Can Your Lawyer Request Dashcam Footage of Your Car Crash?
You are driving along, complying with all the laws, when suddenly BOOM! Out of nowhere, you feel the impact of a collision. What do you do now to prove your innocence? It is always advisable to take as many photos of the accident scene, the position of vehicles, and anything else pertinent to the accident scene as quickly as possible. If you have a dashcam running at the time of the incident, what do you do with the dashcam footage?
What if you notice the other driver or witnesses have a dashcam in their vehicle? In that case, you may be wondering, can I request dashcam footage from another driver?
Let’s take a look at the use of dashcam footage in car accident cases. We will explore whether or not your lawyer can put in a request to obtain video footage beneficial to your case.
Advantages of Dashcam Footage
Florida does allow the use of dashcam footage as evidence in a car accident. If you are running a dashcam in your vehicle and are in an accident, you can download dashcam footage. Provide this evidence to your auto accident attorney in support of your case.
Florida does not allow the dashcam footage to be the deciding factor in a case. It does provide a tremendous amount of visual support to your position, especially in front of a jury.
Florida Dashcam Requirements
To be admissible in court, the Florida statutes require that any dashcam footage meet the following standards:
- The recording must show through clear and convincing footage that is relevant to the facts about the incident
- The person admitting the video evidence must swear under oath to the authenticity of the recording
While this may seem restrictive, your accident attorney will be familiar with the process to verify its authenticity. If you suffer personal injuries as a result of the accident, dashcam footage will help show the other driver’s negligence.
Opposing counsel will likely object to the admission of any video footage that supports your position. If they can show that the video was in any way altered or tampered with, it may be thrown out of court. If you are providing footage from your dashcam, it is important you do not do anything to the video at all when you download it.
Florida Dashcam Laws
Florida statutes specify that it is illegal to have any poster, sign, or other non-transparent items on your windshield, side windows, or back windshield that impair the driver’s clear view of the roadway. The law is vague regarding what qualifies as an obstruction. Whether or not an officer considers a windshield-mounted dashcam an obstruction may vary.
The other problem is if a judge determines your dashcam to be illegally mounted. They may not allow you to upload dashcam footage as evidence they consider illegally made.
Florida also has a law regarding electronic surveillance that may make it a felony to record someone speaking without their consent. If you have passengers in your vehicle that are not aware you are recording their vocal statements, your footage may be inadmissible under the law.
Your auto accident attorney will be able to answer your questions and determine whether the dashcam footage you have will help or hinder your case.
Can Police Take Your Dashcam?
If police are having a hard time determining fault in an accident, they may seize your dashcam as evidence following an accident. However, if this occurs and you believe you are at fault in the accident, contact an accident defense attorney immediately.
If you notice any witnesses or the other driver in an accident has a dashcam, you may want to mention this to the officer. The police responding to the scene may find it appropriate to seize that person’s dashcam to use as evidence in the accident. If this happens, make sure you advise your own traffic attorney about the video so they may request copies.
Security Camera Footage
If your accident happens in an area where businesses or homes may have outside security cameras, it is possible the accident is on their recordings. This is why it is important to consult with a traffic accident attorney as quickly as possible following your accident. Companies often have their recordings on a loop, which means they are not kept for long and are soon deleted or recorded over.
These types of recordings are the equivalent of having witness testimony. They are not from either of the parties involved and are unbiased evidence.
Can My Lawyer Request Dashcam Footage?
The short answer is yes; any traffic accident attorney will be able to obtain any video footage of your automotive crash. When obtaining video from an accident, your attorney will use all possible resources:
- Witnesses may be reluctant to submit video recordings from their cell phones, however
- If a witness or other driver has a dash cam in their vehicle, mentioning it to officers on the scene may allow them to seize the device as evidence
- Video may be obtainable from traffic cameras and red light cameras
- Dashboard cameras provide excellent evidence of what driver is negligent in an accident
- Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses or residential homes may contain accident footage
- Doorbell security cameras record all activity within a specific range and may record your accident
Your accident lawyer will know how to go about requesting any video evidence available from any or all of the above sources.
Your Attorney Can Use Dashcam Footage
The answer to whether or not your lawyer can request or use dashcam footage from your accident is yes. They will know whether that video is beneficial to your case. They will also know how to counter any objections opposing counsel makes attempting to have your footage ruled inadmissible.
If you are the victim of a car, semi-truck, or motorcycle accident, we can help. Call us at 844.RHINO.77 to schedule an appointment. We are available 24/7 and offer free video consultations.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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Should You Hire a Lawyer to Help Fight Your Traffic Ticket?
