Quirk Accident and injury Attorneys, APC can guide you through the claims process after a car accident in Thousand Oaks. When there’s a car accident, there’s lots of different pieces of evidence that can help (or hurt) your case. Given today’s digital environment, video footage is usually widely available. But sometimes, it can be hard to get. That’s where our team can step in and help. If you’d like to learn more about your legal options, contact us for a free consultation.
Can I Get a Copy of Video Footage After a Car Accident?
Whether it’s traffic cam footage, dash cam footage, or security footage from a nearby store or restaurant, video that shows the moments before, during, and after your car accident in Thousand Oaks is usually plentiful. The question is: how do you get it?
The answer depends on who owns the footage. Private businesses or homeowners don’t have to provide their footage to you, while traffic cam footage owned by the city or county is technically public–but what they collect and store is usually limited.
There’s generally two ways you can legally get video footage for your claim:
- Preservation letter – Prior to a claim being filed, you can send what’s called a “preservation letter.” This is a formal written letter to whoever owns the footage that asks them not to delete or otherwise get rid of it because it could possibly contain evidence relating to your accident. Many businesses and individuals won’t hold onto footage unless they’re specifically asked, so sending this letter quickly can make a big difference.
- Subpoena – If the owner refuses to release the footage or ignores the request, you may need a subpoena. This is a legal order requiring them to provide the video. Subpoenas are typically used when a lawsuit has been filed and can be enforced by the judge if the business or person doesn’t comply.
You obviously want to act quickly when trying to get security footage of your car accident. And while this video footage can be great evidence, it’s not the only thing you need to be focused on.
What Else Do I Need to Do After My Car Accident?
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of different things you need to worry about when you’re in a car accident in Thousand Oaks. What’s more, you might not realize how serious it is right away. So, taking the right steps after a crash can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to get a fair settlement. If you’re able, here’s what else you should do:
- Call 911 – Your health and safety should always be the first thing you think about. If it’s safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents and call 911. Ask for an ambulance and police. EMTs and officers will help you at the scene.
- Swap important information – Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well.
- Document the scene – Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Security footage can also be useful, so look for nearby businesses or homes with cameras that may have captured the crash.
- Get further medical care – Even if you don’t feel injured right away, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, won’t show up right away.
- Contact your insurance company – Call your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious when discussing what happened. Even your own insurance often looks for ways to minimize payouts. You also should never admit fault to the other driver or police. Just stick to the facts.
- Keep good records – Keep all records related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and any communication with insurance companies. This documentation can be crucial for your claim.
Staying calm and following the right steps after a car accident can make the recovery process smoother. Once you’ve had a chance to gather yourself, consider speaking with a Thousand Oaks car accident lawyer to understand your legal options and how to get damages.
What Damages Can I Get in a Car Accident Claim?
A car accident affects more than just your car–it can disrupt your entire life. You may face injuries, medical bills, missed work, and emotional stress. It can also impact your family and daily activities.
In California, you can have the right to recover “damages” by filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Depending on your case, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills and ongoing treatments
- Lost income and future earnings if your injuries prevent you from working
- Car repair or replacement costs
- Costs relating to your physical pain and emotional suffering
- Costs associated with any loss of companionship or a reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses if the accident was fatal
In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your chance to even file a claim at all.
Why Would You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Thousand Oaks?
Not every accident requires legal action, but if you were seriously injured or dealing with insurance disputes, having a lawyer can make a huge difference. Our team at Quirk Accident and Injury Attorney, APC team helps you by:
- Explaining your legal options and what steps to take next
- Investigating the accident to determine fault and liability
- Gathering evidence like security footage, police reports, and medical records
- Interviewing witnesses and experts to strengthen your case
- Handling all communication with insurance companies
- Negotiating a fair settlement, either through insurance or a lawsuit
We work on a contingency- fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront–we only get paid if we win your case. Recovering from an accident can be tough, but with the right legal support, you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.