In the immediate aftermath of a traffic accident, you can experience a rush of adrenaline that can lead to temporary confusion. As things settle down, you try to make sense of what just happened.
That means figuring out who was at fault. Depending on the circumstances, there could be a dispute over things like whether a traffic light was red or green, or how fast a car was traveling. The easiest way to settle that dispute is with the support of an experienced Charleston car accident attorney and all the relevant traffic camera footage.
The investigative team working with DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, has extensive experience gathering traffic camera footage to support our clients’ claims and ensure they receive the maximum benefits they are entitled to.
Why WV DOT Video Camera Footage Can Make or Break a Car Accident Case
Before you can access the traffic camera footage, you have to verify that it is available.
That search begins with the WV DOT traffic camera map. To conduct a web search, you’ll need to know the specific location of your accident. Once you confirm that there was a camera and it was in good operating order, you can request the footage on the date and time of the accident from DOT. Your car accident attorney can help cut through the red tape to get access to that footage.
When available, this traffic footage can provide clear, objective evidence that strengthens your claim. Here’s how that footage can make or break your claim:
Providing Objective Evidence That Tells the Full Story
DOT camera footage offers an unbiased, real-time record of an accident. A witness statement can be influenced by memory gaps. The actual video footage shows what occurred before, during, and immediately after the crash. This kind of evidence eliminates speculation and reduces disputes over how the accident happened.
Helping Establish Fault and Liability
Determining fault is one of the most important aspects of any car accident claim. DOT footage can clearly show the following:
- Which vehicle entered the intersection first
- Whether a driver ran a red light or failed to yield
- Were there any speeding or abrupt lane changes leading up to the collision
Capturing What Witnesses May Miss
Even well-meaning witnesses don’t always see everything. DOT cameras may record critical details, such as traffic signal changes, weather, road conditions, or the presence of additional vehicles that witnesses didn’t notice. These small details can significantly affect how faults and damages are assessed.
Why You Need to Act Quickly
Unlike YouTube videos, which can remain on the site for years, DOT camera footage is only stored for a limited period. In some cases, they might hold on to footage for as little as 30 days. If you delay making a request for the footage, it may be automatically deleted or overwritten, and there would be no way to recover it.
There is also the state statute of limitations to factor into your claim. In West Virginia, you have only two years from the date of the accident to bring your claims to court. Getting traffic footage promptly will help convince an insurance company that its policyholder is indeed at fault and speed up the settlement process.
That will help you meet the deadlines.
Other Sources of Accident Video Evidence
DOT cameras aren’t the only potential sources of footage. Depending on where the crash occurred, additional evidence may come from:
- Security cameras at nearby businesses or homes
- Dashcams from other drivers involved or passing by
- Smartphone recordings from eyewitnesses
A thorough investigation by your attorney involves gathering video from multiple sources to paint the clearest possible picture.
How DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a West Virginia car accident, securing video evidence early can be a decisive advantage. DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC has extensive experience handling car accident claims and knows how to obtain and use DOT camera footage to strengthen your case.
Their team acts quickly to preserve evidence, identify all available video sources, and build a compelling claim to maximize compensation.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, don’t wait. Reach out to DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, for a free case review to discuss your case. We want to help our clients get what they are due.
