Truck accidents often leave victims with major injuries, extensive property damage, and lengthy lawsuits. Determining fault may make it difficult to assign fault when accidents happen, as various factors, such as driver actions, road conditions, and machinery malfunctioning, are responsible for the accident.
Traffic camera footage is one of the most beneficial forms of evidence to use with truck accident claims. The footage renders an objective, chronological account of the event, assisting victims and their lawyers to prove liability and make their case.
Continue reading to learn more on why traffic camera footage is considered important in truck accident claims.
1. Assistance in Insurance and Legal Claims
Insurance companies frequently attempt to limit their payouts by claiming fault or arguing the extent of an accident.
This is where the importance of traffic camera footage becomes clear. Video evidence provides undeniable proof of what transpired, making it much harder for insurers to dispute liability.
When brought as evidence during negotiations or trial, clear video proof can force insurance companies to offer reasonable settlements.
2. Objective Evidence of the Accident
Another way to prove the facts of a truck accident case is through traffic camera footage.
Unlike witness testimony, where there can be memory slips or personal prejudices, video evidence leaves an unambiguous and unbiased record of what occurred
For example, if one or more truck drivers disregarded red lights, did not give way, or tailgated another vehicle, or did any number of other negligent acts, all of these can be shown conclusively by video.
3. Clarification of Conflicting Testimonies
Following an accident caused by a truck, more than one party may recount the incident differently. The truck driver, other drivers, and witnesses may give varying versions of events. Defense attorneys and insurers use these discrepancies to raise doubt about responsibility.
Traffic camera images end doubts by providing a definite picture of the incident.
An example is when a truck driver says they had the right of way but the images indicate otherwise, video proof contradicts their word. Traffic camera images clarify discrepancies in testimonies and create a clearer picture of events.
4. Proof of Driver Negligence or Recklessness
Proving negligence is often crucial in most truck accident situations to obtain compensation. Traffic camera footage is direct evidence of reckless behavior by a truck driver.
Such actions involve speeding, distracted driving, swerving, running through stop signs, or using aggressive maneuvers.
For instance, if a truck driver tailgates another motorist before an accident or takes unsafe turns, the footage would be irrefutable evidence of negligent activity.
5. Verification of Traffic and Road Conditions
Traffic and road conditions are responsible for most truck accidents. Also, bad weather, faulty traffic signals, or poorly maintained roads can contribute to crashes. Thus, in such cases, footage from traffic cameras can help to put the situation into context by recording these environmental factors at the time of the accident.
For example, when a truck skidded on black ice, the video would prove that the road was slippery and would influence decisions relating to liability.
Likewise, when a trucking business makes the case that a driver did not control an accident because he encountered an unforeseen obstruction, the video may prove or disprove this.
Take Away
High damages and complex issues of liability are usually associated with truck accidents. Traffic camera footage is valuable evidence capable of determining blame, supporting testimonies, and aiding a victim’s cause.
The footage in capturing what occurred just prior to impact offers objective proof against rebutting falsified statements and insurer activities. To obtain justice and fair compensation, possession and utilization of traffic camera footage can become pivotal to a victim’s case.
