Can you obtain traffic footage in Arizona

With video cameras seemingly on every corner and in every person’s hand, many Arizona motor vehicle accidents are recorded daily. Traffic footage of a crash can provide a valuable account of what happened. You can request footage of the collision from the people or agencies that own it. However, not all footage is readily available to the public. You may need a car accident lawyer to file a subpoena to get the evidence you need.

What are Some Different Types of Cameras That Video Might be Obtained From?

After a motor vehicle accident, you might obtain footage of the crash from various cameras that recorded the incident. Examples of sources of accident footage include:

• Traffic cameras – Many streets and highways now have CCTV cameras that record traffic. Although officials typically use traffic cameras to monitor congestion, you or your attorney can request the appropriate state or local transportation agency to obtain a copy of the footage if traffic cameras capture the car accident.
• Red-light cameras – Some municipalities have installed red-light cameras that take photos or videos of vehicles at intersections. Red-light camera footage can help prove that the other driver caused the motor vehicle accident by running a red light.
• Dashcams – Many drivers have dedicated dashcams installed in their vehicles or use cellphones to record dashcam footage. Some newer models have built-in dashcams on the dashboard or behind the rearview mirror. Others have cameras around the car to record the moments leading up to a collision.
• Helmet cams – Motorcycle riders and bicyclists have begun attaching miniature cameras to their helmets or the front of their bikes to record their trips.
• Nearby businesses – Companies and organizations such as banks, hospitals, schools, or office buildings may have surveillance cameras installed outside the building that may have video footage of an auto accident.
• Cell phone footage – Bystanders may inadvertently capture a crash while recording something else on their cell phones or use their phones to record the aftermath of an accident.

How Long is Video Camera Footage Retained?

You must act quickly to obtain copies of video camera footage of a motor vehicle accident. Many businesses and organizations, including state and local traffic agencies, have record retention policies that govern how long the organizations must keep surveillance camera footage before it is deleted. Organizations can only hold onto their surveillance footage for a little while. Otherwise, they would end up with an unmanageable amount of data. While some organizations may keep footage for a week or more, others may delete footage within a few days. However, some agencies will preserve copies of surveillance footage upon request, so you and your attorney should contact those parties as soon as possible to request a copy.

Is Arizona a Comparative Fault State?

Arizona follows the pure comparative fault rule, which allows car accident victims to pursue compensation from another at-fault party even if they share responsibility for the crash. However, under this rule, a driver who is partly at fault may have their compensation reduced based on their assigned percentage of fault for the wreck.

For example, if a victim could recover $100,000 in a car accident claim but bears 25 percent of the blame for the crash, a judge or jury could reduce their compensation by $25,000 to reflect their share of fault.

Can Traffic Camera Footage Help with My Car Accident Case?

Traffic camera footage can serve as a valuable tool when seeking compensation in a car accident case, especially if you and the other driver(s) dispute who is at fault for the crash. Video footage can show which driver has the more credible account of the accident or prove who or what caused it.

For instance, if you claim that the other driver caused the accident because they ran a red light or failed to signal before turning or changing lanes, traffic camera footage that confirms your account could help you obtain compensation.

How Can an Arizona Car Accident Lawyer Help Me Obtain Traffic Camera Footage of My Accident?

Obtaining traffic camera footage can be challenging. An experienced car accident lawyer can use the law to recover copies of the footage. At Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., we will:

• Identify available sources of footage that could strengthen your case
• File preservation requests with businesses and organizations to ensure footage does not get deleted according to records retention policies
• Submit requests or file subpoenas, if necessary, to obtain copies of footage of the crash
• Evaluate the usefulness of camera footage, including working with accident reconstruction experts as needed to incorporate the footage into a persuasive legal case

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Arizona?

Under Arizona’s statute of limitations, you usually have only two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit filed after the deadline likely will be dismissed by the court regardless of its merits.

In addition to the statute of limitations, you must follow the notice deadline under Arizona’s Tort Claims Act if you have a car accident claim against the state or a local government. The law requires you to send notice of your claim to the appropriate agency or officials within 180 days of an accident. Failing to give timely notice may result in the waiver of your claim.

Due to the strict deadlines for filing a car accident claim in Arizona, you should speak with a car accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure you file your case on time.

Contact an Arizona Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffered injuries or property damage in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may have the right to recover compensation for your losses. Video footage of the crash can help you secure financial relief. Contact Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., today for a consultation with an Arizona car accident lawyer.

Visit Our Arizona Car Accident Law Offices

About the Author

Zachary Mushkatel

Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive…