Was Your Car Accident Caught On-Camera?

Today, cameras are everywhere. In fact, you would probably be surprised by the number of video cameras that catch your commute on a daily basis. How easy is it to obtain a copy of this footage?

We have all seen them around: video cameras along highways, at red lights, toll plazas, and even on buses. There are many reasons why these cameras exist (e.g., law enforcement, monitoring traffic congestion, number plate recognition), understand that the entities which own the cameras are not in the business of finding and providing this footage to the general public, so the ease with which one can retrieve this kind of evidence generally depends on a number of factors.

Getting Traffic Camera Video

First thing you will want to take into consideration is the possible different sources of video. This greatly depends on where your accident occurred.

• Were you at an intersection equipped with red light cameras?
• Were you on a highway or major thoroughfare?
• Were there any nearby businesses which may have outdoor surveillance cameras?
• If you are uncertain, look up the location on GoogleMaps >StreetView and consider all possibilities.

Traffic Cameras & Red Light Cameras

 

When it comes to highway traffic cameras and red light cameras, your chances of obtaining a copy of the video without the help of an attorney are very slim. You are most-likely going to be dealing with a number of public and private entities that have specific requirements when it comes to releasing video footage. Some highway traffic cameras are owned by TxDOT while others are owned by the toll authority. Click here for a map of State-owned traffic cameras.

There is no harm in asking for a copy of the video. Keep in mind that it is possible that your request will be denied because they are not obligated to do so, and because they do not want to put the man-hours into tracking down the relevant portion of video.

If you have an attorney, let them know of this potential piece of evidence as soon as possible. Your attorney can issue a subpoena seeking the release of the video footage, but it is important to act as soon as possible because these cameras often erase old data after a certain period of time.

Private Business Surveillance Cameras

 

If you think that your car accident was captured by a CCTV(Closed-Circuit Television) surveillance camera located on private property (e.g., Walmart, Grocery Store, Gas Station, etc.), you stand a better chance of finding someone who is willing to help. Private businesses also have no obligation to provide this footage to you without a subpoena, but a friendly request can go a long way.

Some businesses and larger stores have strict rules on how and when they share this video, and if you run into a roadblock, discuss your options with an experienced car accident lawyer.

Dash Cams & Other Sources

Most police cruisers are now equipped with dash cams, but personal dash cams have also become increasingly popular. Be sure to ask any witnesses to the accident if they had a dashboard camera recording. Many people have stumbled across footage of their accident uploaded to YouTube a few days after the incident.

If you believe the car crash was caught on a nearby police car’s dash cam, you may have to jump through a few hoops in order to obtain the video footage.

You will need the following:

• Officer(s) name
• Badge number(s)
• Incident report number (police on-site of the accident will have this information)
• Write a letter explaining your intent, and then send it to the related precinct

It is important to note that police dash cams and bus cameras are not always recording. Due to limited resources, it is not uncommon for these entities to record over older footage. This is why it is very important to act fast when attempting to obtain this vital evidence.

Contact Miller Weisbrod

If you were injured in a car crash, speak with a Dallas Car Accident Attorney for free. The attorneys at Miller Weisbrod are happy to speak to you about your potential case free of charge.

By hiring an attorney, you are ensuring that you have the best chance at a successful outcome. At Miller Weisbrod, our attorneys will make sure you are not taken advantage of, and will handle your claim from beginning to end. When it comes to car crashes, time is of the essence. Getting in touch with a good accident attorney from the beginning will go a long way in gathering relevant evidence, proving negligence, demonstrating the true value of your case, and winning compensation. Call us today at 1-888-987-0005 for your free consultation.

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Causes of Traffic Collisions

The majority of people are going to be involved in traffic accident at least once in their lifetime.

Traffic collisions are so common that they account for the leading cause of accidental deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. The majority of those accidents, driver’s negligence or a driver’s error is to blame for a life-altering traffic accident. Those errors and negligence can manifest in a number of ways; which is why our team of personal injury lawyers would like to discuss a few of the leading causes of fatal and injurious traffic accidents.

DRUNK DRIVING
The causes of car accidents vary, but drunk or drugged driving remains a major issue all across the country and the cause of many tragedies. Data from the Department of Public Safety shows that impaired driving accounted for 31 percent of fatal traffic accidents. Even though impaired driving has been on the decline nationwide, this reckless driving habit still accounts for a third of deadly traffic accidents and leaves tens of thousands suffering.

SPEEDING
Everyone is always in a hurry these days, so it should be no surprise that speeding is another leading cause of deadly traffic accidents. Speed limits may be annoyances to time-strapped motorists, but they are actually developed with safety in mind. A motorist who is speeding could easily lose control of their vehicle, rear-end another motorist or cause an accident in a number of other ways. Speed also typically causes the resulting injuries to be more severe or deadly.

DISTRACTED DRIVING
Distraction is another leading cause of traffic accidents in the United States. According to the Department of Public Safety, distracted driving accounted for 9 percent of car accidents. Now that a majority of motorists have smart phones and use them behind the wheel, distracted driving continues to be a major safety hazard on the road. Cell phones are not solely to blame for distracted driving accidents, even activities like talking to a passenger, reaching for a cup of coffee or changing the volume on the stereo can lead to a tragic car accident.

Any one of these unsafe driving habits can lead to an accident and life-changing injuries for all parties involved. If you have been injured in accident caused by the negligent behavior of a motorist, speak with a personal injury lawyer and set up a case evaluation to see what moves you need to make next. You may be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses, emotional distress and any other accident-related expenses you incur.

