What if Surveillance Cameras Captured the Crash?

What if Surveillance Cameras Captured the Crash?

On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | May 19, 2025 | Car Accidents

If you or someone you care about was injured in a car accident that was captured by a surveillance camera, it can bolster your claim immensely, but obtaining the footage may not be easy. If this is the situation you find yourself in, it’s time to reach out for the professional legal counsel of an experienced Port St. Lucie car accident attorney.

The Surveillance Camera Footage

While bystanders on the scene of car accidents are sure to pull out their phones and begin recording once something happens, they often miss the precipitating events. And while dashcams can also result in a considerable amount of evidence, these forms of footage may not be available if there isn’t much traffic or if there aren’t many people around at the time of the accident. 

Surveillance cameras are generally always up and running, and they often capture a broader perspective, which can make surveillance camera footage invaluable in accident claims. 

In fact, a surveillance camera may help you establish each of the following important facts in your case:

• How the accident happened
• The severity of the crash 
• The condition of the road
• The severity of your injuries
• The other driver’s negligence

Obtaining the footage you need, however, is not always straightforward in the State of Florida. 

Sources of Footage

To obtain the security camera footage that you need to strengthen your claim, the first step in the process is identifying all the potential sources of surveillance cameras in the vicinity of the crash. Prime examples include all the following:

• Traffic cameras, such as those at intersections
• Security cameras on nearby businesses
• Security cameras on privately owned residences
• Security cameras in parking lots

Proving the other driver’s negligence, such as excess speed, distraction, or impairment, is a key element of your claim, and surveillance camera footage often goes a long way in accomplishing this goal. 

Take Action

It’s important to note that surveillance systems are generally short on storage space, which means the footage that your accident is captured on could be written over in the space of a few weeks or even a few days. This makes taking swift action critical, and retaining a trusted car accident lawyer early in the process helps to ensure that you won’t lose valuable evidence. 

Contacting Private Businesses or Residents

If you identify a business, a private residence, or both that you believe may have security footage of your accident, your best bet is politely asking for access as a means of evidence in your case. When it comes to businesses, they may require that you file an official request, which could involve providing legal documentation. Business owners and private residents are not required to allow access to their security camera footage, and if they decline, you’ll need to subpoena the evidence. 

Obtaining Traffic Camera Footage

If you’re seeking traffic camera footage, it can be even more challenging. Because these units are generally operated by governmental entities, you may have to file a public records request to obtain the information you’re looking for. 

An Experienced Port St. Lucie Car Accident Lawyer Is Standing By to Help

The seasoned Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa will leave no stone unturned in their focused quest to obtain all the evidence necessary to bring your strongest claim, including effectively pursuing security and traffic camera footage. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at (866)-640-7117 today.