Can You Get Street Camera Footage to Use in Your Car Accident Claim?

If you run a red light in Pennsylvania, you may receive a $100 ticket in the mail up to one month later. Although you may think that a red-light camera may be useful in proving liability, with the exception of a video or photo being taken when a driver runs a red light, most traffic cameras in Pennsylvania do not record footage. However, there may be other sources that record footage, helping to further your car accident claim.

Determining liability is never easy, requiring that you have the assistance of skilled counsel. To gather relevant evidence to prove your case, you need experienced PA car accident attorneys by your side.

Types of Street Camera Footage in PA

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has a live feed monitoring current traffic conditions. However, traffic cameras do not store footage, providing no help when submitting evidence in a car accident claim. Additionally, a red-light camera only stores footage when a motorist runs a red light.

However, businesses, private residences, and government agencies may have surveillance cameras that could capture key footage that may be useful in your case. Private residences often have doorbell cameras, which typically begin recording when the camera detects motion. In working with HGSK Injury Lawyers, you will have an advocate who is willing to go the extra mile to secure the footage you need.

How Do Red-Light Cameras Work?

Pennsylvania legislature instituted red-light cameras in 2005 after reports were issued deeming certain intersections as being hazardous. Red-light cameras have been shown to reduce the rate of red-light fatalities by 21 percent. Red-light camera enforcement systems use both cameras and sensors to detect when a driver runs a red light. When a driver passes through the intersection after the light turns red, photos of the violation are taken, and a short video captures the event.

How Do I Obtain Video Footage?

Accessing footage of an incident can be difficult since you will need to first know where to look. If you are in an accident due to another driver running a red light, then you may need to contact the Philadelphia Parking Authority. However, if your accident occurred on a highway or toll road, then PennDOT may be holding onto footage of the incident.

If the footage was recorded, the entity that has that evidence would most likely hold onto it for a short time frame. You will want to send a letter of spoliation to that party requesting that they preserve any evidence related to your claim. A party that receives a letter of spoliation has a legal obligation to preserve any evidence (including video footage) related to the incident. You will want to work with a PA car accident lawyer to ensure that the letter is drafted properly so that your rights are protected. The letter should also specify how long the party will be required to hold onto the evidence. To access the video, you will likely need to obtain a subpoena (a legal order requiring the party to produce evidence). A party that violates a subpoena may be found in contempt of court, subject to imprisonment, fines, or potentially both.

Victim of a Negligent Driver? Contact Our PA Car Accident Attorneys at Your Earliest Convenience

If you have fallen victim to an accident, accessing relevant evidence is crucial to securing maximum compensation for your claim. Video evidence can be among the most challenging to access, with entities holding onto the footage, making you jump through hoops to get a copy.

At HGSK Injury Lawyers, our PA car accident lawyers dedicate their time to investigating your case and pinpointing sources that may hold key evidence. We provide aggressive representation, never backing down in the face of adversity. To learn more or to schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by phone.