Video footage can help identify a driver who leaves the scene of a crash and provide evidence of what happened. Traffic cameras, nearby business security systems, dashcams, and residential surveillance cameras may capture the collision or the fleeing vehicle. Finding this footage quickly is important because some recording systems automatically delete old videos.
Learning how to get traffic camera video footage of crash incidents can help you locate potential evidence after a hit-and-run. The process involves identifying cameras near the intersection, contacting the appropriate authorities or property owners, and preserving any recordings before they disappear.
Identify Traffic Cameras Near the Intersection
Start by identifying public traffic cameras that may have recorded the crash. These cameras may be operated by a city transportation department, county agency, state transportation department, or law enforcement agency.
Write down the exact intersection, the date, and the approximate time of the collision. Note the direction in which the other vehicle traveled and any nearby landmarks. This information can help officials identify cameras that may have captured the incident.
Keep in mind that not every traffic camera records video. Some systems provide live traffic views without saving recordings. Contact the agency responsible for the camera to ask whether footage exists and how to request it.
Request Footage From Local Authorities
If a government agency operates a camera near the intersection, ask about its process for requesting recorded footage. Depending on the location, you may need to submit a public records request or provide information through the investigating police department.
A request should include the crash location, date, time range, and a brief explanation of the incident. If a police report has already been filed, include the report number when available.
In California, the California Public Records Act, under Government Code Section 7920.000 et seq., establishes a framework for public access to government records, subject to applicable exemptions. Whether particular traffic footage can be released depends on the circumstances, the agency’s records, and any legal restrictions.
Do not assume that a public camera recording will be available indefinitely. Ask the agency how long recordings are retained and whether it can preserve relevant footage while your request is being processed.
Check Nearby Businesses and Buildings
Public traffic cameras are not the only possible source of video evidence. Businesses, parking garages, apartment buildings, gas stations, and other properties near an intersection may have security cameras facing the road.
Visit nearby locations or contact their managers as soon as possible. Explain when the hit-and-run occurred and ask whether their cameras may have captured the collision or the vehicle leaving the scene.
Provide a specific time range rather than asking for all recordings from the day. This makes it easier for staff to locate the relevant footage.
A business may not be able to give you a copy directly because of privacy policies or other restrictions. Even so, the owner may agree to preserve the recording or provide it to the investigating officer upon request.
Ask Witnesses About Dashcam and Phone Videos
Drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers may have recorded the crash without realizing the footage could be important. A nearby driver may have dashcam video showing the impact, the fleeing vehicle, or its license plate.
If witnesses remain at the scene, ask whether they saw the collision or have recordings. You can also provide information to the police so investigators can follow up with potential witnesses.
Avoid confronting a suspected driver or attempting to obtain evidence through unsafe actions. Share relevant information with law enforcement and let investigators handle the identification process.
Preserve the Footage and Share It With Police
Once you learn that a recording may exist, ask the camera owner or responsible agency to preserve it. Some systems overwrite footage within days, so delays can result in the loss of important evidence.
If you receive a copy, keep the original file whenever possible. Avoid editing, cropping, or adding markings to the original recording. Make a separate working copy if you need to highlight a vehicle or specific moment.
Provide the footage to the officer investigating the hit-and-run, along with the camera location, recording time, and contact information for the person who supplied it. Investigators may compare the video with witness statements, vehicle descriptions, and other evidence to help identify the driver.
Summary Points
- Identify public traffic cameras and nearby security cameras as soon as possible.
- Contact the responsible government agency to learn how to request traffic footage.
- Ask nearby businesses and property owners to preserve recordings.
- Check whether witnesses have dashcam or phone videos.
- Save original recordings and share relevant evidence with the investigating police officer.
- Act quickly because video footage may be deleted or overwritten.
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