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
Lead Personal Injury Attorney
With 15+ years of experience, Raffi Naljian has recovered millions for accident victims across California. Known for aggressive negotiation and compassionate client care.
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.
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
24-48 Hours
Send preservation letters to businesses and city
1-2 Weeks
File lawsuit to enable subpoenas if necessary
Collection
Obtain footage through requests or subpoenas
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. We investigate all 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 consultation—we act fast to preserve evidence.
Related Resources
Free Consultation
Speak with Raffi Naljian about your case
Free Case Review
Share the basics first, then we’ll tailor the next step around your injuries, insurance pressure, and how fast you need help.
What happens next
Tell us the case basics.
Add the details that shape urgency.
We reach out with the next best step.
Urgent cases can be triaged faster by phone. If an insurer is already pressuring you, call now and then finish the form.
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.