Those who are injured in a traffic accident caused by the negligent actions of another driver can contact the lawyers of Miller Weisbrod about their legal options. We offer sound legal advice, experienced representation and dedicated advocacy to victims of car accidents and their families.

For more information, we invite you to contact our offices in Dallas at 214.987.0005 to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced personal injury trial lawyers. If you are calling from outside the DFW Metroplex, please call us toll free at 888.987.0005. You may also contact us by e-mail now for prompt attention or to request an appointment.

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"Do's" of Being in a Car Accident

Injured in a Car Accident — What You Should Do?
Over 6 million car accidents take place in the U.S. each year. 1 of every 3 car accidents involves injury to at least one of the persons involved. If you were recently one of those statistics, contact an experienced accident attorney at Miller Weisbrod to determine if you are entitled to be compensated for the injuries you have suffered.

Every car accident is unique, yet there are some common tips that any car accident victim can follow to ensure the situation is resolved as quickly as possible.

Seek proper medical attention:
Unquestionably, the health and safety of you and your loved ones should be your top priority. Seek medical treatment for any injuries sustained as soon as possible.

Avoid discussing the accident and save your apologies:
You were just involved in a traumatic event and might not be thinking clearly — limit your discussions to avoid admitting liability. Discuss the accident with the police and your insurance agent only.

Have someone obtain vital information:
Get the names, insurance information, phone numbers and addresses of everyone involved in the accident.

Have someone photograph the scene:
Many insurers recommend obtaining photos of the accident scene to avoid discrepancies and to obtain accurate evidence.

Have someone take notes:
Detailing the nature of your injuries, the damage to your property and anything you find unusual could be very beneficial down the road.

Do not accept initial insurance offers:
Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. They want your case to go away as quickly and quietly as possible, and typically undervalue the damages accident victims sustained.

Contact an experienced car accident lawyer:
Speak to a knowledgeable car accident attorney to discuss your case, learn your options and determine if you are entitled to compensation.

If you or your loved one were injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries.

To help determine whether you may be able to file a claim against the other driver, contact the car accident lawyers of Miller Weisbrod to discuss your accident.

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Dallas Car Accident Lawyers

2 children dead in car crash with an SUV
Two children were killed in a car wreck in South Dallas recently, after the family’s vehicle was hit by an SUV. Reports say that the SUV was traveling at approximately 100 mph on a rain soaked highway when the crash occurred. With inclement weather upon us, it is even more important to drive safe this holiday season.

Call Miller Weisbrod at 888.987.0005 for help after a motor vehicle accident injury. We work diligently to protect our clients' rights and advocate their interests in cases where serious or catastrophic injury or death has resulted from any kind of motor vehicle accident.

The Dangers of Speeding in Inclement Weather
Weather events like heavy precipitation can impact the capabilities of drivers as well as the performance of vehicles while on the road. According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 480,000 people are injured and more than 6,000 are killed each year in traffic accidents that occur in adverse weather. A majority of weather-related crashes are said to occur during rainfall and on wet ground.

Even attempting to drive the posted speed limit on wet roads isn’t always a safe choice because the slick surface may pose problems in the event that a driver has to brake suddenly. The slower a vehicle is traveling, the easier it is for the driver to maintain control throughout their commute; therefore, it is important to drive at a controllable speed in rainy weather.

Drivers should take the following considerations when traveling in inclement weather:
•   It takes longer to brake when driving on roads that are slippery:
Tires perform differently on slippery road surfaces than dry ones because the wet road can affect their traction.

•   Not ensuring that one’s vehicle is prepared for driving in certain weather conditions is risky: Making sure tires are properly inflated, windshield wipers are functioning properly, and other vehicle components are in working order is important for reducing the risk of an accident in bad weather.

•   Unnecessary lane changes on slippery roads can be hazardous:
Changing lanes and trying to pass others must be done with extreme caution when driving in rainy weather because it can be difficult to see what’s ahead from certain distances to determine whether one is placing themselves in harm’s way.

•   Driving distractions are especially dangerous in inclement weather:
Cell phone use and other dangerous driving distractions are particularly risky when bad weather is present. Because factors such as rain can obstruct one’s view of what is ahead, not paying attention to the road for even a second can result in serious consequences.

•   There are steps that can be taken to prevent hydroplaning:
 Hydroplaning can happen when a vehicle is traveling on a slick surface. Drivers can reduce their chance of hydroplaning; however, by taking steps such as avoiding standing water puddles when possible, making sure tires are properly inflated, and ensuring that their speed matches the weather condition they are in.

•   Rules for commercial vehicles:
 The Texas Commercial Vehicle License Manual recommends that drivers of 18-wheelers reduce their speed by at least 1/3 in wet weather conditions.  This is due to the proclivity of tractor-trailers to jack knife (especially when lightly loaded or unloaded) as well as the increased stopping distance of these heavy duty trucks.

Those who are injured in a traffic accident caused by the negligent actions of another driver in bad weather conditions can contact the lawyers of Miller Weisbrod about their legal options. We offer sound legal advice, experienced representation and dedicated advocacy to victims of auto defects and their families.

For more information, we invite you to contact our offices in Dallas at 214.987.0005 to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced personal injury trial lawyers. If you are calling from outside the DFW Metroplex, please call us toll free at 888.987.0005. You may also contact us by e-mail now for prompt attention or to request an appointment.

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