If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Indiana, it can be a time filled with uncertainty and confusion. You might find yourself questioning what steps to take, how to navigate the legal system, and whether your case will be successful. At Wyant Law, we understand the weight of these concerns, and we are here to offer you the support and guidance needed during this challenging time. Our goal is to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve, especially when it comes to gathering critical evidence such as surveillance footage.
Understanding the Importance of Surveillance Footage in Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is involved in an accident, whether it be a vehicle striking a pedestrian or a slip and fall incident in a public space, one of the key pieces of evidence that can play a crucial role in the case is surveillance footage. In many urban areas, surveillance cameras are strategically placed to monitor traffic, businesses, or public spaces. This footage can provide a clear and accurate account of the events leading up to and during the accident, helping to establish liability and support the claims made by the injured party.
The presence of surveillance footage can be a game-changer in pedestrian accident cases. This evidence can help establish who was at fault, clarify how the accident occurred, and even help prove the extent of injuries sustained. In some cases, this footage can make all the difference in securing a successful outcome.
How Surveillance Footage Helps Establish Fault
One of the most significant ways surveillance footage can aid in a pedestrian accident claim is by clearly identifying fault. Determining fault is often the most challenging aspect of any accident case. In many pedestrian accidents, there might be conflicting reports or unclear details about the accident. Witnesses may not agree on what happened, and the involved parties may have differing accounts of the events.
Attorney Christopher Wyant is here to help you.
With over 17 years of experience, Attorney Wyant has spent his entire legal career representing individuals who have been injured or killed as a result of the carelessness of others. With trial experience in over 20 jury trials, he has handled cases involving wrongful death and personal injury arising out of automobile crashes, premises liability, slips and falls, dog attacks, and civil rights violations.
Surveillance footage can eliminate much of the ambiguity. With clear footage from a camera positioned at a nearby business, streetlight, or traffic signal, the details of the accident can be reviewed and interpreted. For example, footage might show whether a driver ran a red light, failed to stop at a crosswalk, or was distracted at the time of the incident. In turn, this footage can help prove that the driver was negligent, which is essential for a successful personal injury claim.
Additionally, if the accident took place in a poorly maintained area, such as a sidewalk with hazardous conditions, surveillance footage might help establish the responsibility of property owners in maintaining a safe environment. Whether it’s showing the lack of a crosswalk, an unsafe walking surface, or an obstructed pedestrian path, the right footage can provide vital evidence in securing the compensation needed for recovery.
My husband and I were involved in an auto accident. The driver that hit us was without a doubt at fault. In less than 2 days we were getting calls from the driver’s insurance company wanting us to accept 15% fault. The calls kept coming to try and push us into a settlement. We decided to get legal help and found Chris Wyant. Once Chris took over we felt a big load lifted. He is very knowledgeable, well prepared and makes everything so much easier to understand the process. Chris has a very diligent work ethic that gets results. We are so very grateful to have found Chris. We highly recommend Chris Wyant.”
- Kathaleen Boyce
Chris was awesome from the very first meeting. Very professional and knowledgeable. He knew what needed to be done and what he needed from us. He was exceptionally easy to work with and very patient with all of the questions we had. All we had to do was either call or email him with a question and he responded as quickly as he could. I couldn’t be happier with his services. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone."
- Rita Bridge
God Bless Wyant Law. I can honestly say that Chris went to bat for me in such a huge way during such a trying time. He was very professional and upfront about every step he took. I would 100 percent recommend Wyant Law for your legal needs."
- Briana Shouse
Challenges in Obtaining Surveillance Footage
While surveillance footage can be incredibly helpful in supporting a pedestrian accident claim, obtaining this footage is not always an easy task. In many cases, footage might not be immediately available due to various reasons. Security cameras may not be working at the time of the incident, or the footage may not have been saved long enough to retrieve. Some businesses may be hesitant to release surveillance footage, especially if it could lead to a legal dispute.
In these situations, it is crucial to have an attorney who is skilled at navigating these challenges. A lawyer can help by making formal requests to businesses or government entities that may hold this footage, ensuring that it is preserved and can be reviewed. An experienced attorney will also know how to handle any legal roadblocks that may arise when trying to obtain footage, such as when businesses refuse to cooperate or claim that they no longer have access to the footage.
What Happens if Surveillance Footage is Not Available
If surveillance footage is not available, it does not necessarily mean that your case is doomed. There are many other ways to build a strong case for a pedestrian accident claim. Eyewitness testimony, physical evidence from the accident scene, police reports, and medical records can all serve as supporting evidence. However, when surveillance footage is available, it adds an additional layer of credibility to the case.
Even if you are unable to secure surveillance footage, having legal support is essential to exploring other avenues for obtaining the evidence necessary to prove your case. A seasoned lawyer can help you gather and present other forms of evidence that may be just as impactful in securing the compensation you deserve.
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The Legal Process of Using Surveillance Footage in Pedestrian Accident Claims
Once surveillance footage is obtained, the process of using it in your claim begins. The footage will be reviewed carefully to determine how it supports the elements of your case. For example, it might show the exact time of the accident, who was involved, and how the incident occurred. The footage can then be used as evidence during negotiations with insurance companies or in court.
The footage may also be reviewed by experts to help interpret its meaning and present it in a way that is understandable to a judge or jury. Expert testimony can add context to the footage and explain how it supports your claims regarding fault, negligence, and damages. For example, if the footage shows a driver’s actions right before the accident, an expert might explain how those actions contributed to the incident, helping to strengthen your argument.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
The legal process surrounding pedestrian accident claims can be complex, especially when trying to secure surveillance footage or deal with other evidence-gathering issues. This is why having an attorney who is familiar with the ins and outs of pedestrian accident claims in Indiana is crucial. A skilled lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence, protect your rights, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
At Wyant Law, we have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by pedestrians who have been involved in accidents. We are committed to helping you navigate the legal system and fight for a successful case result. Our team will work tirelessly to ensure that your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves, especially when it comes to gathering and using crucial evidence like surveillance footage.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. The legal process can be complicated, and the sooner you reach out to a knowledgeable attorney, the sooner you can start building a strong case. At Wyant Law, we are here to assist you every step of the way, from gathering surveillance footage to negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for your right to compensation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing the justice you deserve.
