Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Winter Haven

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Winter Haven, you may be facing a complicated and overwhelming situation. At Donaldson & Weston, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to handle pedestrian accident claims effectively. Our pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to helping you recover financially and emotionally from this traumatic event. Contact us today at 866-382-1494 for a free consultation and to discuss how we can assist with your case.

How Surveillance Camera Footage Can Strengthen a Pedestrian Accident Case in Winter Haven

Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries, and proving liability can be a challenge. When it comes to personal injury claims, having solid evidence is key to building a strong case. Surveillance cameras, often found in stores, traffic intersections, or nearby buildings, can play an important role in proving what happened during an accident. In Winter Haven, like in many other cities, these cameras may capture critical moments that can help establish fault and support a victim’s claim. 

Why Surveillance Footage Matters in Pedestrian Accidents

In many pedestrian accident cases, the details of the incident can be unclear. Witness statements might vary, and the involved parties may have different accounts of what happened. This is where surveillance camera footage can be crucial. If cameras are located near the scene of the accident, they may provide an objective account of the events. The footage can help establish:

• The exact moment of impact: Camera footage can capture when and how the pedestrian was hit, including the speed of the vehicle and any evasive actions taken by the driver.
• Driver behavior before and after the accident: Surveillance can show whether the driver was speeding, ignoring traffic signs, or performing unsafe maneuvers that contributed to the accident.
  Pedestrian actions: Cameras can also capture the pedestrian’s actions, such as whether they were crossing legally at a crosswalk, whether they appeared distracted, or if they had the right of way.

When the situation is unclear, video footage can provide crucial evidence that clarifies the events surrounding the accident. This is why it’s important to identify and preserve this evidence as soon as possible after the accident.

Where to Look for Surveillance Footage

Surveillance cameras can be found in a variety of places. Identifying locations near the accident scene that may have captured footage of the incident is key. Common places to check include:

• Traffic intersections: Many intersections are equipped with cameras to monitor traffic flow and violations. These cameras can capture the movement of vehicles and pedestrians in the area.
• Nearby businesses or buildings: Retail stores, restaurants, and office buildings often have security cameras positioned outside, providing a wide view of the surrounding area.
• Parking lots: Surveillance cameras in parking lots or garages can provide valuable footage, especially if the accident occurred near one of these locations.
• Public transportation areas: Bus stops, train stations, and other public areas often have surveillance cameras to ensure the safety of passengers. These cameras may have captured relevant details about the accident.
• Streetlights and traffic cameras: In some cities, streetlights are equipped with cameras for traffic monitoring. These can be especially useful in capturing vehicle speeds and the pedestrian’s position on the road.

It’s important to act quickly because video footage may not be stored indefinitely. Businesses and city agencies often erase older recordings to free up space for new footage. This makes it essential to request footage as soon as possible to ensure it is preserved for your case.

How Surveillance Footage Can Support Your Case

If footage is available, it can serve as powerful evidence in your pedestrian accident claim. Here’s how it can help:

• Establishing liability: If the footage shows the driver running a red light or failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk, it can prove the driver’s negligence and establish their liability for the accident. This can be particularly useful in cases where fault is disputed.
• Corroborating witness statements: Often, pedestrian accidents occur when there are few, if any, eyewitnesses. If there are witnesses, their statements can be influenced by personal bias or faulty memory. Video evidence, however, is an objective record of the event. If the footage supports the witness testimony, it strengthens the overall case.
  Providing a clear timeline: Surveillance footage can show the timeline of the accident, including the driver’s actions leading up to the collision. This can help identify factors such as distracted driving, speeding, or other forms of negligence. Establishing the precise timing of events can be key to proving fault.
• Supporting your injuries: In some cases, video footage may show the severity of the impact or the way the pedestrian was thrown or knocked down. This visual evidence can help prove the extent of your injuries and their relation to the accident. For example, footage may demonstrate that the pedestrian was struck by a vehicle traveling at a high speed, which could help justify the seriousness of your injuries.

How to Obtain Surveillance Camera Footage

If you believe that surveillance footage may exist in your case, there are steps you can take to try and secure it:

• Contact the police: If you haven’t already done so, report the accident to the police. They may be able to help identify relevant surveillance footage and initiate an investigation. In some cases, law enforcement may be able to request the footage on your behalf.
• Reach out to businesses: If you know that a business near the accident scene has security cameras, contact them as soon as possible. Some businesses may have policies about retaining footage for a certain period, so acting quickly is crucial. Be polite and ask if they can release the footage to your attorney or if you can obtain a copy for your case.
• Consult with an attorney: An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can assist in obtaining surveillance footage. They can issue subpoenas, make formal requests to businesses or government agencies, and ensure the video evidence is preserved. Attorneys have the resources and expertise to track down footage that may be vital to your claim.
• Public records requests: In some cases, footage from public cameras, such as those at traffic lights or in public areas, may be available through public records requests. Your attorney can help you navigate the process of submitting these requests.

Challenges with Surveillance Footage

While surveillance footage can be extremely helpful, there are some challenges to consider:

• Availability of footage: Not every location has cameras, and some businesses may not have recorded footage of the accident. Furthermore, footage may not capture the entire incident, and important details could be missed.
• Quality of footage: The clarity of surveillance footage can vary. Low-quality footage might be difficult to interpret and may not provide the clear evidence needed to prove your case.
• Camera angles: Sometimes, cameras may be positioned in a way that doesn’t capture all of the important details, such as the exact moment of the accident or the position of the vehicles and pedestrians.
• Missing footage: As mentioned earlier, footage is often overwritten or erased after a set period of time. If too much time has passed, the footage you need may no longer be available.

Winter Haven Pedestrian Accident Attorney

When you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Winter Haven, you deserve expert legal help to protect your rights and fight for fair compensation. Donaldson & Weston’s pedestrian accident attorneys are committed to advocating for you throughout the legal process. Contact us today at 866-382-1494 for a free consultation and let us put our experience to work for you.