To get traffic camera footage in Texas, you must first identify who owns the camera—TxDOT, a local government agency, or a private party—and then submit a request through the appropriate formal or legal process, often with the help of an attorney.
Time is of the essence. Most traffic camera footage is stored for only a short period before being overwritten, so acting quickly can make all the difference in preserving key evidence after a car accident.
What Traffic Camera Footage Can Catch of Texas Car Accidents
Traffic cameras in Texas are primarily used to monitor congestion, road conditions, and traffic patterns. However, in some cases, they also capture car accidents, hit-and-runs, red light violations, or reckless driving.
Depending on where your crash occurred, the footage might come from:
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) cameras on highways
- Red light or intersection cameras operated by city governments
- Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses or homes
While not every camera records continuously or stores footage long-term, if your accident happened near one, there’s a chance it captured valuable evidence.
Relevant Data Provided by Traffic Cameras
When available, traffic camera footage can provide:
- Visual proof of the accident’s cause
- Evidence of driver behavior (speeding, running red lights, distracted driving)
- Timeline and sequence of events
- Weather or road conditions at the time
This data can play a key role in determining fault, supporting insurance claims, or strengthening a personal injury lawsuit.
Obtaining Accident Reports With Your Video
While video is incredibly useful, it’s typically not the only evidence needed. Accident reports filed by law enforcement provide a detailed narrative, involved parties’ information, and initial fault assessment.
To build a complete case:
- Request the Police Report: Available from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).
- Pair It With Footage: Use both sources to form a clearer picture of the incident.
Your attorney can help compile and coordinate these records as part of your claim or legal case.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas
Here’s what to do if you’ve been involved in a crash and think footage might help:
- Call 911 and ensure an official report is filed.
- Take note of nearby cameras (on poles, traffic lights, or businesses).
- Gather contact info of nearby witnesses and business owners.
- Contact a lawyer quickly to initiate the request process before the footage is deleted.
Ready to Secure the Evidence You Need? Contact Carew Garcia Bohuslav Law Today
If you’ve been in a Texas car accident and suspect traffic camera footage could help your case, don’t wait—video evidence can disappear quickly. At Carew Garcia Bohuslav Law, we know how to move fast, cut through red tape, and fight to secure the footage and documentation that matter most.
Whether you need help requesting footage from TxDOT, a city agency, or a private business, our experienced legal team is ready to act on your behalf. We handle the legal legwork so you can focus on healing and recovery.
Don’t wait until key evidence is lost. Contact us for a free consultation. We’re here to answer your questions, guide you through your options, and fight for the outcome you deserve.