If you are involved in a car accident in Texas, you can get compensation by filing an insurance claim or case against the at-fault party. But to succeed, you need strong evidence to support your case, and one of the most powerful types of evidence is video footage of the accident.
Whether it comes from traffic cameras, nearby building surveillance systems, or dashboard cameras, this footage can be instrumental in proving what actually happened. However, obtaining access to it can be a challenge.
In this article, a Houston Car Accident Attorney explains how camera footage can help your case, how to obtain it, and the difficulties you might encounter. If you’ve been in a crash in Harris County or the Houston area, don’t wait—act fast to secure this crucial evidence.
The Role of Camera Footage in Winning Your Car Accident Case
Suppose you find yourself in a collision where the other driver failed to stop at a red light. Seems like a clear-cut case, right? But then the other driver claims you ran the red light. Now it’s your word against theirs.
This is why camera footage helps your case a lot.
Examples of How Footage Can Help:
- Traffic light cameras can show who actually entered the intersection on red.
- Surveillance cameras from nearby stores, gas stations, or offices can reveal vehicle positions, speeds, and impacts.
- Dashboard cameras, either yours or those in other vehicles, can capture the moments before and during the crash.
This kind of footage is often the key to determining fault, identifying witnesses, and disproving false claims. In multi-car pileups, it might be the only way to sort out the chaos and establish liability.
A skilled Houston Car Accident Attorney can use this footage to create a strong foundation for your claim or lawsuit.
How to Obtain Camera Footage After a Houston Car Accident
Getting access to video evidence isn’t always easy, but here’s a basic roadmap:
1. Identify Possible Camera Sources
Survey the accident scene as soon as possible. Were there:
- Traffic lights?
- Nearby businesses or homes with security cameras?
- ATMs, gas stations, or drive-thru lanes?
If you’re unable to do this yourself due to injuries, a Houston Car Accident Attorney can act quickly on your behalf.
2. Determine Camera Ownership
This can be complicated. Cameras may be owned by:
- The City of Houston or Harris County (traffic cameras)
- Private businesses (gas stations, banks, retail stores)
- Security companies hired by property owners
An experienced attorney knows how to track down the correct party and request access.
3. Request Preservation of Footage Immediately
Video footage is usually erased within 7 to 30 days, sometimes sooner. So it’s very important to:
- Ask the camera owner to preserve the footage
- Have your attorney send a formal preservation letter
- File a subpoena if the owner refuses to cooperate
The faster a Houston Car Accident Attorney gets involved, the better your chances of securing this critical evidence.
Common Obstacles to Accessing Footage
Even if you act quickly, you may still run into roadblocks:
- You may not be aware a camera exists near the scene.
- The camera owner may be uncooperative.
- The footage may have already been deleted.
- It might be unclear who owns or controls the footage.
Working with a Houston Car Accident Attorney can help overcome these challenges. They can file subpoenas, demand letters, and handle negotiations to retrieve footage that supports your version of events.
Don’t Wait—Time Is Critical
Texas law gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but most video footage is deleted within days or weeks. Waiting too long could mean losing key evidence forever.
That’s why it’s vital to contact a Houston Car Accident Attorney immediately after your accident. At Orange Law Firm, we move fast to secure and analyze camera footage before it’s lost.
Our team is skilled in using video evidence to reconstruct crashes, disprove false statements, and support claims for full compensation.
Contact a Houston Car Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash in Houston or Harris County, don’t delay. Contact Houston Car Accident Attorney Karan Joshi at Orange Law Firm right away. We’ll handle every part of your case from identifying video footage to negotiating with insurers or filing a lawsuit if needed.
We’re here to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call (713) 885-9787 today to schedule your free consultation with a trusted Houston Car Accident Attorney.
