You've probably noticed an increase in traffic cameras popping up in cities all over the U.S. But what exactly are they for? Do traffic cameras record 24/7? How long is traffic camera footage kept, and who is in charge of the data?

Let's dive into some common questions about these cameras. If you find yourself in a car accident in Colorado due to someone running a red light, for instance, that footage from the traffic camera could be an important piece of evidence for your personal injury case.

Do Traffic Cameras Record Footage?

Wondering if traffic cameras actually record what's happening on the road? Well, yes, but it depends on the type of camera.

Take red light cameras, for instance. Positioned at intersections, these cameras snap photos or short videos of vehicles that run the red light. Typically, they capture about 12 seconds of footage, triggered by movement after the light turns red.

Speeding cameras work similarly, recording about 12 seconds of video when a vehicle zips past over the speed limit. Then there are school bus cameras, increasingly installed to catch those who unlawfully pass stopped buses. These cameras also snag brief footage of the offending vehicle.

If you ever find yourself needing traffic camera footage to support a car accident claim, it's wise to reach out to a lawyer experienced in these types of cases.

Traffic Cameras Typically Don’t Continuously Record Footage

If your lawyer is looking to gather evidence about what led up to your accident for the long term, relying on a traffic camera might not be a reliable source. The footage captured by these cameras typically hinges on something out of the ordinary happening in their vicinity, like a driver speeding or blatantly running a red light.

For instance, let's say the driver who caused your accident sailed through an intersection without even hesitating at the red light. In such a case, the footage from the traffic camera could be pivotal, revealing that the driver completely disregarded traffic regulations by failing to stop or yield to oncoming vehicles.

However, if you're aiming to demonstrate that a distracted driver veered into your lane, you might hit a snag as the traffic camera might not have caught the exact moments you need since there wasn’t a specific action to trigger the recording.

While certain traffic cameras allow law enforcement and other governmental bodies to keep an eye on traffic flow and provide real-time streaming, not all of these cameras actually record footage.

Not all Traffic Cameras Capture Every Detail You Need

Traffic cameras are strategically placed to catch license plates of vehicles breaking traffic laws, aiding police in issuing citations. Yet, their positioning typically means they don't capture footage inside vehicles.

In the event of an accident caused by distracted driving, like reaching for something or texting, the camera might miss what was happening inside the vehicle.

Similarly, if the accident involves an intoxicated driver, while the camera could catch them running a red light, it might not capture the swerving or discern who was actually driving at the time of the collision. This lack of clarity can complicate legal proceedings, especially if passengers switch seats to avoid DUI charges.

How Long Is Traffic Camera Footage Actually Stored?

Traffic camera footage typically isn't kept for very long. In fact, many of these cameras don't have endless storage capabilities. Quite often, the footage might only be saved for a short period, like a few days, before it's gone.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need that traffic cam footage, say for evidence after a car accident, you’ll need to act fast.

Can Traffic Camera Footage Result in Points on My License?

It depends on the situation, and the nature of the citation.

Local police can use footage from traffic cameras to issue tickets, but usually, this doesn't count as a moving violation, even if the footage shows you running a red light or speeding. This means it won't add points to your license.

However, if you challenge a traffic ticket given by a police officer, and they use traffic camera footage to prove you committed the violation, such as running a red light or speeding, this could lead to points being added to your license.

Additionally, police can use traffic camera footage to determine fault in an auto accident, especially when liability is disputed. For example, if one driver hits another in an intersection and both drivers claim they didn't break any rules, the camera footage can reveal who ran the red light. If the footage shows you at fault, you might receive a citation, which could result in points on your license.

Do All Intersections With Traffic Cameras Actually Record Video?

No, every traffic camera at an intersection is not necessarily recording video. Some of them, especially the older ones, only take static pictures. These photos usually capture just one low-quality snapshot.

In some places, like New York City for example, there are even fake traffic cameras. These dummy cameras aren't connected or recording anything. The city often moves them around, so drivers can't tell which ones are real and which ones are not.

Even if a traffic camera is active, it doesn't always catch the right moment.

What Happens if Another Person Drives My Car and a Traffic Camera Catches Them in an Accident or Breaking a Traffic Law?

When someone else drives your car and gets into an accident or receives a ticket from a traffic camera, the legal and financial consequences can vary based on local laws and regulations.

