If you’re pursuing a personal injury claim, especially in a car accident case, gathering the right evidence is crucial to prove fault and negligence. Here’s a look at the most important types of evidence needed:

1. Photographs of the Accident Scene

Photographs can provide key details about the accident, the location, vehicle damage, and the surrounding environment. These can be invaluable in proving how the accident occurred.

2. Witness Statements

Witnesses can provide third-party testimony that supports your version of events. Be sure to obtain their contact information and, if possible, get a written statement.

3. Police Reports

In many cases, the police will file a report that includes their assessment of the accident and any citations issued. This can help establish fault in a collision.

4. Medical Records

To prove that you suffered injuries in the accident, it’s essential to have medical records documenting the treatment you received. These records should also show the severity of your injuries.

5. Video Evidence

If available, video evidence—whether from surveillance cameras or dashcams—can be incredibly helpful in showing exactly what happened during the accident. One of the most impactful pieces of evidence in accident cases is video footage. Dashcams, surveillance cameras, or traffic cameras can provide undeniable proof of who was at fault in an accident. However, not all intersections have surveillance cameras, and sometimes, even if there is footage, it can be hard to obtain. While police may not always pursue video evidence actively, it’s essential for attorneys to dig deeper and check with local businesses to see if they have cameras that might have captured the event. Sometimes, a single frame of footage can make all the difference in proving who was negligent.

Case Study: Using Car Accident Evidence to Prove Fault and Damages in a Recent Tampa Intersection Crash

In Tampa, intersection accidents are common, and proving fault can often be a challenge, especially when there are no clear witnesses or video evidence. A recent case highlights the complexity of determining fault when one driver claims they had a green light, but the other insists the light was red. In these situations, it’s a matter of gathering supporting evidence, such as witness statements, video footage, or analyzing the physical evidence at the scene.

Key Takeaway: Intersection accidents in Tampa often rely on eyewitness testimony and video evidence, when available, to determine fault. 

Why is Surveillance Video Evidence Important for Accident Injury Cases?

Sometimes in an accident case, there are two different stories, and it is difficult to determine what should be believed. Surveillance video can provide important details to help establish what happened. In a car accident case, video from surrounding businesses can be used to help establish who was at fault and what occurred. In addition, a red-light camera may capture a negligent driver breaking the law. In addition to surveillance video, dash cam video from inside a car can also be helpful in putting together the facts of an accident.

Surveillance cameras inside businesses can be used to show what happened in a slip and fall accident. Many businesses have cameras inside their establishments to prevent and deter theft. These cameras may be used to establish that a dangerous condition existed that resulted in someone becoming seriously injured. A video could show the existence of an unaddressed spill or torn carpeting. In some cases, it can be used to establish how long a dangerous condition existed and whether a business owner had time to address the hazard. In many premises liability cases, surveillance video is the most compelling evidence of what happened, as sometimes there aren’t any eyewitnesses present.

Obtaining Video Surveillance Evidence

Getting a hold of video surveillance is not always easy. Some businesses are reluctant to give up information, especially if an accident occurred on their premises. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after an accident can be helpful. An attorney will need time to conduct an investigation and obtain any available video if they are able to do so.

The Importance of Personal Injury Evidence in Building a Strong Case

In any personal injury case, the right evidence can make all the difference. Whether it’s photographs, video footage, witness statements, or medical records, gathering and preserving this evidence is crucial to proving negligence and securing the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, it’s important to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we’ve spent over 35 years helping Floridians build strong cases backed by solid personal injury evidence. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.