How to Find and Use Camera Footage After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania

Video footage can be one of the most powerful tools to support your compensation claim after an accident. Fortunately, you can find various sources of camera or video evidence of your accident. Whether it’s from a nearby traffic camera, a business or home’s private security system, or a witness’s dashcam, video can help prove exactly what happened, and just as importantly, who was at fault and should be held liable for your injuries.

But knowing where to look and how to get that camera evidence isn’t always simple. Time is critical, and the process can get complicated. That’s where our reliable car accident lawyers at Fanelli, Evans & Patel in Reading, PA, can help. They can help you track down and secure this evidence before it disappears, giving you a stronger case and a better shot at fair compensation.

Where to Look for Camera Evidence

Camera evidence can distinguish between a denied claim and a substantial settlement in a personal injury claim. It provides an objective, visual narrative of your accident that can be incredibly persuasive to insurers, opposing counsel, and potentially a jury. Here are some familiar places to look for camera evidence:

Dashcams

Many drivers, including yours, the other driver, or vehicles that happened to be passing by, may have dashcams recording. If you have one, secure the footage immediately. If the other driver had one, your accident attorney can request its recovery.

Police Body Cams and Dashcams

Responding officers typically have body-worn cameras or dashcams in their patrol vehicles that record their arrival, initial assessment, and interactions with those involved.

Traffic and Red-Light Cameras

Many major intersections and highways throughout Pennsylvania, particularly in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Allentown, are equipped with traffic cameras designed to catch red-light violations. Our lawyers can help determine whether footage from local government systems exists and how to request it.

Business Surveillance Cameras

Nearly every commercial establishment, such as gas stations, convenience stores, banks, restaurants, and shopping centers, has exterior surveillance cameras. If your accident occurred near a business, its cameras might have captured the incident or the moments leading up to it. Your attorney can contact the company, submit a formal request, and issue a preservation letter or subpoena to secure the footage before it’s deleted.

Residential Security Cameras

Many homes now have doorbell cameras or other exterior security systems that might face the street and record traffic. An experienced car accident lawyer can help approach homeowners appropriately and follow legal steps to request the camera evidence.

Public Transportation Cameras

Buses, trains, and trolleys operated by public transit authorities usually have exterior cameras that record their routes, which may have captured your accident.

Cell Phone Videos from Eyewitnesses

Some bystanders may pull out their phones to record the scene immediately after a crash. Sometimes, these videos end up on social media, or a witness may have exchanged contact information with the police or you. Our attorneys can investigate potential eyewitnesses and request that they provide copies or compel disclosure through legal channels if necessary.

Discuss Your Case with Our Reliable Legal Team

For legal assistance securing camera evidence of your accident and handling your injury claim, you can count on our auto accident lawyers in Reading, PA. Contact Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C. online or at (484) 869-2113 to set up your free case review.