How To Request Traffic Camera Footage After An Accident

The following is based on limited research and constitutes one person’s opinion. It is not legal advice and should not be taken as such. If you require specific legal advice or are seeking to obtain traffic footage because you’ve been involved in an accident,  you may want to contact one of our attorneys directly. To speak with one of our attorneys, you can call us at 1-410-576-4287.

Traffic Light Cameras, Generally

We have, on many occasions, attempted to obtain traffic camera video footage. Whether it is possible to obtain such footage after an accident depends on the type of intersection the collision occurred at and, of course, the type of camera.

Generally speaking, most intersections have some type of “camera” in the form of a long, white cylinder aimed at the intersection from all sides. From speaking to various departments of transportation in DC, MD, and VA, we believe these cameras are not recording live video footage in real-time but rather are used to detect motion and/or route traffic as part of the green light distribution and traffic flow systems. Accordingly, in most accident cases, there is no such video to be obtained. This can be problematic in red light/green light dispute cases where two adverse parties cannot agree on the sequencing of the traffic lights.

Traffic sequencing reports may be obtained from various government entities, depending on the county/state where the collision occurred. However, this information may only be of limited use. Usually, traffic sequencing can be used to determine the sequence and/or timing of the lights and, of course, whether the lights were fully functioning at the time of the incident. However, often they will still reveal nothing as to which driver actually had the green light.

Certain major intersections and highways do have real-time video cameras, but it is not clear if the footage is stored unless there is a crime or a serious civil liability facing the government. Most attorneys and police departments I have inquired about indicate the footage is stored for somewhere between 10 and 30 days unless there is an incident requiring longer storage

Depending on whether a collision occurs at a major intersection where there is a camera, it may be possible to obtain the footage either under a Freedom of Information Request (FOIA) request or by subpoena, but in any event, a letter would need to be sent to the appropriate authority requesting preservation within ten days.

Additionally, at many intersections, there may be Red Light Cameras that are triggered when someone runs a red light. Typically these cameras take multiple photographs, which are stored and then incorporated into a citation, which is sent to the offending driver. Under these circumstances, certainly, the photos may be obtainable under a subpoena or a FOIA request.

This is one good reason to hire an attorney if you’ve been involved in an accident in a major collision.

How To Request Traffic Camera Footage

The owner of the video footage determines the process involved in retrieving the evidence. As you strategize how to obtain video footage, you should evaluate all options, act quickly, and enlist the services of a car accident attorney.

Nearby Homeowners and Businesses

If the accident happened near a home or a business, their video surveillance system might have recorded the events leading to the accident. Your attorney can speak to the homeowner or business owner, and they may be willing to hand over a copy of the footage on a CD or flash drive.

If the owner is not forthcoming, your attorney might write a demand letter to release the footage. If your attorney opts to file a car accident lawsuit, they may obtain the video footage through a subpoena.

Take action immediately after the crash because some businesses or homeowners do not maintain video footage for an extended period.

Request Footage from Traffic Cameras

Large cities and major highways have numerous cameras to enforce speeding and red light violations. Traffic cameras also monitor road and traffic conditions, including accidents on or near the road.

Here are a few challenges in retrieving footage from a traffic camera:

• Different Ownership: There are various transportation authorities you can speak with to obtain traffic camera footage. Suppose a car accident occurred on a local road along the path of a state highway. In that case, you should contact the Maryland Department of Transportation rather than the city government. Alternatively, you may need to contact the tolling company for an accident on a toll road.
• Internal Policies: Tollway and transportation authorities have internal policies for releasing traffic camera footage. To obtain such information, you may need to subpoena or submit a request under the Federal Freedom of Information Act.

Police Body Cameras

A police body camera is a source of a direct and purposeful way of documenting the post-accident scene. A law enforcement officer activates the camera immediately after arriving at the scene.

The camera records immediately after the accidents, including eyewitness statements, statements of the driver involved, damage to the vehicle, images of the accident scene, and any visible injuries.

The footage from a police body camera can be invaluable in reconstructing events leading to and following the accident. It can also provide insurers or car accident attorneys with a comprehensive visual record.

Why Do I Need Video of My Car Accident?

The at-fault party’s insurer may suggest that their policyholder is not responsible for the accident or shift blame to the injured victim. The at-fault party and their insurance provider gather the confidence to dispute your claim if no evidence demonstrates fault.

Video evidence can be the best witness for providing corroborative evidence of your version of events. If the at-fault party was passing dangerously or otherwise driving recklessly, video evidence can support your pursuit of compensation.

