Traffic camera footage can make or break your case after a car crash. Whether you’re up against a stubborn insurance company or a forgetful driver, visual proof can be exactly what you need.
Many Long Island traffic cameras are publicly managed, but accessing the footage isn’t always easy. You need to know who to ask and what to request before it’s gone for good. Chopra & Nocerino, a personal injury firm serving all five boroughs of New York, can help you access the footage you need quickly and legally.
Why Traffic Camera Footage Is Important After an Accident
Accidents happen fast. One moment you’re cruising through an intersection, and the next you’re staring at a crumpled hood, trying to remember if the light was green. If you were in a crash recently, here’s how obtaining traffic camera footage on Long Island can help:
- Clarify the cause of the accident
- Confirm the timing and sequence of events
- Identify other vehicles involved
- Provide evidence of road conditions or traffic violations
- Support eyewitness testimonies
- Strengthen your case in court
Long Island traffic accident camera footage is unbiased, doesn’t forget, and never changes its story. Whether you’re facing an uphill insurance battle or taking legal action against another driver, accident video footage captured by traffic cameras can tip the scales in your favor.
The Process for Requesting Traffic Camera Footage on Long Island
Tracking down traffic camera footage requires some legwork. Here’s how to go about it without wasting time or hitting dead ends.
Step 1: Identify the Relevant Traffic Cameras
Start by identifying which camera may have captured the crash. Long Island has a sprawling network of traffic cameras managed by state and local agencies. You might find the footage you need from one of these resources:
Step 2: Contact the Local Authorities
Once you’ve identified the right camera or location, contact the people who run it. This could be the local police department, the Suffolk or Nassau County Department of Public Works, the NYCDOT, or the NYSDOT. Each agency handles its own traffic monitoring systems and request protocols, so you may need to make a few phone calls.
Step 3: Submit a Formal Request or Freedom of Information Law Request
A written request is needed to access Long Island traffic cameras after an accident. Sometimes, a simple form will do. Other times, you’ll need to file a Freedom of Information Law, or FOIL, request.
Under New York’s FOIL, you have the legal right to request documents, data, and recordings—such as traffic camera footage—from state and local agencies, as long as the information isn’t exempt from disclosure. The sooner you act, the better, because some systems auto-delete footage within 24 to 72 hours.
Here’s what to do:
- Submit a written request to the specific agency holding the records.
- Specify the date, time, and location of the accident.
- Mention the purpose of the request, such as for legal or insurance purposes.
- Expect a waiting period for approval, which is typically five to 10 business days.
Step 4: Pay Any Required Fees and Review the Footage
Some agencies charge administrative fees based on the time and effort it takes to process your request. After receiving the video, review it carefully to ensure it captures the moment you need. If not, you may need to resubmit a request to get your hands on the right footage.
What To Do if Traffic Camera Footage Is Unavailable
Sometimes, the footage you need no longer exists. Cameras can malfunction, data can get overwritten, and not every intersection is covered. Don’t panic—you have other ways to build your case:
- Eyewitness testimonies: People at the scene might have noticed more than you think.
- Dashcam footage from involved vehicles: Your camera or someone else’s could save the day.
- Photos or videos taken by individuals at the scene: Bystanders with smartphones can be surprisingly helpful.
- Police accident reports: Official documentation often includes key details and diagrams.
How Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Obtain Traffic Camera Footage
Requesting traffic camera video footage after a Long Island accident takes persistence, knowledge of the system, and sometimes a little legal pressure. That’s where Chopra & Nocerino come in. Our car accident lawyers have helped New Yorkers for more than 20 years. We know how to secure traffic camera footage before it’s deleted or lost.
If you were recently injured in a car accident, don’t wait to secure top-notch legal representation. Unlike many other Long Island personal injury law firms, we don’t back down and aren’t afraid to go all the way to court to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call (855) NYC-HURT today for a free consultation.
