcement or security personnel, you may need to file a formal request with the respective agency.
- ATM Cameras: Contact the bank or financial institution that operates the ATM and inquire about their procedure for obtaining footage.
- Residential Doorbell Cameras: Ask the homeowner directly for the footage, making sure to explain how it relates to your accident.
- Public Transportation Cameras: Submit a request to the public transportation authority that operates the service, as they may have specific protocols for releasing footage.
- Mobile Phone Footage: If witnesses capture the accident on their phones, ask for their contact details so your attorney can formally request the footage.
How Our NYC Accident Attorneys Can Help You Recover Footage of a Crash
At Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb, we understand the challenges of recovering crucial video footage after a car accident. Our capable and driven attorneys have the know-how and resources to track down and secure this evidence on your behalf. We’ll handle all the legwork, from navigating legal protocols to sending a spoliation letter for surveillance footage and negotiating with businesses and government entities. By entrusting this task to us, you can focus on your recovery while we strengthen your case. Our knowledge and experience not only maximize your chances of obtaining all available footage but also spare you the complexities and potential pushback you might face doing it alone.
Contact Our New York Accident Attorneys Today
While you could pursue video footage of a car accident yourself, you’re better off focusing on your medical treatment and letting us handle this tricky task. Call Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb today at 800-PAIN-LAW for a free consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions that prospective clients have about personal injury claims include:
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When you have suffered an injury, it can be difficult to know what to do next. If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. However, filing a personal injury claim can be a complex and time-consuming process. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the maximum possible compensation.
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