Understanding the Role of Surveillance Footage in Car Accident Claims in Las Vegas

Car accidents happen in an instant, but proving what indeed occurred can be complicated. If you’ve been in a crash in Las Vegas, surveillance footage can be one of the most potent pieces of evidence in your car accident claim. A video recording can provide an unbiased account of events, helping to establish fault, support witness statements, and strengthen your case against insurance companies or in court.

Surveillance footage can come from multiple sources, including traffic cameras, security systems, dashcams, and even bystanders recording the scene. But how do you obtain this evidence, and what legal considerations should you keep in mind? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using video evidence to support your car accident claim.

The Importance of Video Evidence in a Car Accident Case

Video footage can make all the difference in proving what happened during a car accident. Insurance companies and courts heavily rely on factual, visual evidence to determine liability.

Here’s why video footage is crucial in accident claims:

• It provides an objective record of events, reducing reliance on conflicting witness statements.
• It can clearly show who was at fault, whether due to running a red light, speeding, or failing to yield.
• It may capture key details like weather conditions, road hazards, or distracted driving.
• Insurance adjusters often take video evidence seriously, which can lead to faster settlements.

“Surveillance footage is one of the most compelling pieces of evidence in a car accident case. It provides an unbiased account that can support your claim and counter false narratives.”

Types of Video Evidence That Can Help Your Car Accident Case

Several types of video recordings can be used to support a car accident claim. Knowing where to look for footage can be critical in proving your case.

• Traffic Cameras: These are installed at busy intersections and can capture crashes, red-light violations, and other traffic infractions. The Nevada Department of Transportation or local law enforcement typically maintains these recordings.
• Private Security Cameras: Businesses, parking lots, and residential properties often have security cameras monitoring nearby streets. If your accident occurred near such a property, requesting access to this footage can be valuable.
• Dashcam Footage: Many drivers now use dashcams to record their surroundings continuously. If your vehicle or another driver’s dashcam recorded the accident, it could serve as strong evidence.
• Bystander Videos: Pedestrians or other motorists may have captured the accident on their smartphones. Witness-recorded footage can provide an additional perspective on the events.
• Police Bodycam or Patrol Car Footage: If law enforcement responded to the accident, their body cameras or dashboard cameras might have recorded valuable details. You can request this footage through a public records request.

How to Obtain Surveillance Camera Footage for a Car Accident Case

Acting quickly is crucial when trying to secure video footage. Many surveillance systems automatically delete or overwrite recordings within a few days. Here are the steps to obtain video evidence:

• Identify nearby surveillance sources such as businesses, traffic cameras, or residences.
• Contact the property owner or entity managing the cameras and request the footage politely.
• If the footage is not readily provided, your attorney may need to file a subpoena to obtain it legally.
• If law enforcement was involved, request bodycam or dashcam footage through official channels.

“Many security camera systems overwrite old footage within 24-72 hours. If you’ve been in an accident, act fast to secure critical video evidence before it’s erased.”

How Car Accident Claim Video Footage Impacts Legal Outcomes

Surveillance footage can play a significant role in the outcome of your accident claim. It can:

• Confirm or dispute witness statements by providing a factual record of events.
• Establish liability and damages by showing reckless driving, speeding, or failure to yield.
• Influence insurance settlements by making it difficult for adjusters to deny valid claims.
• Strengthen your case in court by providing compelling evidence that jurors can visually assess.

However, video evidence is not always perfect. Some footage may be of low quality, lack timestamps, or be edited. A skilled attorney can ensure that video evidence is authenticated correctly and presented in a way that strengthens your claim.

“Under Nevada law (NRS 41.141), comparative negligence applies when both parties share fault. Video evidence can be decisive in determining the percentage of responsibility.”

Retention Periods for Different Video Sources

Legal Considerations for Using Surveillance Footage in Nevada

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for an accident, you may not be eligible for compensation. Video evidence can be critical in ensuring that fault is correctly assigned.

Privacy laws also apply when using surveillance footage. Video taken in public spaces is generally admissible, but recordings from private property may require the owner’s permission or a court order.

FAQs About Video Evidence in Car Accident Claims

Can surveillance camera footage help my car accident case?

• Yes. It provides transparent, unbiased proof of what happened, supporting your claim and countering false accusations.

How can I obtain a video of a car accident claim?

• You can request footage from traffic cameras, businesses, dashcams, and witnesses. If the owner refuses, an attorney can file a subpoena.

What if surveillance footage contradicts my statement?

• An attorney can analyze the footage, cross-check with other evidence, and clarify misinterpretations. Footage must be authenticated before being used against you.

How long do businesses keep security camera footage?

• Most systems overwrite footage within 24-72 hours, but some businesses retain recordings for weeks or months. Act quickly to request it.

Can traffic camera footage prove fault in a shared-fault accident?

• Yes. Nevada’s comparative negligence rule (NRS 41.141) allows you to recover damages even if you are partially at fault, depending on the percentage of liability assigned.

Can video evidence be used in court?

• Yes, but it must be clear, relevant, and authenticated. An attorney will verify and present it appropriately in legal proceedings.

Conclusion

Having the proper evidence can significantly impact your car accident claim. Surveillance footage is a powerful tool that provides an objective account of what happened. Acting quickly to secure this evidence is crucial, as many recordings are automatically erased. An experienced car accident attorney can help you obtain, analyze, and present video evidence effectively.

At Gina Corena & Associates, we know how to leverage video evidence to strengthen your case. If you’ve been in an accident, don’t wait to take action. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you fight for the compensation you deserve.