How Surveillance and Dash Cams Help Solve Hit-and-Run Accidents in New Mexico

After a hit-and-run accident, you’re often left with more questions than answers. Who hit you? Why did they flee? How can you prove what happened if the other driver is nowhere to be found? These situations are stressful, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and the financial fallout of a crash caused by someone else’s negligence.

Fortunately, surveillance cameras and dash cams have become critical tools in solving hit-and-run accidents. Whether it’s a camera mounted on your dashboard or footage captured by a nearby business, these video recordings can be the key to identifying the at-fault driver and recovering the compensation you deserve.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or help anyone who may be injured. These cases often involve pedestrian collisions, parked cars, or major accidents on New Mexico roads and highways.

Unfortunately, without the other driver’s information, victims are left to deal with property damage, medical bills, and lost wages on their own—unless evidence can be found to prove who was responsible. 

Why Surveillance and Dash Cams Are Game Changers

Technology is making it harder for reckless drivers to escape accountability. Surveillance footage and dash cam videos can offer undeniable proof of what happened during a hit-and-run, even if the at-fault driver leaves the scene.

Identifying the Vehicle and Driver

One of the most powerful benefits of video footage is that it can capture the make, model, color, and even the license plate number of the fleeing vehicle. In some cases, it may also show a clear image of the driver.

This information can help police locate the person responsible and support your legal claim if you’re seeking damages for your injuries and losses.

Establishing Fault

Even if the driver is later found, they might deny responsibility. Dash cam footage or security camera recordings can eliminate the guesswork. These videos provide an unbiased view of the accident, whether the driver ran a red light, swerved into your lane, or hit your parked car and drove off.

With this kind of evidence, it’s much harder for insurance companies to dispute your claim or shift the blame onto you.

Supporting Your Personal Injury Claim

When pursuing a claim through your insurance policy or the at-fault driver, if they’re located, dash cam footage can support your case by showing the severity of the impact, the location of the vehicles, and even the road conditions. Surveillance video can help recreate the accident and back up your account of what happened.

This kind of evidence can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Vehicle repairs
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering

What to Do If You’re in a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run in New Mexico, here are a few steps you should take right away:

• Call 911: Report the accident and any injuries immediately.
• Look for Cameras: Take note of any nearby businesses, traffic lights, or homes that may have security cameras.
• Preserve Your Dash Cam Footage: If you have a dash cam, save the footage as soon as possible and make backups.
• Document Everything: Take photos of the damage, the scene, and any debris left behind.
• Talk to Witnesses: Someone nearby may have seen the crash or noted the fleeing vehicle’s description.
• Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: The sooner you talk to an attorney, the sooner you can begin investigating the case and protecting your rights.

How to Protect Your Rights and Build Your Case

In hit-and-run cases, time is critical. Surveillance footage may be erased after a few days, and witnesses can be hard to track down. Working with a personal injury attorney quickly can make all the difference.

An experienced lawyer will know how to request and preserve video evidence, track down potential leads, and work with law enforcement and insurance companies on your behalf.

Talk to The Law Giant About Your Hit-and-Run Case

At The Law Giant Injury Lawyers, we understand how devastating a hit-and-run accident can be. You may feel helpless, but with the right evidence, like dash cam or surveillance footage, you may have more options than you think.

Let us help you hold the responsible party accountable and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 505-257-3998 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through the process and fight to get justice on your behalf.