Most drivers who had a traffic violation would want to review the traffic cameras, especially if they believe that they did not violate any traffic rules. Do they allow traffic camera footage to be viewed; if ever they allow, how to view traffic cameras is another question that needs to be addressed.
Generally, Closed-circuit television (CCTV) data will not be recorded or archived. However, there may be exceptions that include camera explicitly installed for safety and occasional recording for study or traffic analysis requirements. Recorded videos are considered public information and can be used as evidence; therefore, you can view the traffic cameras to help you with your traffic violation case or get evidence for vehicular accidents.
How to Get a Traffic Camera Video of a Car Accident
In this time and age, cameras are everywhere. You would probably be surprised by several video cameras that capture your commute every day.
Most of us notice video cameras along highways, red lights, toll plazas, and even public transportation. There are several reasons why these cameras are installed in different places, such as law enforcement, number plate recognition, and monitoring traffic congestion, among others. However, those units that own the cameras will not provide the camera footages to the general public, so the facility to retrieve camera footage evidence usually depends on various factors.
It is best to know how to view traffic cameras, especially if you had an accident, and you need evidence to support your statement. The first thing that you would want to consider is the number of potential sources of video, which would depend on where the violation or accident occurred. You would need to know your location at the time of the accidents. Were you at an intersection with red light cameras? Were you on a highway or main road? Were there establishments in the area, which may have outdoor surveillance cameras?
If you are not sure, you may look up the location on Google Street View to consider all possibilities.
Traffic Cameras and Red Light Cameras
The chance of obtaining camera footages on highway traffic cameras and red light cameras without the help of a lawyer are slim. You are most likely to deal with several private and public entities with specific requirements before releasing any footage.
You may try to request for a copy of the video; however, there is an excellent chance that your request will be denied because they are not obliged to give you a copy, or they will not want to give time into tracking down the specific portion of the video.
Suppose you have a lawyer, and you are sure that there is a possibility that a camera was able to capture footage of the scene. In that case, your lawyer may issue a subpoena requesting the release of captured footage of the scene. Be reminded that cameras often erase old data at a certain period, so it is better to act as quickly as possible.
Suppose you do not have a private lawyer. In that case, you may consider discussing your issues with an attorney through a free consultation, and sometimes you will get lucky as there are lawyers who provide services over a case for free.
Private Business Surveillance Cameras
If you strongly believe that a surveillance camera captured the accident in a private property, you can find somebody to help you. Private businesses have no obligation to provide camera footage without a subpoena; a friendly request can be of help.
If your request for a footage camera was not granted, you might seek help from an experienced car accident lawyer.
Can a Lawyer Help?
Hiring a good accident lawyer from day one will be the best decision as it will be of great help, especially in collecting evidence like getting the camera footages from the concerned entities.
There are different ways on how to view traffic cameras. Requesting for a copy of camera footage may have its challenges, but at the end of the day, you will get the footage that you need providing you are knowledgeable enough to do the right step.
The question of how to view traffic cameras will be addressed if people will be informed on the matter.
Conclusion
While most roads have traffic cameras and public and private entities have surveillance cameras, viewing the footage from these cameras is challenging. Obtaining an excerpt of the saved video is equally difficult. To make sure that you will have a smooth negotiation with the concerned entities, you should know the tips on how to view traffic cameras to be able to facilitate your request easily. Here’s how to learn more about traffic cameras.