How Long Is Traffic Camera Footage Stored?
While it can vary based on location, traffic camera footage is typically stored for 30 days. In that time, you might be able to request access to footage that captured all or part of a car accident. If you or someone you love was injured in a collision, a personal injury lawyer can help you request and obtain the footage you need.
Recovering from a car accident can take time. Preparing a personal injury case against the at-fault driver is also a time-consuming undertaking. When you are supported by a lawyer, they can handle many of the legal details for you while you focus on your recovery. They can explain how long traffic camera footage is stored and the step-by-step process of obtaining it before time runs out.
How Does Traffic Camera Footage Benefit Your Personal Injury Case?
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, speed cameras can deter speeding and potentially prevent some accidents. Legal and insurance representatives for either side of a car accident case rely on evidence to tell the story of the collision. Traffic camera footage can capture objective details of the accident or its aftermath. Its benefits can include:
- Supporting your version of the events
- Identifying a vehicle that fled the scene
- Establishing the accident’s date and time
- Proving location and road and weather conditions
- Documenting each driver’s actions
The personal injury lawyer who represents you will explain any additional benefits that may be specific to your case. They will also explain how traffic cam footage in combination with other evidence can help steer your case toward a financial settlement.
Where Can You Get a Copy of the Traffic Camera Footage?
Your lawyer may be able to request video footage of your accident from local government agencies or private companies that may own the cameras. They can subpoena footage and access other beneficial evidence you might find challenging to access on your own. In addition, because the time to access footage is limited, your lawyer can act quickly while you are still recovering from your injuries.
Are Traffic Cameras the Only Cameras That Can Benefit Your Case?
Several types of cameras may benefit your case. Your lawyer can canvass the accident scene and surrounding area for footage from:
- Residential cameras
- Doorbell cameras
- Commercial cameras
- Dashboard cameras
If there are witnesses available in your car accident case, they may have captured smartphone videos and images of the accident or its aftermath. As part of their investigation, your lawyer can request this information and include it in your evidence file.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do More Than Collect Traffic Camera Footage
When you work with a personal injury lawyer after an accident, they can help you substantiate your case and handle much of the legal legwork for you. To support your right to financial recovery, your lawyer will:
- Obtain a copy of your police report
- Locate and interview witnesses
- Handle all case-related communication
- Complete and submit insurance claim forms
- Provide ongoing updates on your case
Negotiating a fair monetary settlement with the insurance company can be a trying process. Your lawyer can ensure the insurer handles your case fairly and help you avoid a speedy, but insufficient, settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will take your case to court for final resolution.
What Compensation Can Traffic Camera Footage Help You Recover?
The evidence your lawyer compiles for you will document the cause and costs of the accident you were involved in. It can also prove the at-fault party’s negligence.
Once we have established that another party caused your accident, you can request the following recoverable damages:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost income
- Ongoing pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Lasting disability or disfigurement
If your family lost a loved one in the accident, you could be entitled to wrongful death compensation that may cover the costs of making final arrangements for your loved one. Wrongful death compensation can also include your family’s loss of your loved one’s financial and domestic contributions.
Contact Our Case Review Team Today for Help With a Traffic Accident Case
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident, nearby traffic cameras can supply footage that supports your right to compensation. Our personal injury law firm can help you find out how long traffic camera footage is stored and how you can obtain it.
Are you ready to learn more about the steps our law firm takes to recover compensation for you? Contact our no-cost, no-obligation case review team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today.
