After a car accident, you may be unclear on what to do next and where to turn to prove that someone else caused the crash. One thing you immediately must do is start gathering evidence while it’s still fresh and available. Video footage from dashcams, traffic, and surveillance cameras can be particularly valuable in proving your case. But how do you request camera footage for a car accident?
Our skilled car accident attorneys at DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers know where and how to gather key evidence, such as car accident footage, in Massachusetts. Contact us by calling (617) 870-0907 or complete our contact form so we can guide you through your insurance and legal options.
How To Get Footage for Your Car Accident In MA
Massachusetts law requires that municipalities and some agencies have a records access officer. They are responsible for upholding Massachusetts law regarding inspection and copies of public records. Requests for information, such as video camera footage, generally go through their offices, including:
- The local police department
- The Boston Public Records Center, which handles requests for the Boston Police Department
- The Massachusetts State Police
- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation
- The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which maintains Greater Boston bus cameras
Agencies may only retain video footage for a limited time unless they are using it for an active investigation. Contact an attorney immediately after an accident so they can contact agencies and secure the evidence as soon as possible.
How Likely Is It for Street Footage To Capture Your Car Accident?
While some streets have accessible footage, there is a better chance that none exists. Despite the number of traffic cameras in some areas, they are often only triggered by a specific event, such as running a red light or speeding.
However, a lack of available street camera footage doesn’t mean you are out of options in building your case for damages against another party. Our car accident attorneys can help you determine your next steps based on the best available evidence.
Other Types of Evidence That Can Help With Your Car Accident Case
Most car accident cases don’t involve street camera footage, and claims can still succeed without it. However, in addition to state or local municipal traffic cameras, you might be able to obtain video footage from other sources, including the following:
- Dashcam footage from private or public vehicles may show another party’s negligence or capture skid marks, debris, and other evidence before it’s lost to street cleaning or the weather.
- Security camera footage from businesses or residents might show events before or during your crash and establish whose actions initiated the accident.
If you can’t obtain video footage, don’t despair. Many other sources of evidence can bolster your case, including the following:
- Police reports: While much of the information in police reports is considered inadmissible hearsay, they can lead to useful, admissible evidence that can persuade insurance adjusters and juries.
- Eyewitness testimony: Eyewitnesses can testify whether traffic violations, road conditions, or other factors contributed to your accident.
- Photographs of the accident scene: These can be used to establish the aftermath of a crash and help prove the cause.
- Expert witness testimony: Accident reconstruction experts can offer objective professional opinions regarding the cause of accidents.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Assist You
It can be difficult and time-consuming to collect evidence on your own. Getting some of it may require a judge’s order. Let one of our experienced personal injury attorneys focus on how to request camera footage for your car accident and build a strong claim by assisting you in other ways, including:
- Securing other evidence
- Determining liability
- Calculating your short- and long-term damages
- Working with experts, such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Going to trial when necessary
Get Help From an Experienced Massachusetts Car Accident Attorney
Car accident footage in Massachusetts can be challenging to obtain. But if it is available, it may be the best evidence of what happened during your car accident.
At DiBella Law, we have a record of success in car accident cases and a long track record of successfully building strong claims with the available evidence. Our client testimonials demonstrate how we’ve used our skills and knowledge to positively impact our clients’ lives.
Call us today at (617) 870-0907 or complete our contact form so we can immediately work on finding and securing any car crash footage that establishes the other party’s fault.