Knowing how to obtain surveillance camera footage after a car accident in Houston can be crucial for establishing fault and securing fair compensation. Video evidence from traffic cameras, business security systems, and residential doorbell cameras can provide clear visual proof that supports your injury claim. We outline the most effective methods for locating and requesting this footage before it is lost or deleted.
Why Surveillance Footage Matters in Car Accident Cases
Surveillance footage provides objective, time-stamped evidence that insurance companies and courts recognize as credible and reliable. Unlike witness testimony or police reports, video captures the crash as it happened. It can reveal:
- Who had the right of way
- The speed and behavior of both vehicles
- Whether a driver ran a red light or a stop sign
- If distracted driving or reckless behavior occurred
- Weather, road, and lighting conditions at the scene
This footage can support your account of the accident, refute false claims, and increase the value of your settlement.
Common Sources of Crash Footage in Houston
Surveillance footage can originate from various sources, depending on the location and nature of the crash. These include:
Traffic Cameras
Houston has red-light and traffic-monitoring cameras at key intersections. These are often operated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the City of Houston, or private vendors under contract with the city. However, most are used for traffic management and may not record or retain footage.
Business Surveillance Cameras
Gas stations, retail stores, banks, and office buildings often have exterior cameras that may capture footage of a nearby crash. These systems typically store footage for only a few days unless it is saved.
Residential Doorbell and Security Cameras
Homeowners in residential neighborhoods often use Ring, Nest, or similar systems. These may record footage of neighborhood streets, especially if the crash occurred in a subdivision or near a driveway.
Private Dash Cameras
Drivers, rideshare vehicles, delivery trucks, and commercial vehicles may have dash cams that captured the incident. This footage is harder to obtain without cooperation, but it’s highly valuable if available.
How to Request Car Accident Video Footage in Houston
Time is critical. Most surveillance systems automatically delete video after 24 to 72 hours. Immediate action increases the chance of recovery.
1. Identify Nearby Cameras
Visit the crash scene as soon as possible. Look for:
- Security cameras on nearby buildings
- Traffic signal poles with camera domes
- Doorbell cameras on homes facing the street
- Parking lot cameras at nearby businesses
Take photos and document addresses and business names for follow-up.
2. