When you are injured in an accident in Maryland, obtaining the proof you need that the other party is entirely negligent for the damages you’ve suffered is imperative. Maryland is one of the few states that adheres to the contributory negligence statute, meaning you will be barred from recovering compensation if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident. As such, some of the best evidence you can obtain to help your case is security camera footage. Unfortunately, obtaining access can be complex, which is why working with personal injury attorneys in Baltimore County is in your best interest. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters.
Can I Legally Request Security Footage of My Accident in Maryland?
Maryland law allows those involved in an accident to request security camera footage from nearby businesses, private residences, and public agencies if they believe it has captured footage of their accident.
It’s important to understand that businesses are not legally required to provide access to their security camera footage without a subpoena ordering them to do so. The footage is considered private property and, therefore, is not automatically required to be turned over to an injured party. This is also the case if you are requesting footage from a private residence, like a Ring camera or other security footage.
However, under the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA), you are eligible to seek footage from an agency as this ensures that the rights of he public are protected. However, you should note that the footage will only be shared if it can be located, so you should provide as much information as possible when completing your request.
How Do I Make This Request?
If you have been injured, you may want to visit nearby residences and businesses in person to ask if they would be willing to share footage of the accident. You may want to offer to cover any costs associated with preserving, downloading, or duplicating the footage, as this may entice home and business owners to provide you with a copy.
In the event you are making a request of a public agency, you’ll need to submit a formal written request through the PIA request system. Because many public agencies write over their files, you should request this information as quickly as possible.
It can also help to have an attorney assist you in obtaining this information, as they can help you draft a PIA request or appeal a denial.
Obtaining footage of your accident can be incredibly beneficial for your personal injury case, which is why working with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi is in your best interest. Our team can assist you in recovering the footage and fighting for the best possible outcome for your unique circumstances. When you need help, do not hesitate to contact our team today to learn about your rights.