In today’s high tech era when every facet of our daily lives is captured on cameras, the evidence from police body cameras has become increasingly important.
Body camera footage can be vital evidence in personal injury cases. Often this kind of evidence is more powerful and immediate than statements when put before juries. In Georgia, police forces have the choice whether or not to wear body cams. The wiretapping laws of the state dictate how officers use body cameras.
The Georgia Municipal Association notes more and more police forces in the Peach State are now opting to use body cameras. In the City of Valdosta in southern Georgia, for example, officers started wearing cameras to assist with the investigation of complaints against police and as a tool to keep parties accountable for their actions.
Police body camera footage taken at an accident scene may help establish a case against a driver in a personal injury lawsuit.
Police body cams
In cases involving drunk driving, this evidence is particularly useful. It shows the physical signs of intoxication like stumbling, slurred speech, and bloodshot eyes. This evidence can be very powerful if a case goes to trial.
Visual evidence of this nature is stronger than a police officer in describing the behavior of a drunken defendant. If you have this kind of evidence, the lawyer from the other side may be less inclined to fight the case.
Being able to witness the investigation of the accident via video footage and also the initial unguarded statements of all parties caught on camera can be useful in determining fault in car, truck, and motorcycle wrecks.
It’s important to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to make sure evidence of this nature is not destroyed.
As well as police body cameras, other visual evidence can prove invaluable in a personal injury claim.
Many vehicles like buses and taxis are equipped with dash cams that document accident as well as altercations between parties.
This footage can be extremely useful in determining what happened rather than relying on statements.
Many long distance truckers also have dash cams in their trucks which can prove wrongdoing on the part of another driver. This footage can also highlight their own errors.
Most drivers and passengers also have video cameras on their smart phones today. If you have been involved in a wreck, it makes sense to take pictures and videos of the accident scene. You should even conduct interviews with witnesses at the scene if you are not too seriously injured.
Please call our Newnan car accident injury lawyer if you were hurt in an auto accident at (404) 913-1529.