These days, cameras are everywhere. From red-light cameras to dashboard cams, and from security cameras to traffic cameras installed and monitored by local news agencies, if you have been involved in an auto accident in the Denver area, there is a decent chance that your accident was caught on tape.
When seeking financial compensation for accident-related injuries, footage of the accident can provide clear evidence of your right to financial recovery. If the footage shows that you were driving safely and obeying all traffic laws when someone else hit you, then the recording of the accident could be key evidence in your case. So, can you obtain a copy of the recording? If so, what do you need to do?
Obtaining Video Footage of an Auto Accident in Colorado
The feasibility of obtaining video footage of an accident depends on a number of different factors. For example, while some traffic cameras are owned and operated by the State of Colorado, others are owned and operated by private companies. Additionally, traffic camera footage often gets erased automatically after a certain period of time, so it is important to act quickly to preserve any evidence that may be available.
Although some individuals and organizations may be willing to provide video footage of an accident voluntarily, it will often be necessary to seek footage through formal legal means. Sometimes people simply do not want to get involved in an auto accident case as a witness. In other cases, it may be expensive or impractical for a company to locate and copy accident footage from its massive database of video recordings. Whatever the case may be (and to ensure that any video footage you obtain will be admissible in court), you will likely need to hire an experienced attorney to secure any available camera footage on your behalf.
- Red Light Cameras Operated by the State of Colorado – In order to secure footage from a red light camera operated by the State of Colorado, it will be necessary to submit a formal request through the appropriate channels.
- Traffic Cameras Operated by Private Companies – Some private companies may be willing to provide traffic camera footage, although it is more likely that you will need to formally request the footage through the issuance of a subpoena.
- Security Camera Footage from Private Businesses – Businesses with security cameras may be more willing to provide footage voluntarily. However, they are not required to do so, and larger businesses may have policies that prohibit the voluntary release of security camera footage.
- Police Car Dash Cam Footage – Similar to red light camera footage, footage from a police car dashcam will generally need to be requested through formal legal means.
- Private Witness Dash Cam, Helmet Cam or Cell Phone Footage – If a witness captured the accident on video with a dashcam, helmet cam or cell phone, you or your attorney can ask for a copy of the video. If necessary, your attorney can also formally request the video through a subpoena in your auto accident case.
Discuss Your Case in Confidence
Regardless of whether video footage of your accident is available, it may also be possible to prove your claim for compensation through various other means. To speak with an attorney about your accident in the Denver area as soon as possible, call 303-333-8000 or tell us how to reach you online now.
