MATTLAW HAS ACCESS TO TRAFFIC CAM FOOTAGE ON THE MAIN ROADS IN FLORIDA FOR AUTO ACCIDENT INJURY EVIDENCE
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2021 – a 10.5 percent increase from the 38,824 fatalities in 2020.
The estimate is the country’s highest number of fatalities since 2005, and the most significant increase in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System’s history.
“We face a crisis on America’s roadways that we must address together,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We are taking critical steps to help reverse this devastating trend and save lives on our roadways.”
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Crash Dashboard, there were 401,494 crashes across the state in 2021, with 252,927 of the crashes resulting in injuries and 3,760 resulting in death.
The Crash Dashboard also reports that there were 6,403 crashes involving a bicycle, 8,646 crashes involving motorcycles, 9,565 crashes involving pedestrians, and 109,639 hit-and-run crashes in 2021.
“Hit-and-run crashes and fatalities are tragically on the rise in our state – causing devastation to Florida’s families and communities,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “Drivers who choose to flee after being involved in a crash that results in property damage, injury, or death are not just breaking the law – they are displaying a blatant disregard for the life and property of others. Please, stay at the scene and call for help – it could save a life.”
With traffic accidents on the rise, it’s important to hold negligent drivers accountable. Every bit of evidence is essential to prove their liability because, let’s face it – most people do not come out and admit their fault. And at MattLaw, we have to prove they were at fault for causing the crash. What better evidence is there than an actual video to prove it was their fault.
Therefore, it’s up to the victim to prove that the driver’s negligence caused the crash and their injury with the Greater Weight of the Evidence. The most valuable piece of evidence usually comes from video footage from traffic cameras. Unfortunately, obtaining this camera footage can be a difficult challenge for victims. But MattLaw has the ability to obtain video recordings if your crash happened on a popular highway, busy intersection or common road here in Florida.
Accessing Traffic Cameras
The first red-light camera bill in the U.S. passed in New York City in 1993 after years of tests. Florida passed a similar law in 2010 that allowed local governments to implement red-light cameras.
Cameras are all over Florida these days, and the sheer number of them recording daily commuters can be startling. Still, when someone has been in an accident, they help prove liability.
Individuals involved in a car accident at an intersection may wonder if they can access the footage from the red-light camera to prove the negligent driver’s fault. Currently, there isn’t a law in Florida that allows victims to access the footage on their own, but a personal injury attorney can assist the victims in obtaining the evidence.
Promptly accessing the evidence is imperative, as the footage is sometimes only stored between 24 and 72 hours, and the evidence is vital in determining liability in a traffic accident.
MattLaw is one of only a handful of law firms that can access the footage from traffic cameras along the major roads in the Tampa area. So, anyone who endures a car accident at an intersection should call MattLaw immediately.
Accessing Surveilance Camers
Victims need to note where the accident occurred, as there are different potential footage sources. As previously mentioned, MattLaw has access to cameras along the major roads.
However, there are cameras everywhere, including nearby businesses whose outdoor surveillance cameras may have captured the accident and possibly recorded a better view proving the other driver’s fault.
Even if a local business captures an accident with its surveillance camera, they are not obligated to share the recording.
Usually, small businesses are understanding and will share the recording, but not always. As for larger companies, they may have rules in place regarding the release of recordings, and management may need approval before they can release the footage.
No matter what business owns the surveillance camera, acquiring the footage can be difficult without an attorney. MattLaw can assist clients by requesting a subpoena to release the footage. Remember, time is not on the victim’s side after an accident, as the footage can be erased within a few days, along with proof of a driver’s negligence.
Hiring a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one are ever involved in a car accident and suffer injuries — don’t wait to hire a lawyer. The experienced legal team of MattLaw has been assisting victims of motor vehicle accidents for years. Our team will collect evidence from the scene of the accident, speak to witnesses, assess vehicle damages, and obtain footage from traffic and surveillance cameras.
MattLaw’s fee is contingent — we only get paid once a recovery is made. We’re available 24/7 at (813) 222-2222. For information about what to do following a crash, visit (www.mattlaw.com).
