If you are bringing a car accident lawsuit against another driver, you must be able to prove that the crash at issue was their fault. There are many types of evidence that can be used to accomplish this task.
Footage from traffic cameras can be used to support your case, but the vast majority of traffic cameras in Yonkers do not record accident footage. Rather, these cameras merely offer a live stream that can be observed by workers at the Department of Transportation (DOT). Fortunately, footage from private security cameras may also be used to support your claim when it is available.
In the aftermath of your car crash in Yonkers, get help from our experienced Yonkers, NY car accident lawyers at The Martello Law Firm by calling (914) 685-6950 for a free case evaluation.
Do Traffic Cameras in Yonkers, NY Record Accident Footage?
Traveling throughout Yonkers, you will likely notice several traffic cameras positioned at intersections and along busy roadways. Many motorists assume that these cameras will record everything they surveil. Unfortunately, traffic cameras in New York very rarely record accident footage.
Standard traffic cameras are used to watch over roads and busy intersections. They provide live streams that can be viewed by employees at the DOT. They do not record footage. Furthermore, they are often positioned in a way that focuses on drivers’ license plates. Accordingly, video from these cameras often lacks the full context necessary to prove fault for a collision.
Still, there are certain situations where traffic cameras may capture usable footage for car accident victims. For instance, in some cases, footage from speed cameras and red-light cameras can be utilized by plaintiffs.
Using Footage from Speed Cameras and Red-Light Cameras in Your Yonkers Car Accident Case
Red-light cameras are positioned at intersections and aim to catch drivers who fail to stop at red lights. These cameras are triggered when cars travel through intersections without obeying traffic signals. If the driver who struck you ran a red light before causing your accident, then footage from a nearby red-light camera may be useful for your case.
Meanwhile, speed cameras are triggered by drivers that travel at excessive speeds. These cameras are also usually placed at busy intersections. If the driver who hit you sped through an intersection before causing your accident, then footage from a speed camera may help prove that they are at fault for the crash.
Still, recordings from speed cameras and red-light cameras often do not provide clear, reliable footage. Additionally, like most traffic cameras, these cameras are often positioned in ways that focus on motorists’ license plates. Therefore, their footage often does not capture the full range of events that contributed to a collision.
Using Footage from Private Cameras to Prove Fault for Car Accidents in Yonkers, NY
Despite traffic camera footage being unavailable in most cases, there are several types of private camera footage that may be used to support your car accident claim. Our Yonkers, NY personal injury lawyers can help obtain and review footage from any of the following sources:
Dash Cameras
Many drivers attach dash cameras to their windshields and dashboards. These cameras are used to capture videos of other drivers committing traffic violations. If your dash cam or another driver’s dash cam captured the events leading up to your accident, then footage from the camera may be useful to your case.
Cell Phone Cameras
Cell phone cameras are another type of private camera that may record useful footage. For example, if a witness captured the events that unfolded before your crash on their cell phone, then that footage may be used to prove that another driver is to blame for the accident. Accordingly, you should always attempt to exchange contact information with witnesses after your accident if you can.
Businesses’ Security Cameras
Furthermore, footage from businesses’ security cameras can also be used to win your car accident case. These cameras are often positioned in ways that observe nearby roadways and parking lots. If pertinent security camera footage exists, then you may be able to retrieve copies of the footage from camera’s owner.
Home Surveillance Cameras
Finally, footage from home surveillance cameras may be used to support your car accident claim. Whether from a property camera or a doorbell camera, home surveillance systems can offer highly valuable video footage that helps establish fault in your case.
Do You Need Traffic Camera Footage to Win Your Car Accident Case in Yonkers, NY?
If relevant traffic camera footage or private security camera footage cannot be located, there are still several other forms of evidence that may be used to support your case. For example, any of the following forms of evidence may be utilized:
Witness Statements
First, witness testimony can be one of the more valuable forms of evidence used to prove fault for car crashes. Witnesses may offer both written and oral testimony that explains the events that unfolded before, during, and after your collision. For example, a witness may state that they saw the other driver swerve out of their lane before causing your crash.
Physical Evidence from the Scene
Physical evidence from the scene of your accident can also be used to establish who is at fault. For instance, pieces of broken glass from a headlight may be matched with a defendant’s vehicle to identify them as the at-fault motorist. Additionally, drug paraphernalia found at the scene may be used to show that the defendant was impaired at the time of your crash.
Expert Witness Statements
Expert witnesses are considered experts because they have completed the necessary training, education, and experience in their specific fields. They are often used to help explain complex theories of fault. For instance, an accident reconstruction expert may be called to explain why the defendant is to blame for an intersection crash.
After Suffering a Car Accident in Yonkers, NY, Contact Our Lawyers for Support
Seek guidance from our experienced Mount Vernon car accident attorneys at The Martello Law Firm by calling (914) 685-6950 today.
