What this topic should clarify first
Biography alone cannot answer this question. Evidence, timing, damages, and next-step preparation provide the practical context.
Evidence Guide
Raffi Naljian: Obtaining Surveillance Camera Evidence
Attorney Raffi Naljian knows that surveillance footage is often the best evidence—but it gets deleted in days or weeks. Quick action to identify and preserve camera footage can make or break your case.
Know of cameras that captured your accident?
Raffi Naljian
California Personal Injury, Litigation & Criminal Defense Attorney
Raffi Garabed Naljian is an active California attorney listed under State Bar #238919. The State Bar profile lists personal injury, litigation, criminal law, and business law among his self-reported practice areas, and Naljian Law Offices describes a Glendale practice handling criminal defense and civil litigation, including personal injury matters.
View Full ProfileIs This the Right Attorney for Your Case?
Raffi Naljian sends preservation letters and subpoenas quickly to secure camera footage before it's overwritten. He knows which cameras record continuously and which use motion detection.
Topic preparation notes
Prepare the right information before you contact Raffi Naljian, Esq.
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What to Do Next
- 1Note all visible cameras at accident scene
- 2Identify businesses and homes with cameras
- 3Ask businesses to preserve footage immediately
- 4Record camera locations on your phone
- 5Check for traffic light cameras
- 6Contact Raffi Naljian within 24-48 hours
Evidence Checklist
- List of all camera locations noted
- Business names with security cameras
- Traffic camera locations
- Doorbell camera addresses
- Dashcam footage from witnesses
- City traffic monitoring cameras
- Highway patrol cameras
- Tollbooth cameras if applicable
Footage is deleted quickly—don't wait.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long—footage often deleted in 7-30 days
- Not identifying all possible cameras
- Forgetting doorbell cameras on nearby homes
- Assuming police will obtain footage
- Not asking witnesses for dashcam video
How the Process Typically Works
1
24-48 Hours
Send preservation letters to businesses and city
2
1-2 Weeks
File lawsuit to enable subpoenas if necessary
3
Collection
Obtain footage through requests or subpoenas
4
Analysis
Expert analysis of footage for case presentation
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Full damages supported by video evidence
- •Stronger liability proof increases value
- •Pain and suffering documented visually
- •Impact severity clearly demonstrated
- •Defendant lies contradicted by footage
- •Punitive damages if footage shows egregious conduct
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do businesses keep surveillance footage?
Varies widely—some overwrite in 24-72 hours, most in 7-30 days. Larger chains may keep footage longer. Acting fast is essential.
Can you subpoena private business cameras?
Yes. Raffi Naljian can file suit and subpoena footage from any business or private property.
What about traffic cameras?
Caltrans and city traffic cameras may have footage. Many traffic cameras are live-only, but some record. A participating attorney may investigate all available options.
Are doorbell cameras useful?
Absolutely. Ring, Nest, and other doorbell cameras often capture accidents on nearby streets.
What if the business refuses to share footage?
Raffi Naljian sends preservation letters creating legal duty to preserve, then subpoenas footage through litigation.
Free intake review—we act fast to preserve evidence.
Related Resources
Free Intake Review
Speak with Raffi Naljian about your case
Important Disclosures
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or submitting a contact form. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.