I was in an hit and run accident a few days ago I was north bound and she was south bound and we were turning on the same street and she hit the quarter panel of my car on passenger side. I wasn't able to get her license plate , sadly. But is there any way the PD can obtain footage from the opposite light to see if they can get her license plate info.
As long as there are cameras at the location and if those cameras are working, you should be able to obtain the info you need. File a Freedom of Information Request immediately. I would also call the police and explain the situation-that you just want the plate number. I've had agencies give me the info without any problem even without a FOIL request. If the city cameras do not help, go to the area if the location of the accident and canvas businesses and homes to see if any of their security cameras may have captured the incident.
Unfortunately, it depends on the intersection. Some intersections do have cameras, others do not. I would recommend contacting the police department as soon as you can. If there is video at the intersection where the accident occurred, you'll want to make sure it is preserved. You can request the video under the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), NMSA 1978, Sections 14-2-1 to -12. Some traffic cameras in New Mexico are "real time" and only have the ability to look back 24 before they are recorded over.
I do not know where this happened (Albq or Carlsbad), however, the answer is yes and no in Albuquerque. The City claims that they only have the footage for 24 hours so it is nearly impossible for the average citizen or his attorney to obtain this footage (I have tried many times). The police sometimes get it but since the City of Albq. claims to get rid of it after 24 hours it would be too late here. I guess you should find out who to call and request it for yourself. If it is still there, the officer may not act quickly enough to preserve it.
You can try to get the photo or video if there is a camera. Alternatively, you can bring an uninsured motorist hit and run property damage claim. NM law provides that there can only be a $250 property damage deductible. The balance of the repair cost would be paid by your insurance company. If you were injured, you should also bring an uninsured motorist personal injury claim for which there is no such deductible. You could be entitled to medical bills, pain and suffering , lost earnings, permanent injury and punitive damages if these are applicable.
