Can I Request Traffic Camera Footage in Florida After a Car Accident?

In Florida, you can request traffic camera footage after a car accident, but it will be difficult to obtain. It usually requires a subpoena or a formal request from a lawyer. Every municipality in Florida has its own set of standards for traffic camera footage and recording. It may be recorded over in as little as 24 to 48 hours, depending on location, while other areas may keep it for a few days or even a few weeks.

If you have been hurt in a car accident and believe traffic camera footage may help determine liability, a car accident lawyer in Florida at Kogan & DiSalvo can expedite this request. Your choice of a lawyer is an important one. For aggressive, client-focused advocacy that gets results, trust our team of dedicated injury attorneys. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Can I Do to Gather Evidence on My Behalf?

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported 391,000 accidents last year, with 3,462 fatalities. Therefore, it’s important to know what steps you can take to gather evidence on your behalf, including:

• Note down the time and place of the accident with specifics such as your starting point and destination.
• Take photos or videos of:
• Both vehicles
• Close-up shots of the precise point of impact
• Large pieces of debris to indicate the intensity of the accident
• Injuries sustained during the accident 
• Photos of the other driver’s insurance card, driver’s license, and vehicle’s license plate.
• Obtain contact information from eyewitnesses
• Call 911 to file a police report

How Can My Attorney Obtain Traffic Camera Footage?

As noted above, obtaining traffic camera footage usually requires an attorney. Footage from public or private entities needs a subpoena or a formal request.

There are several different types of camera footage:

• Government-owned red-light cameras
• Traffic monitoring cameras
• Police dash cams
• Privately owned surveillance cameras from nearby homes or businesses.

When your lawyer requests the footage, they will contact the local police department or government office managing the cameras. They will explain that they are investigating an accident. They can also contact private homes or businesses directly, communicating with the camera owners on your behalf.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Car accidents are traumatizing, and prolonged accident claims can cause even more emotional and financial stress. For those looking to obtain traffic camera footage in Florida, your lawyer plays a critical role in gathering evidence to best support your case. At Kogan & DiSalvo, our attorneys have years of experience handling the most complex personal injury matters. Contact us today for a free consultation. It offers a no-obligation opportunity to ask questions and determine whether you have a valid claim for compensation. We work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.

Additional Copy for Parent Page Snippet. Requesting traffic camera footage in Florida is difficult without a lawyer. They can subpoena the government office in charge of the traffic camera or request footage from private surveillance cameras, such as those owned by businesses or homes. Traffic camera footage can be valuable evidence in car accident claims, and it is vital to act quickly–it may be recorded over in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Read More