If you have been involved in an accident and are looking to file a personal injury claim, one of the most important pieces of evidence you can have is video footage of the accident itself. This footage can provide clear and objective evidence of what happened and can help you prove your case and get the compensation you may deserve.
But where do you find this footage, and how can you be sure that it is authentic and will hold up in court? We will explore some of the best ways to find video footage of your accident, but working with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Setareh Law can help to ensure that your case is thoroughly supported with the best evidence possible.
Identifying Sources of Video Footage
As technology continues to advance, it is becoming increasingly common to find video footage of accidents and other events. Here are some sources you can investigate when trying to locate video evidence:
Check Traffic Cameras
The first place to look for video footage of your accident is at any nearby traffic cameras. Many intersections and highways are equipped with cameras that capture footage of traffic and accidents, and this footage can be a valuable resource when it comes to proving your case. To find out if there are any traffic cameras near the site of your accident, you can check with your local police department or the department of transportation.
Look for Security Cameras
Another source of video footage of your accident may be security cameras from nearby businesses or buildings. Many businesses and public buildings have security cameras that capture footage of the area around them, and this footage can be a valuable resource when it comes to proving your case.
Ask Witnesses for Footage
If you were not alone at the time of your accident, there is a good chance that someone else may have captured footage of the accident on their phone. If you were with friends or family at the time of the accident, they may have footage that can help to prove your case.
Check Social Media
In today’s digital age, many people share their experiences on social media, and this includes footage of accidents. If your accident was in a public place, there is a good chance that someone may have captured footage of the accident and shared it on social media.
To find footage of your accident on social media, you can search for hashtags related to your accident, or you can search for keywords related to the location of your accident. You can also search for accounts that may have captured footage of your accident, such as news outlets or traffic cameras.
Hire a Private Investigator
If you are unable to find any video footage of your accident on your own, you may want to consider hiring a private investigator. Private investigators are trained to locate and retrieve evidence, and they can help you to find video footage of your accident if it is available.
Tips for Verifying the Authenticity of Video Footage
Once you have found video footage of your accident, it is important to verify the authenticity of the footage. This will ensure that the footage is reliable and will hold up in court. Here are some tips for verifying the authenticity of video footage:
Check the Date and Time Stamp
One of the first things to check when verifying the authenticity of video footage is the date and time stamp on the footage. This will help to ensure that the footage was captured at the time of your accident, and can help establish its relevance to your case.
Look for Any Signs of Tampering or Alteration
Signs of tampering or alteration may include evidence of editing, such as jump cuts or missing frames, or it may include evidence of manipulation, such as changes to the color or contrast of the footage.
Compare the Footage to Other Evidence
When verifying the authenticity of video footage, it can also be helpful to compare the footage to other evidence from your accident. This may include photos of the scene, witness statements, or other video footage from the accident. Comparing the footage to other evidence can help to establish its reliability and accuracy.
Consult with a Forensic Expert
If you are unsure about the authenticity of the video footage, or if you need additional verification, you may want to consult with a forensic expert. Forensic experts are trained to analyze and evaluate video footage and can provide you with an expert opinion on the authenticity of the footage.
Let an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer From Setareh Law Help With Your Personal Injury Case
The investigative process is daunting, and it can be difficult to locate footage of your accident on your own. That is why it is important to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you track down evidence of your accident. An experienced lawyer, like those from Setareh Law, will know the best places to look for video footage and can help make sure that your case is built on the strongest evidence possible.
Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you locate and verify footage of your accident. With our extensive experience in personal injury cases and our Spanish-speaking lawyers, we are ready to put our resources and expertise to work for you. We look forward to helping you seek the justice that you deserve. Contact us online or call us at (310) 659-1826 for a free consultation.