Often, at-fault drivers will try to shift blame to avoid liability for the accident. If you are found to have contributed at all to the collision, you might lose your opportunity to collect compensation from the other driver in Maryland, so challenging wrongful accusations of blame is especially important. Video evidence is sometimes one of the most persuasive ways to go about doing so, as video leaves little room for argument about what led to the crash. 

Major Intersections In The Tri-State Area

Here are some of the resources I have found. I will supplement this list as I continue to research this.

Virginia Real-Time Traffic Cameras in Virginia

http://www.511virginia.org/

Maryland Real-time Maryland Cameras

http://www.mdta.maryland.gov/Traffic_Cameras/Traffic_Cameras.cfm

Counties tend to also have their own sites for camera locations. For example:

Montgomery County

http://atms.montgomerycountymd.gov/jpgcap/TL/

Montgomery County, MD Red Light Camera Locations

Red Light Camera Locations: (Subject to Change)

NB Old Georgetown Road & Edson Lane
SB Rockville Pike @ Grosvenor Lane
SB Georgia Avenue @ Randolph Road
NB N Frederick Rd & Montgomery Village Ave
EB River Road & Goldsboro Road
SB Georgia Avenue & Norbeck Road
SB Georgia Avenue @ Connecticut Avenue
NB Wisconsin Ave & Montgomery Lane
WB Shady Grove Road & Research Blvd.
NB Connecticut Ave @ Randolph Road
EB East Gude Drive & Southlawn Lane
SB New Hampshire Avenue & Lockwood Drive
SB Rockville Pike & Halpine Lane
EB University Blvd @ Inwood Avenue
SB Colesville Road & Fenton Street
WB River Road & Wilson Lane
NB Columbia Pike & University Blvd.
EB University Blvd @ Columbia Pike

SB New Hampshire Ave @ Dilston Lane
SB Georgia Avenue @ Colesville Road
NB MidCounty Hwy & Goshen Road
SB Viers Mill Road @ Twinbrook Pkwy
NB Viers Mill Road @ Newport Mill Road
WB Randolph Road @ Kemp Mill Road
WB Randolph Road @ Selfridge Road
EB Randolph Road & Dewey Road
WB E Gude Drive & Crabbs Branch
EB Redland Road & Crabbs Branch Road
SB Frederick Road @ Middlebrook Road
SB Georgia Avenue @ 16th Street
NB Connecticut Avenue @ Knowles Ave
WB Shady Grove @ MD 355/Frederick Rd
SB Wisconsin Ave. @ Cheltenham Drive
NB South Frederick @ Shady Grove Road
NB Quince Orchard Road @ Firstfield Road
WB Randolph Road @ Dewey Road
NB Colesville Road @ Dale Drive
NB Columbia Pike @ Tech Road
SB Columbia Pike @ Tech Road

Prince Georges County, MD Red Light Locations

http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Government/PublicSafety/Police/red-light-enforcement-locations.asp

Red Light Enforcement

Prince George’s County
RED LIGHT CAMERA LOCATIONS

NORTHBOUND ROUTE 301 @ POINTER RIDGE DRIVE
NORTHBOUND ROUTE 5/301 @ CEDARVILLE ROAD
EASTBOUND ALLENTOWN ROAD @ BRINKLEY ROAD
NORTH BOUND ROUTE 410 @ ROUTE 450
EASTBOUND ROUTE 410 @ 64TH AVENUE
SOUTHBOUND ROUTE 210 @ KERBY HILL ROAD
NORTHBOUND SILVER HILL ROAD @ MARLBORO PIKE
NORTHBOUND ROUTE 301 @ OLD INDIAN HEAD ROAD
ROUTE 450 @ ROUTE 3
NORTHBOUND ROUTE 301 @ GOVERNOR BRIDGE ROAD
SOUTHBOUND SILVER HILL ROAD @ MARLBORO PIKE
SOUTHBOUND ROUTE 210 @ FARMINGTON ROAD
SOUTHBOUND ROUTE 301 @ POINTER RIDGE DRIVE
SOUTHBOUND ROUTE 301 @ SOUTH OSBORNE ROAD
WESTBOUND ROUTE 410 @ AGER ROAD
WESTBOUND ROUTE 223 @ OLD BRANCH AVENUE
SOUTHBOUND ROUTE 5/301 @ MCKENDREE ROAD
NORTHBOUND ADELPHI ROAD @ RIGGS ROAD
WESTBOUND SHERIFF ROAD @ VILLAGE GREEN DRIVE
WESTBOUND ROUTE 450 @ PRINCESS GARDEN PARKWAY
SOUTHBOUND ROUTE 210@ ACCOKEEK ROAD
WESTBOUND MARLBORO PIKE @ DONNELL DRIVE
EASTBOUND ALLENTOWN @TEMPLE HILL ROAD
EASTBOUND MARLBORO PIKE @ BROOKS DRIVE
WESTBOUND IVERSON STREET @ 23RD PLACE

