Were you involved in a bad car crash in Greenville? Since South Carolina is a fault-based auto accident state, it is a great idea to get as much evidence as possible. Traffic camera footage can help. You may be wondering: How to obtain traffic camera video of a car accident? The answer is “it depends.” Though you need to always take a proactive approach to preserve any video before it is lost. Here, our Greenville car accident lawyer explains the key things to know about obtaining traffic camera footage in South Carolina.
Background: Why it Matters (South Carolina is a Fault-Based Car Accident State)
South Carolina is a fault-based car accident liability state. An injured victim must prove that another driver caused the crash through negligence. Traffic camera footage can provide objective evidence of how an accident occurred, including signal timing, vehicle position, speed, and right of way. In other words, it is evidence that can be especially valuable when drivers give conflicting statements or when no independent witnesses are available. Insurance companies place significant weight on video evidence because it reduces factual disputes.
Note: South Carolina operates under a modified comparative negligence standard for car accident injury claims. You can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault for your own crash if that fault is less than 51 percent. However, in these scenarios, your recovery will be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault. For example, if you are 25 percent at fault for a collision in Greenville, you would be liable for 25 percent of your own damages.
How to Request Camera Footage for a Car Accident in Greenville
Do you believe that traffic camera footage can help to prove what happened in your crash? Here is an overview of the steps that you can take to request and obtain that video:
- Identify Whether a Traffic Camera Exists at the Location: Of course, not every intersection in Greenville has a traffic camera. Beyond that, not all cameras record video continuously. Some cameras only monitor traffic flow in real time. You should begin by identifying nearby intersections and checking whether the city, county, or South Carolina Department of Transportation operates cameras in the area. Notably, private cameras owned by businesses or homeowners may also capture relevant footage.
- Act Quickly Before Footage Is Overwritten: Getting video from a traffic camera, especially a private one, is very time-sensitive. Traffic camera footage is often stored for a short period, sometimes only days or weeks. That means that any delay can result in permanent loss of evidence. Early action matters, even while medical treatment is ongoing.
- Submit a Formal Records or Preservation Request: Publicly owned footage is typically requested through a Freedom of Information Act request under South Carolina law. The request should specify the date, time, location, and duration of footage sought. Preservation letters may also be sent to require temporary retention while a request is processed.
- Seek Help From a Greenville Auto Accident Attorney: You do not have to track down traffic camera video on your own. The process can be complicated, especially if you have never obtained such footage before. A Greenville car accident lawyer can handle requests, follow up with agencies, and issue subpoenas when required. If you have questions about how to get traffic camera footage, an experienced Greenville, SC auto accident attorney can help.
Know the Deadline: South Carolina Car Accident Injury Statute of Limitations
Car accident injury claims in Greenville are very time-sensitive. Following a crash, you have a limited amount of time to take action to seek financial compensation. Under South Carolina law, there is a three-year statute of limitations (South Carolina Code § 15-3-530). Only very narrow exceptions to the rule apply. If you do not bring your claim promptly, you may not be able to get compensation at all. Do not fall behind the insurer in the claims process: Speak to a Greenville auto accident lawyer right away after a bad accident.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for a Crash in South Carolina
Were you hurt in a motor vehicle collision in Greenville? You have the right to seek compensation for the full value of your damages, including for any non-economic losses. Do not trust an insurance company to look out for your rights or your interests after a bad accident. They want to settle car accident claims for as little as possible. Our Greenville, SC auto accident attorneys are ready to help you fight for the maximum settlement or jury verdict. You may be able to recover for:
- Property loss, including vehicle repairs.
- Emergency medical care and other related costs.
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses.
- Physical therapy and mental health support.
- Loss of current and future wages.
- Pain and suffering & mental anguish.
- Disability or disfigurement.
- Reduced quality of life.
- The wrongful death of a family member.
Why Trust Our Greenville, SC Car Accident Attorney
A serious accident can change your life in a matter of moments. Being able to prove exactly how and why a collision happened can make a big difference in the claims process. Traffic camera footage can be very compelling evidence. At McCravy, Newlon & Clardy Law Firm P.A., we are here to help you navigate your claim. Our case results and client testimonials show what we can do for car accident victims in tough cases. Your initial consultation with our Greenville auto accident attorney is free, fully confidential, and carries no additional obligations.
Contact Our Greenville Car Crash Attorney for a Free Case Review
At McCravy, Newlon & Clardy Law Firm P.A., our Greenville car accident attorney is an aggressive advocate for justice. If you have any questions about seeking traffic camera footage after an accident, we are here to help. Contact us today for your free case review. We handle car accident claims in Greenville and throughout the region, including the zip codes of 29601, 29602, 29603, 29604, 29605, 29606, 29607, and 29608.