Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and obtaining evidence to support your claim is crucial. One valuable piece of evidence that can provide an objective account of the accident is traffic camera footage. If your accident occurred near a traffic camera, this footage can be instrumental in establishing fault and supporting your case. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of obtaining traffic camera footage after a car accident in Ohio.
Traffic cameras are prevalent in major Ohio cities like Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Akron. Many of these cameras are located on highways and major intersections, providing live traffic updates and monitoring traffic flow. Additionally, red light cameras, speed cameras, and license plate recognition cameras are installed at various locations throughout the state.
To determine if your accident was captured on camera, you’ll need to identify the exact location of the incident. You can start by checking online resources like WeatherBug, which provides live traffic camera feeds for major cities in Ohio. Additionally, the website PhotoEnforced.com maintains a database of traffic camera locations, including red light cameras, speed cameras, and license plate recognition cameras.
If you confirm the presence of a traffic camera near the accident location, the next step is to request the footage from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). When making the request, you’ll need to provide the following information:
It’s important to note that traffic camera footage is considered public record in Ohio, and anyone involved in the accident can request and view it. However, the process of obtaining the footage can take time, so it’s best to make the request as soon as possible.
Even if there were no ODOT traffic cameras present, other video evidence sources may be available. Many vehicles, particularly commercial trucks and motorcycles, are equipped with dashboard cameras that could have captured the accident. Additionally, nearby businesses or residential properties may have security cameras that could provide valuable footage.
In such cases, your personal injury attorney from Paulozzi LPA can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene to identify potential video evidence sources. This may involve interviewing witnesses, contacting local businesses, and examining the accident site for any security cameras or dash cams that may have recorded the incident.
Obtaining traffic camera footage or other video evidence is crucial in building a strong case and establishing fault in a car accident claim. However, this evidence can be overwritten or deleted if not preserved promptly. That’s why it’s essential to act quickly and work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process of securing and preserving all available evidence.
At Paulozzi LPA, our team of dedicated attorneys understands the importance of thorough evidence collection and investigation. We will work tirelessly to obtain any traffic camera footage or alternative video evidence that could support your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Ohio, don’t hesitate to contact Paulozzi LPA for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight for your rights and ensure that all available evidence is secured to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.