Can I Get Intersection Camera Footage After a Car Accident in New Jersey? 

If you need to pursue a car accident claim against someone else in New Jersey, you will need evidence to prove the claim you are making. Video surveillance footage can present a strong type of evidence that helps establish fault and clarify the facts of a case. Learn how to obtain intersection camera footage in New Jersey, and when it can be used as evidence in a car accident case.  Make sure to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer in New Jersey for legal guidance and support.

When Do You Need Intersection Camera Footage of an Accident in New Jersey?

New Jersey abides by no-fault laws when it comes to financial responsibility (or liability) for a car accident. This means all injured parties file claims with their own car insurance companies for financial coverage, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

In certain circumstances, however, a crash victim can file a claim against the at-fault driver. In this situation, the victim must prove that the accused party is at fault for causing the crash. Intersection camera footage can provide key evidence in this situation.

Traffic cameras in New Jersey record intersection activity. They may capture a driver breaking a traffic law, such as running a red light or failing to yield the right-of-way. This footage could be used as evidence against the driver to demonstrate that he or she is at fault for a car accident.

How to Obtain Intersection Camera Footage

Intersection cameras are managed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). They are installed to monitor traffic conditions and capture red light violations. Footage recorded by intersection cameras is available to the public, and can be requested by contacting NJDOT directly.

It is critical to act quickly, as intersection camera footage may be recorded over within just 24 to 72 hours. In New Jersey, you must request the footage within no more than seven days after the accident. You can do so by submitting the official Traffic Camera Video Request Form. You will need to input information about the location, date and time of the car accident to locate the correct footage. There is also a fee that must be paid.

How Intersection Camera Footage Can Help a NJ Car Accident Case

Video footage from an intersection camera can provide an objective, unbiased view of events during an automobile accident. It can capture precise details of the crash and the moments leading up to it, including the exact location of both vehicles, their speeds and travel directions, and the actions of all drivers involved.

Video evidence can help establish fault if you need to hold another driver accountable. It can also support your version of events and help you combat allegations that you contributed to the accident (the comparative negligence defense). This can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of achieving maximum compensation.

Get Help With Your Case

You can potentially ask the police to help you obtain a copy of intersection camera footage for your car accident claim. If you called the police to the scene of the accident, they may look around for nearby cameras for you, including traffic cameras, intersection cameras, surveillance cameras and dashboard cameras. They can help you obtain copies of this footage.

You can also contact a car accident attorney in New Jersey for assistance gathering this type of evidence. Your attorney can issue subpoenas and take other steps to preserve and collect key footage from intersection cameras. If you’re ready to access intersection camera footage and use it to aid your New Jersey car accident case, contact the attorneys at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. to begin with a free consultation.