Imagine this: you’re just driving along Union Avenue in Pueblo, minding your own business, when suddenly – WHAM! – someone blows a red light and crashes into your car. Your heart’s pounding, your head’s spinning, and you’re trying to piece together what just happened. To make things worse, the other driver is already blaming you, but you know that’s absolutely not true.
Here’s the real deal – in situations like this, surveillance video can be your absolute best friend. It doesn’t lie, it doesn’t forget details, and it certainly doesn’t have an insurance company whispering in its ear about keeping payouts low.
I’ve seen too many car accident cases where clear video evidence could have changed everything, but it was either never found or it vanished before anyone thought to grab it. That’s why I want to walk you through everything you need to know about finding and saving surveillance footage after a car accident here in Pueblo.
Why Surveillance Video Can Be a Game-Changer for Your Case
Let’s be honest – car accidents often turn into a “he said, she said” mess. You remember it one way, the other driver remembers it differently, and the insurance companies are trying to figure out who’s telling the truth. Physical clues like skid marks and vehicle damage help, but they don’t always give you the full story.
That’s where surveillance video becomes incredibly helpful. A clear video showing exactly what happened can:
- Prove who had the right of way
- Show if someone was speeding or driving recklessly
- Demonstrate if a driver was distracted (like texting)
- Reveal if traffic signals were working correctly
- Document weather and road conditions at the time
I’ve personally seen cases where insurance companies were ready to deny claims until video footage surfaced showing their insured driver clearly running a red light. Suddenly, that “disputed liability” case became a total win.
Where to Look for Surveillance Cameras in Pueblo
You’d be amazed how many cameras are watching our streets these days. The trick is knowing where to look and acting quickly before the footage gets recorded over.
Traffic Cameras and Red Light Cameras
Pueblo has several intersection cameras, especially on busy roads like:
- US Highway 50 and its major intersections
- Northern Avenue intersections
- Union Avenue corridors
- Areas around the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) also operates cameras on major highways passing through Pueblo. These aren’t always recording, but when they are, the footage can be super valuable.
Business Surveillance Systems
This is often where you’ll find the best footage. Businesses invest in good camera systems to protect their property, and they’re usually recording 24/7. In Pueblo, pay special attention to:
Gas stations and convenience stores – These places have cameras pointing in all directions, often catching street activity. The 7-Elevens, Circle Ks, and local gas stations along major roads are treasure troves for footage.
Shopping centers and big box stores – Places like the Pueblo Mall area, Home Depot, Walmart, and other large retailers have extensive camera systems that often capture nearby roadways.
Banks and credit unions – Financial institutions have some of the best camera systems around. Even if the accident didn’t happen right in front of the bank, their cameras might’ve caught it.
Restaurants and bars – Especially those with drive-throughs or large parking lots. Many of these cameras are positioned to watch the entire property perimeter.
Car dealerships – They’ve got expensive cars to protect, so their camera systems are usually excellent and cover wide areas.
Residential Security Systems
Don’t forget about houses near the accident scene. Ring doorbells, security cameras, and even dash cams from parked cars can all capture accidents. Many homeowners are happy to help if you ask nicely and explain the situation.
Public Transportation
Pueblo Transit buses have cameras, and if a bus was nearby during your accident, that footage could be incredibly helpful. The city also has cameras in some public areas and parking facilities.
Act Fast: Why Time Is Not Your Friend
Here’s something that might surprise you – most businesses only keep surveillance footage for about 30 days. Some keep it for just a week or two. After that? It’s gone forever, overwritten by new footage.
This means you can’t just sit around hoping someone else will handle it. The insurance company might eventually ask for footage, but they’re not exactly rushing to find evidence that proves you’re right and they need to pay up.
I always tell people: treat the first 48 hours after an accident like they’re the most important hours of your case. Because honestly, they might be.
How to Ask for Surveillance Footage (The Right Way)
Walking up to a business and demanding to see their security footage isn’t going to work. You need to be smart and polite about it.