DC

DC DOT

http://app.ddot.dc.gov/

Unfortunately, DDOT does not maintain footage from traffic/crime cameras.  Footage may be available from the Metropolitan Police Department and/or Homeland Security. The contact information for both offices is as follows: DC also has 30 permanent CCTV cameras at these locations

http://mpdc.dc.gov/page/cctv-locations-permanent-cameras

First District

1100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (2 cameras)
200 block of Constitution Avenue, NW
500 block of North Capitol Street, NW
1000 block of Jefferson Drive, SW
300 block of Independence Avenue, SW
400 block of L’Enfant Plaza, SW
First Street & S Street, SW
Half Street & S Street, SW
South Capitol & Potomac Avenue, SE
Second District

1300 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW
3600 block of M Street, NW
Wisconsin Avenue & M Street, NW
1000 block of Vermont Avenue, NW
700 block of 18th Street, NW
700 block of 19th Street, NW
800 block of Vermont Avenue, NW
Pennsylvania Avenue & 15th Street, NW (2 cameras)
19th Street & Dupont Circle, NW
5900 MacArthur Blvd NW
20th Street & G Street, NW
5400 Norton Street,NW
18th Street & H Street, NW
19th Street & H Street, NW
20th Street & H Street, NW
18th Street & G Street, NW
19th Street & G Street, NW
Sixth District

Kenilworth Avenue & Foote Street, NE
Benning Road & Anacostia Avenue, NE
660 Anacostia Avenue, NE
Virginia

1000 block of 19th Street, North (Rosslyn, VA)

Following is the list of the 18 permanent CCTV cameras in DC

1100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (2 cameras)
200 block of Constitution Avenue, NW
500 block of North Capitol Street, NW
1000 block of Jefferson Drive, SW
300 block of Independence Avenue, SW
400 block of L’Enfant Plaza, SW
1300 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW
3600 block of M Street, NW
Wisconsin Avenue & M Street, NW
1000 block of Nineteenth Street, North (Rosslyn, VA)
1000 block of Vermont Avenue, NW
700 block of 18th Street, NW
700 block of 19th Street, NW
800 block of Vermont Avenue, NW
Pennsylvania Avenue & 15th Street, NW (2 cameras)
19th Street & Dupont Circle, NW
Previous Permanent Camera Locations (no longer active).

Detailed information may also be available on the MPD’s website at www.mpdc.dc.gov/cctv.

Additionally, footage from many DC traffic cameras can be accessed through Freedom of Information Requests online through  foia-dc.gov

Baltimore City

Some lawyers have been able to obtain footage in Baltimore City from a CityWatch (blue light) camera through the Baltimore City Police in the past, and they keep that footage for 30 days, I think. There are also lots of live cameras on this website (http://www.chart.state.md.us/), but I was told they don’t record because they don’t have the hardware to support it.

What Should I Look for in a Traffic Camera Video Recording?

Video footage from a traffic camera forms a solid base for evidence to establish liability and prove damage sustained by injured victims. Solid evidence can significantly impact the outcome of your case and increase the chances of receiving a fair settlement value.

• The Cause of the Accident: A traffic camera can capture traffic violations like overspeeding, distracted driving, or tailgating. You can highlight these violations to a jury to demonstrate fault on the other driver.
• Images: Some traffic cameras have artificial intelligence that captures photos of drivers, passengers, and license plates. However, the images are deleted within 72 hours if no offense is caught on camera.
• Photographs of Vehicle Damage: You can download an image of the vehicle damage from video footage to demonstrate the liable party’s fault. Similarly, you can capture images of other important details, including vehicle debris and skid marks.
• Eye Witnesses: If you intend to rely on an eye witness, video footage confirming their presence in the scene may enhance the strength of their statement.

If you need help with the following steps, a car accident attorney can provide legal advice on obtaining, processing, and preserving video evidence.

How Long Are Traffic Camera Recordings Available?

The availability of a video recording after a car accident can vary. For instance, it depends on its source. For instance, 24-hour video streaming from red-light cameras might not be available for very long for consumers to review in Baltimore. 

Footage of red-light violations is often available for review for longer. On the other hand, video footage from homeowners and business owners may be available for a longer period, as long as the owner did not delete it. Requesting the footage immediately after an accident can protect your right to compensation.

Consider speaking to a relevant authority, such as the police, highway authorities, or business owners, about a retention period for camera recordings. If you delay seeking the camera footage, the file may be erased or overwritten, affecting your ability to enforce your rights.