Traffic Cam Footage For Your Car Accident
Traffic camera footage can be valuable when proving what happened in a car accident. A lawyer, like a car accident lawyer, knows that unlike witness statements or driver accounts, video evidence provides a clear and objective record of the crash. If you were involved in an accident and believe a traffic camera recorded it, taking the right steps to obtain and use that footage can strengthen your case.
How Traffic Cameras Capture Accidents
Traffic cameras are installed at intersections, highways, and busy roads to monitor traffic flow and detect violations. Some cameras are operated by local governments, while others are controlled by private companies or businesses. Depending on the location of the accident, different types of footage may be available:
- Red-light cameras. Capture vehicles that run red lights at intersections.
- Speed cameras. Record vehicles exceeding speed limits in certain areas.
- Public traffic cameras. Monitor highways and major roads for congestion and safety.
- Private security cameras. Located at businesses, gas stations, or homes near roadways.
If a camera captured the accident, the footage could show who had the right of way, whether a driver was speeding, or if a traffic violation contributed to the crash.
How To Request Traffic Camera Footage
Obtaining traffic camera footage requires acting quickly, as recordings are often deleted or overwritten within days or weeks. The process for requesting footage depends on the camera’s owner:
- City or state-operated cameras. Contact the local transportation department, law enforcement agency, or city office to request the footage. Some agencies require a formal records request.
- Red-light or speed cameras. If the accident occurred at an intersection with automated cameras, the city or county may have records available upon request.
- Private cameras. Businesses or homeowners with security cameras may have useful footage. Speaking with the owner directly can help determine if their system recorded the accident.
Having the exact date, time, and location of the accident will make it easier to request the correct footage.
Using Traffic Camera Footage As Evidence
If traffic camera footage is available, it can help establish important facts in a car accident case, including:
- Which driver had the right of way
- Whether a driver ran a red light or stop sign
- The speed and direction of the vehicles before impact
- If a driver was engaged in reckless or distracted behavior
Insurance companies and courts rely on evidence to determine fault, and video footage often carries significant weight. Unlike witness statements, which can be inconsistent, or driver accounts, which may be biased, camera footage presents a clear record of what happened.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Since traffic camera footage is often deleted after a short period, waiting too long can result in losing important evidence. Requesting the footage as soon as possible can help preserve it before it is erased.
Attorneys like those at Barry P. Goldberg can attest to the value of strong evidence in car accident cases. Traffic camera footage can be a key factor in proving fault and securing fair compensation. If you believe a camera recorded your accident, taking immediate action to obtain the footage can help support your claim. See how a local law firm can help you gather evidence.