Traffic Camera Footage vs. Surveillance Videos in Personal Injury Cases
When you’ve been injured in an accident, evidence can make or break your personal injury claim. Among the most valuable types of evidence are videos, especially those captured by traffic cameras and surveillance systems. But not all video evidence is created equal. Understanding the difference between traffic camera footage and private surveillance video is crucial to building a strong case.
Traffic Camera Footage: Publicly Operated, Often Limited
Traffic cameras are typically owned and operated by government entities, such as city departments of transportation or state highway authorities. These cameras are often placed at major intersections or along highways to monitor traffic flow or enforce red light violations.
Key characteristics of traffic camera footage:
- Access: Obtaining this footage usually requires a formal request or subpoena. Timing is a critical element as many agencies only store footage for a short period of time (as little as 24 to 72 hours).
- Coverage: These cameras may not record continuously or capture every detail of an accident. They’re designed for traffic monitoring, not necessarily for evidence collection.
- Credibility: When available, traffic camera footage can be a powerful, unbiased record showing the sequence of events before and during a crash.
Surveillance Videos: Privately Owned, Often More Detailed
Surveillance video comes from privately owned cameras, like those installed on businesses, homes, or parking lots. These systems are often motion-activated and can offer closer, clearer views of what happened.
Key characteristics of surveillance footage:
- Access: Gaining access usually means contacting the property owner directly or issuing a subpoena during litigation. The sooner you act, the better, as many systems overwrite footage every few days.
- Coverage: These cameras often provide more specific angles and higher-quality images, especially if the accident occurred near storefronts or residential buildings.
- Value: Footage from a nearby business or home could show driver behavior, the impact of the crash, or even post-accident actions—critical details that may not be visible on a distant traffic cam.
Why the Distinction Matters in Your Case
Both traffic and surveillance videos can provide compelling evidence, but they serve different purposes:
Traffic camera footage can confirm traffic light status or vehicle positions at key moments, whereas surveillance video can speak more on driver negligence, speed, pedestrian activity, or damage severity.
Using both types together can paint a fuller picture of what really happened.
Don’t Delay—Video Evidence Doesn’t Last
Whether it’s a city-operated traffic cam or a gas station security system, video evidence is often short-lived.
That’s why it’s essential to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your legal team can send preservation letters, submit requests, or file subpoenas to ensure critical footage isn’t lost.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.
* Main image at top by Freepik