In many places, the car's registered owner is considered responsible for the vehicle, even if someone else is driving it. This means that if another person causes an accident or gets a traffic ticket while driving your car, you, as the owner, could be held accountable.

If a traffic camera catches a violation, the ticket usually goes to the vehicle's registered owner. However, many areas allow you to provide information about the actual driver at the time of the incident.

If you weren't driving when the incident occurred, you might need to identify who was. This could involve submitting an affidavit or giving the driver’s contact details to the authorities.

Your insurance policy might cover the driver if they’re listed on your policy. The insurance company could handle the claim and any related costs. It's important to understand the specifics of your insurance coverage, so review your policy and talk to your insurance provider.

If an accident occurs and the other driver is at fault, injured parties might sue both the driver and you as the car owner. Sometimes, owners can be held indirectly responsible for the actions of those driving their vehicles.

Local regulations heavily influence who is liable and the process you need to follow. It's important to know the laws in your area and understand your rights and responsibilities.

Here are some steps to safeguard yourself in these situations:

• Keep track of who drives your car and when.
• Inform authorities if there's a change in authorized drivers.
• Know what your insurance policy covers regarding others driving your car.
• If someone driving your car gets into an accident or receives a ticket, address the situation quickly. Cooperate with law enforcement, provide accurate information, and consult legal or insurance professionals to understand your options and responsibilities.

How to Get Traffic Camera Footage After an Accident

If you've been injured in an accident and need traffic camera footage, it's important to act quickly. The best step is to contact an experienced car accident lawyer right away. They can follow the right procedures to get the footage and know how to use it to support your case.

It's important to act fast because traffic camera footage is often deleted or overwritten after a short period of time. If you wait too long, you might not be able to retrieve the footage you need to support your case.

Time is of the utmost importance in obtaining traffic camera footage.

Will Traffic Camera Footage Help with My Car Accident Claim?

After a car accident, having evidence to determine fault is often the difference between winning and losing a case. Traffic camera footage might be the key evidence your lawyer needs to prove who is liable.

Traffic camera footage can be useful in several situations:

Disputed Liability: If the other driver denies responsibility or their insurance company refuses to accept it, traffic camera footage can provide clear evidence. Sometimes, the other driver might admit to a reckless action, like speeding or running a red light, which a camera can capture and confirm. Other times, the driver may not admit fault, making the footage essential in proving the contrary.

Unclear Traffic Signals: Police might have difficulty determining which driver had the green light, especially in an empty intersection. In a busy intersection, it's easier to figure out who had the right of way. However, at a deserted intersection late at night, it can be challenging to determine who ran the red light. Traffic cameras can capture this information.

Visibility of the Incident: Traffic camera footage is most helpful when the accident happens within the camera’s view. For example, if another vehicle backs into your car in an intersection and the camera catches it, this footage can show that the other driver caused the accident. However, if the accident occurs too far from the intersection, the camera might not capture it, either due to its angle or because the motion sensor in the camera wasn't triggered.

Pedestrian Accidents: In accidents involving pedestrians, traffic camera footage can clarify who is at fault. If a pedestrian crosses unsafely or a driver speeds through a crosswalk, the footage can reveal who made the dangerous error.

So yes, traffic camera footage can be a valuable asset in establishing liability after a car accident, providing clear evidence that can support your case. These are just some of the most common examples.

What Purpose Do Traffic Cameras Serve Other Than Identifying Who’s at Fault in an Intersection Accident?

Studies show that traffic cameras can generate revenue for the cities that use them and significantly reduce the risk of certain types of accidents.

For example, T-bone collisions are much less common at intersections with traffic cameras. Many drivers slow down or even stop suddenly before entering an intersection with a camera to avoid getting a ticket. Without these cameras, the number of accidents at these intersections could increase significantly.

Understanding how long traffic camera footage is stored and the intricacies of obtaining it can be crucial in the aftermath of an accident. If you find yourself needing traffic camera footage for a legal case or to support a claim, it's essential to act quickly due to the often short retention periods for this data. Consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer can help ensure that you take the necessary steps promptly and effectively. Don't hesitate to reach out to a lawyer who can assist you in navigating the complexities of acquiring traffic camera footage and using it to bolster your case.