Getting a traffic ticket is not a delightful experience at all. But after getting one, there is no going back. You must take the bull by the horns.
While many people pay the ticket and move on, you may want to hire a lawyer to help contest and fight your traffic ticket.
Do you know that more than 41 million drivers get a speeding ticket annually in the US? While getting a traffic ticket is not a felony or misdemeanor, it can have some serious and far-reaching consequences. For instance, you may have to pay hefty fines, temporarily lose your license, or shoot up your insurance costs.
Do you feel upset and stressed after getting a traffic ticket that you didn’t deserve? A reputable traffic ticket lawyer is invaluable to get the ticket dismissed.
But do you know not every attorney can help? Yes, every ticket defense attorney is unique, and finding the most suitable one for you is imperative. The wrong choice will only add salt to the injury.
Maybe you are wondering if you really need an attorney in your situation. Keep reading to know the reasons to hire a traffic ticket attorney.
They Know How to Get You Out of It
A well-established attorney has already dealt with multiple traffic ticket cases and knows the right way to get their clients out of it.
A lawyer can easily find a mistake in the traffic ticket or know how to prove that you didn’t commit any traffic offense. If they find a mistake or error on the ticket, then be sure the ticket will be dismissed.
However, if you are fighting alone to have the ticket dismissed, you can miss such errors. Also, you don’t know the right steps to navigate through the process. This means you may end up wasting your time and finally pay for the ticket.
To be assured you can get out of the ticket, finding an experienced attorney is necessary.
Traffic Attorney Knows Your Rights
Do you know the rights and privileges you have as a driver in your state? Well, a lawyer is adept in traffic laws and can easily manipulate this to get your ticket reduced or dismissed.
An experienced attorney also knows how to represent you before a judge and fight for your rights. You will have peace of mind knowing an attorney with a full understanding of the law represents your best interests.
They Are Less Expensive Than You Think
Most people think of paying boatloads of money when they hear of hiring an attorney. It might be true in some cases, but not when fighting for a traffic ticket. A traffic attorney is not too expensive for you; if they were, they wouldn’t exist.
The main intent of hiring an attorney is to have your traffic dismissed or reduced, right? Then why would you hire an attorney whose fees are higher than the fines on the ticket? Most of these attorneys charge reasonable and affordable rates for their clients.
Remember, handling a ticket will take the lawyer much less time than when handling a felony. This implies that an attorney can handle multiple cases simultaneously and doesn’t have to be expensive.
You don’t have to break the bank while hiring an attorney to fight your traffic ticket; find one today.
They Can Get Your Traffic Ticket Reduced
Let’s be honest. What if you deserved the ticket, but you are charged hefty fines? Do you still have to pay them?
While you have to take responsibility for the traffic offense, you don’t have to pay the entire fine. A trusted traffic attorney can help you to get the ticket reduced.
A good lawyer has proven skills in negotiating on behalf of their clients to reduce the fines drastically. They have in-depth knowledge of the matter and know what to use to convince the judge to reduce the fines. Can you achieve this on your own without any legal background in traffic offenses?
Regardless of your situation, the best traffic lawyers can help you out.
Experienced Lawyers Intimidate Prosecutors
You’ve probably heard the saying, “when the big brothers show up, bullies calm down.” That is what happens when you hire an experienced traffic ticket lawyer to represent you.
When representing yourself, the prosecutor is not scared at all. Furthermore, they already know you can’t push so hard and will push you to the wall or make you accept the charges. Representing yourself is likely to get you severe penalties or pay higher fines.
When a reputable traffic lawyer represents you, the prosecutor knows they can’t bully you. The lawyer has worked with them already and knows the tips and tricks to have the traffic ticket stand. The attorney can easily help you pay reduced fines or, better, walk away scot-free.
Traffic Attorney Will Represent You in Trial
If you are going to contest your traffic ticket, you will need to appear in court at least twice. However, with the right attorney, you don’t have to go to court at all. You won’t have to cancel all your schedules to appear in court since your attorney will do that on your behalf.
They have spent numerous hours in the courtroom and possess extensive knowledge of what to focus on during the trial. You will thus carry on with your daily activities and have a professional take care of your traffic ticket.
Hire a Lawyer to Fight Your Traffic Ticket
Getting a traffic ticket doesn’t imply that you are bound to pay. A skilled traffic lawyer can get the ticket reduced or dismissed altogether. While you may think you are guilty, having your ticket reduced or dismissed won’t hurt.
Above are some of the reasons to hire a traffic lawyer.