Start with a Polite Request
Visit the business in person if you can. Dress nicely, be respectful, and explain your situation clearly. Something like:
“Hi, I was in a car accident right outside your store yesterday around 2 PM. I’m wondering if your security cameras might have captured what happened. Would it be possible to get a copy of that footage?”
Put It in Writing
Even if you talk to someone in person, follow up with a written request. This creates a paper trail and shows you’re serious. Include:
- The exact date and time of the accident
- The specific location
- Your contact information
- A clear explanation of why you need the footage
Know Who to Ask
Don’t waste time with employees who can’t make decisions. Ask to speak with:
- The manager or owner
- The security company (if they use one)
- Corporate offices (for chain businesses)
Be Ready to Pay
Many businesses will charge you for copying footage – and that’s totally fair. The fee is usually worth it if the video helps your case.
Legal Ways to Save Evidence
Sometimes businesses won’t just hand over footage voluntarily. Maybe they’re worried about liability, or they just don’t want to get involved. That’s where legal procedures come in.
Preservation Letters
A preservation letter is a formal legal document that tells a business they need to save potential evidence. Once they get this letter, they can’t legally destroy the footage, even if their normal policy would be to record over it.
At McCormick & Murphy P.C., we send these letters out immediately when we take on a case. We’ve been handling personal injury cases in Pueblo since 1995, and we know how quickly evidence can disappear. You can find more information about our approach to evidence preservation on our professional services profile.
Subpoenas
If a preservation letter doesn’t work, your attorney can issue a subpoena, which is a court order requiring the business to produce the footage. Businesses have to comply or face legal consequences.
Emergency Court Orders
In extreme cases where footage is about to be destroyed, courts can issue emergency orders to save evidence. These are rare, but they’re available when time is really running out.
What to Do While You’re Looking for Footage
Don’t put all your eggs in the surveillance video basket. While you’re tracking down footage, make sure you’re also:
Documenting Everything Else
Take photos of:
- Vehicle damage from multiple angles
- The accident scene
- Street signs and traffic signals
- Skid marks or debris
- Your injuries
Getting Witness Information
If people saw what happened, get their contact information right away. Memories fade, but a witness statement taken soon after the accident can be powerful evidence.
Reporting the Accident Properly
Make sure you file a proper police report. In Pueblo, you can contact the Pueblo Police Department or Colorado State Patrol, depending on where the accident happened.
Seeking Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, see a doctor. Some injuries, like post-concussion syndrome, don’t show symptoms right away. Plus, medical records create a timeline that can be important for your case.
Common Mistakes That Can Cost You
I’ve seen people make some pretty costly mistakes when trying to get surveillance footage. Here are the big ones to avoid:
Waiting Too Long
I can’t stress this enough – time is not on your side. Every day you wait is another day closer to that footage being erased forever.
Not Casting a Wide Enough Net
Don’t just look at the obvious places. That accident at the intersection might’ve been captured by a camera half a block away that you never thought to check.
Giving Up Too Easily
If the first person you talk to says no, ask to speak with someone else. Sometimes the person working the register doesn’t know company policy, but the manager might be more helpful.
Not Getting Professional Help
Look, I get it – nobody wants to hire a lawyer if they don’t have to. But when it comes to surveillance footage, having an attorney involved can make a huge difference. We know which businesses typically have cameras, how to write effective preservation letters, and what legal tools are available if someone won’t cooperate.
Working with Insurance Companies on Video Evidence
Here’s something that might surprise you – insurance companies have their own investigators who are pretty good at finding surveillance footage. The problem is, they’re not necessarily looking for footage that helps you.
Don’t Assume They’ll Find Everything
Just because the insurance company has investigators doesn’t mean they’ll find all the available footage. They might focus on cameras that are likely to support their version of events and ignore others.
If you find footage that clearly shows the other driver was at fault, you’ll definitely want to share it with their insurance company. But be smart about how you do it. Don’t just hand over the raw footage – make copies first and consider having your attorney handle the sharing.
Document Your Search Efforts
Keep records of everywhere you looked for footage and what you found (or didn’t find). This information can be valuable later, especially if the insurance company claims there’s no video evidence available.
