How to Request Traffic Camera Footage

If you were involved in an accident at an intersection you may need the video record that a traffic camera captured. But simply hoping for that footage is not enough. You must move quickly, gather the right information, identify the proper agency, and submit a formal request. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Why Is Traffic Camera Footage Important for Accident Claims?

When you turn to a law firm like LJBLegal, you benefit from attorneys who know how important evidence can be. Video footage from a traffic camera may clarify fault, help prove what happened, and strengthen your claim. Without a lawyer it is common for injured victims to receive less than they deserve, or to miss crucial evidence because it was lost or overwritten. With the right team your case is built thoroughly and you feel cared for.

What Information Do You Need to Request Traffic Footage?

Having accurate, detailed information will make the request to access traffic camera footage more likely to succeed. Below are the key items you need to collect.

• Date and time: Be as precise as possible. If you can specify the minute you arrived or the collision occurred, that helps.
• Location: Provide the exact intersection, street names, nearby landmarks, or mile-mark reference if on a highway.
• Case/report number: If you filed a police report include that number — it often speeds up the process.
• Vehicle details: Make, model, color, license plate number of any vehicles involved (including your own).
• Direction of travel: Note your lane, direction of travel, what the other vehicle did, if visible. Describe where you were going and what you saw.

Who Controls Traffic Camera Footage?

Next you must determine who holds the video footage. Many people assume every traffic camera records and stores video — that is not always the case. For example, one law firm explained that in some locations cameras only stream live traffic conditions and do not save recordings. ([shookandstone.com](https://www.shookandstone.com/faqs/can-traffic-cameras-in-las-vegas-help-my-car-accident-case/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

The typical agencies to check are:

• Local police department: They may operate or control cameras at busy intersections.
• Municipal traffic management or transportation department: Many cities have a traffic division that manages intersection cameras.
• State Department of Transportation (DOT): If your incident happened on a state highway the DOT might hold the footage.
• Private property/business: If the collision occurred on private property or near a business, the business owner may have cameras and you may need to request from them.

How Do You Submit a Request for Traffic Camera Footage?

Once you know who to ask, follow their specific process carefully. These steps show what a strong request should include.

1. Contact the agency: Call to find out whether the request is handled online, by email, by mailed letter, or in person.
2. Write the request: Your request should include your full name, contact info, the incident details (date, time, intersection, description of what happened and why you need the footage).
3. Include details you gathered: Provide the exact date/time, vehicle details, lane/direction of travel, police report number (if applicable).
4. Mention potential fees: Many agencies charge for processing or copying video footage. Be prepared for a fee.
5. Ask about the retention period: Some agencies only keep footage for a short time before it’s recorded over.

What If You Don’t Hear Back?

Submitting the request is only part of the process. To protect your rights and build your case you may need to follow up:

• Follow up: If you do not hear back within the time the agency specifies, call or email to check status.
• Keep records: Save copies of your request, notes from calls, names of who you spoke with and when.
• Legal help if needed: If the agency denies your request or claims no footage exists but you believe otherwise, an attorney from LJBLegal can help with options such as a subpoena or legal demand.

How Long Is Traffic Footage Stored?

Act quickly: Many traffic camera systems only retain video for a few days or weeks before automatic deletion.

Do not assume storage: Just because you saw a camera does not mean the footage is stored or accessible. For example, in some jurisdictions the traffic department confirmed that the cameras only stream live and do not record.

Build your case: Even if you cannot obtain video footage, having strong witness statements, vehicle damage photos, and a thorough report is important. At LJBLegal we combine compassion with toughness, resources with personal attention, to make sure you are treated fairly.

Should You Contact a Lawyer for Help?

Recovering traffic camera footage can make a real difference after an accident. By gathering precise information, identifying the correct agency, submitting a complete formal request, and staying persistent, you increase your chances of success. The legal team at LJBLegal stands ready to support you through this process, fight for your rights, and help make sure your case is handled properly. If you feel uncertain about your next step, contact us at 985-240-9773 for help.