How Do Traffic Cameras Help With Car Accident Claims?
Car accidents are a common occurrence that can lead to injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. In Maryland, traffic cameras are becoming an increasingly important and prevalent tool in managing traffic and aiding in car crash investigations. If you have been involved in an auto accident, you may pursue legal action to seek monetary compensation for your incurred damages. However, you will be burdened with fulfilling the burden of proof before collecting any compensation. To satisfy the burden of proof, you must collect evidence that proves the other driver’s negligence. In this article, we will explore the role of traffic cameras in Maryland car accident cases. Including their purpose, how they work, their benefits, and their limitations. We will also look at real-life examples of how traffic camera footage can be crucial in determining fault and proving cases.
Maryland is one of the five jurisdictions in the U.S. that continues to follow the contributory negligence doctrine instead of comparative negligence. In jurisdictions that use contributory negligence as a common law tort rule, a plaintiff is barred from recovering compensation if they are found to have contributed to the cause of their own injuries, even if that contribution was minimal. Essentially, if a plaintiff is found even just 1% contributory negligent for the cause of a car wreck, they will be barred from recovering compensation for the damages they have incurred.
With the contributory negligence doctrine in mind, if the other driver claims that you were partially at fault for the case of the collision, it could impact your ability to receive compensation for your losses. If you have intersection camera recordings, it may contradict their arguments, damaging their credibility and ultimately proving they were 100% at fault for the case of the accident.
While a police report and accident photos are valuable, hard evidence showing the car crash in real-time, such as intersection camera recordings, have proven incredibly effective. Please continue reading to learn how intersection camera footage can help you prove your case in an auto accident claim and how a proficient Baltimore car accident attorney can help you get the justice you deserve.
Understanding Traffic Cameras and Their Purpose
Traffic cameras are an essential tool in modern traffic management. They are installed at specific locations on roads and highways to capture real-time footage of traffic flow and monitor the behavior of drivers. The main purpose of traffic cameras is to help manage traffic congestion and reduce the number of accidents.
One of the benefits of traffic cameras is that they can help engineers make informed decisions about how to manage traffic flow and adjuster signals to reduce backups. By analyzing the footage captured by the cameras, engineers can identify patterns and make changes to the traffic flow to reduce congestion. This can help reduce travel times and improve the overall driving experience for commuters.
In addition to managing traffic flow, traffic cameras can also help law enforcement officers investigate car accidents and capture evidence of traffic violations. The footage captured by the cameras can be used to reconstruct car collisions and determine the cause of the accident. This information can then be used to make changes to road design or traffic flow to reduce the likelihood of similar car accidents occurring in the future.
How Traffic Cameras Work
Traffic cameras are usually mounted on poles above the roadway and are connected to a control center. They capture live video and send it to the control center where technicians can monitor traffic in real-time. The cameras operate 24/7 and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
The cameras are equipped with high-resolution lenses that allow them to capture clear images of the traffic flow. The cameras are also equipped with infrared sensors that allow them to capture footage at night and in low-light conditions. This ensures that the cameras can capture footage, always, regardless of the lighting conditions.
Types of Traffic Cameras
There are several types of traffic cameras, each with its own unique features and benefits. Fixed cameras are stationary and typically capture shots of specific intersections or road segments. These cameras are ideal for monitoring traffic flow at specific locations and can be used to identify problem areas that require attention.
Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras can be remotely controlled to follow moving objects and provide broader coverage of the roadway. These cameras are ideal for monitoring traffic flow over a larger area and can be used to identify patterns in traffic flow.
Red-light cameras are designed to detect vehicles that run red lights and capture images of the license plates of offending vehicles. These cameras are often used at intersections with high accident rates and can help reduce the number of auto accidents caused by drivers running red lights.
Can Intersection Camera Recordings Help Prove a Car Accident Claim?
Traffic camera footage can be used to recreate the events leading up to a car crash and determine who was at fault. By reviewing the footage, investigators can see the position of vehicles, the speed they were traveling, and any other relevant factors. This can help investigators make more informed decisions about liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
For example, if a vehicle runs a red light and causes an auto collision, the traffic camera recording can clearly show that the driver was at fault. In another scenario, if two cars collide at an intersection, the footage can help determine which driver had the right of way.
Limitations of Traffic Camera Footage in Car Accident Cases
While traffic cameras can be useful in car accident investigations, there are some limitations to what they can capture. For example, they may not be able to capture all the events leading up to an auto collision or may miss important details due to limitations of the camera’s field of view.
In addition, drivers may dispute the video recording, arguing that it does not accurately depict what happened. This is why it is important to have other evidence, such as witness statements and police reports, to support the traffic camera footage.
Like many other drivers, you probably assume that traffic cameras are constantly recording at every intersection and street. However, the truth is there are limits to their functions. Traffic cameras were primarily designed to capture traffic violations. Some photos may be archived as they usually only focus on license plate numbers.
Therefore, it is beneficial to seek footage from private surveillance cameras. Many stores and homes have surveillance cameras installed. These cameras can catch real-time footage showing the facts of the car crash. Ultimately, this hard evidence can significantly impact your car accident claim as it can help determine liability.
Despite these limitations, traffic cameras remain a valuable tool in car accident investigations. They can provide crucial evidence that can help determine liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Admissibility of Traffic Camera Footage in Court
When it comes to using traffic camera footage in court, there are some limitations to what can be presented as evidence. For example, footage that is blurry or hard to see may not be admissible in court. In addition, the prosecution must be able to establish that the footage is authentic and has not been tampered with.
However, when the video recording is clear and authentic, it can be a powerful tool in court. Judges and juries can see the events leading up to the car wreck and make a more informed decision about liability. This can help ensure that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.
Contact Us 24/7/365 for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident and there is a dispute about the facts of the car accident, please do not hesitate to contact an experienced attorney from the legal team at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt. We can help you gather pertinent evidence that supports your claim. We are available 24/7/365, call us today at 443-844-1528. We offer a free consultation either via phone or in our conveniently located offices in Baltimore, Maryland. Call or email us today. We look forward to helping you.