How Surveillance Footage Can Make or Break Your Injury Case in NYC
- BLITZ LAW GROUP
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
In a bustling city like New York, cameras are everywhere. From the traffic intersections of Midtown to the security systems of a Brooklyn brownstone, there is a good chance that your movements are being recorded. For victims of a personal injury accident, this pervasive surveillance can be the key to proving a case—or unfortunately, to losing one.
At Blitz Law Group, we have seen firsthand how surveillance footage can be the most powerful piece of evidence in a personal injury claim. It provides an objective, unbiased account of events, helping to secure a favorable outcome for our clients.
The "Make" Factor: When Video Evidence Wins Your Case
Surveillance footage acts as a silent witness that never forgets, never gets confused, and is impossible to intimidate. It can make a personal injury case by:
Providing Undeniable Proof of Negligence: If a driver runs a red light and causes a collision, traffic camera footage can capture the exact moment of the crash. If you slip and fall on a wet floor in a store, the security camera can show that there was no warning sign and that the hazard existed for an unreasonable amount of time.
Countering False Claims: An at-fault party may lie about what happened to shift the blame. Video evidence can immediately expose these false statements and establish who was at fault.
Documenting the Extent of Your Injuries: The footage can show the force of the impact or the severity of a fall, helping to validate your claims of serious injury.
This objective evidence is invaluable for a New York personal injury lawyer because it often leads to quicker, more favorable settlements, avoiding the need for a lengthy and costly trial.
The "Break" Factor: When Video Evidence Works Against You
While surveillance footage is a powerful tool for your case, it can also be used against you. This is why immediate, honest communication with your attorney is critical. The video may show:
Your Own Negligence: New York is a comparative negligence state, meaning the at-fault party’s liability can be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault. Footage might show that you were distracted by your phone or did not exercise due care, which could reduce the compensation you receive.
Contradictions in Your Testimony: If your account of the accident differs from what the video shows, it can severely damage your credibility with the insurance company or a jury.
A seasoned NYC personal injury attorney will secure all available footage and review it with you to build the strongest possible case, while also preparing for any challenges it may present.
Your Guide to NYC’s Surveillance Footage Landscape
In New York City, potential video evidence is everywhere. Knowing where to look is the first step:
Traffic Cameras: The NYC Department of Transportation operates an extensive network of traffic cams that capture accidents at major intersections.
Building Security Footage: Most commercial buildings, residential complexes, and retail stores have security cameras. These are a goldmine of evidence for sidewalk accidents, slip and falls, and even car accidents.
Street and Transit Cams: The NYPD's network of street cameras and MTA's subway cameras are designed for security but often capture personal injury incidents. Legal professionals can help you navigate the process of requesting this footage, which can be complex.
Dash Cams and Cell Phones: Many drivers in the city now use dash cams, and countless bystanders record incidents on their phones.
Time Is Not on Your Side: The Urgency of Video Evidence
The biggest challenge with surveillance footage is that it is not preserved indefinitely. Businesses and government agencies often have a policy of overwriting or deleting footage after a short period, sometimes as little as 24-48 hours. This means that if you are injured in an accident, you must act fast.
A skilled NYC accident attorney knows how to immediately issue a spoliation letter, which is a legal document that demands the preservation of all relevant evidence, including surveillance footage. This critical step prevents the destruction of key evidence before it's gone forever.
Don't Let Your Case Be a "What If"
In a city as dynamic as New York, video evidence can be a game-changer. It can provide clarity in a dispute, prove negligence beyond a doubt, and help secure the full and fair compensation you deserve. However, navigating the legal process of obtaining and using this footage requires the expertise of a professional.
If you have been injured in an accident in NYC, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Blitz Law Group immediately. We will take the necessary steps to secure any video evidence and build a powerful case on your behalf.
📍 Blitz Law Group, LLP
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"How Surveillance Footage Can Make or Break Your Injury Case in NYC"
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