When Video Evidence Doesn’t Go Your Way
Sometimes surveillance footage doesn’t tell the story you were hoping for. Maybe it shows you were partially at fault, or maybe it’s just not as clear as you’d hoped. Don’t panic – this doesn’t necessarily doom your case.
Colorado follows a “comparative fault” system, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. The key is understanding how the footage affects your case and adjusting your strategy accordingly.
This is definitely a situation where you want an experienced attorney on your side. We’ve handled cases where video evidence was mixed or even somewhat unfavorable, and we still achieved good outcomes for our clients. Sometimes it’s about finding additional evidence, sometimes it’s about how you present the evidence you have.
Technology Changes Everything (Including Privacy Concerns)
The surveillance world is changing fast. Businesses are installing better cameras, homeowners are adding security systems, and even some traffic lights now have cameras that actually record (not just monitor traffic flow).
But with all this technology comes privacy concerns. Some businesses are becoming more reluctant to share footage because they’re worried about privacy lawsuits or corporate policies.
Don’t let this discourage you, though. There are still plenty of cameras out there, and most businesses understand that helping with legitimate accident investigations is the right thing to do.
The Role of Dash Cams and Personal Devices
While we’re talking about video evidence, don’t forget about dash cams and cell phone footage. More and more drivers are installing dash cams, and if someone was recording when your accident happened, that footage could be incredibly valuable.
Also, check social media. You’d be amazed how often accidents get posted to Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok by bystanders. It might feel weird searching for your own accident online, but it’s worth doing.
Working with Experienced Legal Help
Finding and saving surveillance footage isn’t just about knowing where to look – it’s about knowing how to use what you find effectively. At McCormick & Murphy P.C., we’ve been handling personal injury cases in Pueblo for nearly 30 years. We know which businesses typically have good camera systems, how to write effective preservation letters, and how to use video evidence to build strong cases for our clients.
Our office is located at 301 N Main St in Pueblo, and we handle most personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis. That means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover money for you.
We understand that dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be incredibly frustrating, especially when they’re not treating you fairly. If you’re wondering whether you should give a recorded statement to an insurance company or if you need to file a complaint against an insurance company in Colorado, we can help you understand your options.
What Happens After You Find the Footage
Let’s say you’ve successfully located and obtained surveillance footage of your accident. Now what?
First, make multiple copies and store them in different places. Don’t rely on just having it on your phone or computer – technology fails, and you don’t want to lose this evidence.
Next, have the footage analyzed by someone who knows what to look for. Sometimes the most important details aren’t immediately obvious. Things like the timing of traffic signals, the speed of vehicles, or whether someone was using their phone might not jump out at first glance.
Finally, understand that video evidence is just one piece of your case. It needs to be combined with other evidence like medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a complete picture of what happened and how it affected you.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait
If you’ve been in a car accident in Pueblo, don’t sit around hoping someone else will handle the evidence gathering for you. Insurance companies have their own interests at heart, and those interests don’t always line up with yours.
Start looking for surveillance footage immediately. Visit nearby businesses, contact traffic authorities, and don’t be afraid to ask homeowners if their security cameras might have captured anything. The worst thing someone can say is no, but you might be surprised how often people are willing to help.
Remember, you’ve got a limited window to find this evidence before it’s gone forever. Every day counts, so don’t put it off. Your future self will thank you for taking action now.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of this – which is totally understandable – don’t hesitate to get professional help. At McCormick & Murphy P.C., we’ve been helping Pueblo residents with personal injury cases since 1995. We know how to find evidence, how to preserve it, and most importantly, how to use it to get you the compensation you deserve.
Car accidents are stressful enough without having to worry about gathering evidence and dealing with insurance companies. Let us handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on getting better. Give us a call at (888)-668-1182 to discuss your case. We’re here to help, and we won’t charge you anything unless we win your case.
Don’t let key evidence slip away. The footage that could make your case might be getting erased right now. Take action today, and give yourself the best chance at getting the justice and compensation you deserve.
