Tracking Down Tech-Based Supporting Evidence After An Accident
Faster computers, convenient smartphones, and higher cameras--all with lower costs--have made communication and media creation a lot easier. In legal disputes such as auto accidents, theft, and many matters that depend on eyewitness accounts or exact evidence, these tools have become more powerful in court. Unfortunately, you need the insight and creativity to look in the right places, find the right evidence, and safeguard that evidence. Don't tamper with anything that the police need to handle, but consider a few ways to uncover evidence that works in your favor after an accident.
Copying Evidence From Cameras
The act of copying evidence is simple, but for the sake of getting every level of computer use involved and informed, here's the basic concept.
Most cameras that record information for the sake of reviewing later will have some kind of storage system. The cameras are either attached to a recorder with a storage drive (hard drive, solid state drive, or other desktop computer-like drives), an optical disc recorder (CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray), or a built in storage system (built in and not removable storage in smartphones).
Many devices such as smartphones and handheld recorders have small chips or cards called Secure Digital cards or SD cards with their own sizes and standards. When you're gathering video or picture evidence, you either need to have a way to copy the information on hand or be able to get the storage products quickly.
For most computer-based surveillance, a pocket-sized thumbdrive or USB stick drive is fine. If optical discs are in use, carrying around a few blank, burnable CDs or DVDs are affordable, but be sure to ask about the kind of disc needed for that specific device.
You're dealing with businesses and individuals who don't have to participate if they're not legally ordered to, and there's always a chance that your legal opponent may interfere. Be polite when asking for copies of potential evidence, and be sure to submit copies--not your original quite yet--to a lawyer, law enforcement, and other people in case your copy is stolen, lost, or damaged.
Calling Out For Unknown Evidence
Sometimes you may not have the best view or angles with the existing evidence. Still, smartphones, tablets, car dash cameras, and other recorders on the go are prolific in modern society, and there's a chance someone may have more information.
Reach out to social media and local news groups for the information. Spreading information requests are not a guarantee of reaching people with the right info, but asking your friends and local social media groups to share your request can help.
Many people still watch local news on television, so be sure to reach out to television news groups via phone, email, and their social media accounts. It could bring someone forward who has footage, which is a plus for you and news group if it's something interesting to see--even if it may be a negative experience for you.
Contact a car accident attorney and discuss any evidence you have on hand, as well as places you suspect may have the footage you're looking for.
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