Can I Use Traffic Camera Footage as Evidence in a South Carolina Semi-Truck Accident Lawsuit?

There are few better forms of evidence than video footage. Unlike witness testimony or “black box” data, video footage shows exactly what happened during the accident. The question is, how do you access this footage? Is it possible to get hold of traffic camera footage as you prepare for your semi-truck accident lawsuit in South Carolina? Can an experienced lawyer help you obtain this footage?

Traffic Cameras Typically Do Not Store Footage 

The South Carolina Department of Transportation states that its traffic cameras do not actually “store” any images. Instead, the footage is simply a livestream. The Department of Transportation also notes that if you request footage after a traffic accident, they will not provide you with any because they do not have any stored footage.

But is this really true? Perhaps the only way to find out is to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Department of Transportation. Even if it’s not possible to access the footage of your truck accident, it may be possible to obtain other useful information, such as the traffic light sequencing data at the intersection. This data can help you prove whether the trucker ran a red light.

You May Need to Act Quickly 

If the Department of Transportation or any other government agency keeps traffic footage, it may only store the footage for a few days before overwriting it. This means that if you’re serious about accessing the footage, you should act quickly. Consider contacting an attorney and explaining your situation as soon as you can after your accident. From there, your attorney may be able to access the necessary footage while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

Confirm Whether a Camera Even Exists at the Crash Scene

Another quick step you can take is to confirm whether a traffic camera even exists in the area of your crash. The South Carolina Department of Transportation allows you to check for potential traffic cameras using a relatively simple web tool. If there’s no traffic camera at the scene of your crash, you might need to focus on other types of evidence.

Don’t Discount Other Types of Footage 

Remember, traffic camera footage isn’t the only type of footage that might be useful in your crash. Semi-trucks should be equipped with dashcams, and you can obtain this footage from the trucking company. Other nearby vehicles may have also captured the crash with their own dashcams. Nearby businesses could also use surveillance cameras, such as gas stations or fast food restaurants.

Can a South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me? 

A South Carolina truck accident lawyer can help you gather all kinds of evidence as you approach your lawsuit, from video footage and witness testimony to cell phone data and maintenance records. That being said, it makes sense to consider your unique circumstances when searching for appropriate evidence. Discuss your situation in more detail with Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.

Sources:

 scdot.org/inside/freedom-of-information-act.html

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