Are you looking for a traffic lawyer in Florida? At RHINO Lawyers, we’ve got you covered. We are committed to forming a lasting relationship with every client, and with our years of experience, we can help you get a favorable legal outcome.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
CONTACT TAMPA TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at (844) RHINO-77.
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How to Cope With Post-Traumatic Stress After an Accident
Physical injuries may bring acute, short-term pain after an auto accident. But post-traumatic stress can cause unseen, ongoing pain for a long time after. In fact, car accidents have been the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder since the end of the Vietnam War!
Have you or a loved one experienced post-traumatic stress after an accident? And are you wondering what the symptoms of post-traumatic stress are?
So, let’s take a closer look at this common condition and how you can cope with post-traumatic stress after a car accident.
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder. In fact, it can be triggered by any number of stressful or frightening events.
It’s common in people who have been involved in serious car crashes and can affect different people in different ways. It is thought to affect about 1 in 3 people who experience severe trauma.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
After a traumatic event, a sufferer may begin to relive the traumatic event. This can take the form of nightmares or flashbacks.
The sufferer may even feel as though the event is recurring, due to hallucinations or illusions. They may find it distressing to go somewhere or near something that brings back traumatic memories.
It can lead to sleeping difficulties, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and feelings of guilt. As time goes on, dealing with the symptoms may make everyday life more difficult.
Avoidance symptoms may include developing a driving phobia, looking for reasons not to drive, or feeling anxious as a passenger in a car.
Hyperarousal symptoms include feeling very on edge. You may be very easily startled and get angry or stressed more easily than before.
For the majority of people, these symptoms will improve in time, especially after seeking medical help. A small minority develops a long-standing chronic post-traumatic stress disorder.
How to Cope with Post-Traumatic Stress
If you are showing signs of post-traumatic stress, it’s important to seek medical help as early as possible.
Post-traumatic stress is a complex disorder that needs to be managed through a variety of strategies. These include psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.
Psychotherapy for PTSD
Psychotherapy can be helpful to help you to cope with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress. It has three goals:
- Help you to cope with your symptoms
- Help you to improve or overcome your symptoms
- Improve your self-esteem
Your doctor may recommend a form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to help to reduce or overcome your symptoms. This could include exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, and stress inoculation training.
Medication
For many people, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder go hand in hand. It can be difficult for doctors to know which condition you are dealing with, as there is an overlap in symptoms.
As with depression, PTSD can respond well to medications. Your doctor may prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for a period of time. Allow your brain to access more serotonin, which can lift your mood.
They are an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress and other anxiety disorders. Your doctor may prescribe them along with psychotherapy to help you to cope with your symptoms.
Education and Lifestyle
It is said that knowledge is power. The more that you learn about post-traumatic stress disorder, the better able you will be to understand it. This will help you to identify your symptom triggers and manage your symptoms more effectively.
Talk to your family and friends about what you are going through. Having their encouragement and support can be very helpful and can help you to deal with feelings of isolation you may experience.
Living a healthy lifestyle is also a big help. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest. Make time for regular exercise.
PTSD Support Groups
It’s important to remember that you are not alone. Others are going through the same thing and are finding ways to cope. Accessing help from a specialist support group can be a source of strength.
There are both online and community support groups available to help you.
Post-Traumatic Stress After a Car Accident – How Lawyers Can Help
Post-traumatic stress after a car accident can have a devastating impact on some people’s lives. It can impact your ability to hold down a job and provide for yourself and your family. You may also find that medical bills are mounting up.
Post-traumatic stress after an auto accident is just as real as a physical injury, such as a broken bone. The legal term for this is ‘pain and suffering’.
What Is Pain and Suffering?
In legal terminology, pain and suffering refer to physical and emotional discomfort. These are non-economic damages. This means you may not have necessarily lost monetarily, but you have lost a measure of enjoyment in life.
You may be able to claim compensation for the emotional suffering you have experienced. If your post-traumatic stress has also resulted in lost wages, you may be due compensation for these as well.
It’s important to consult with an experienced car accident and injury lawyer as soon as possible after your car accident. Tell them the symptoms of post-traumatic stress that you are experiencing.
They will advise you on what evidence they need to gather to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Speak to Tampa Car Accident and Injury Lawyers Today!
Post-traumatic stress is real, and it is causing suffering to thousands of Americans today. It can cause difficulties in all aspects of daily life. You may need extensive medical treatment to regain enjoyment in life.
If you’re suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder due to a car accident, talk to an exceptional auto accident lawyer.
At RHINO Lawyers, we fight your corner. We help our clients get the best possible settlements, so they can focus on healing.
Click here to schedule a free video consultation with us today!
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
Read More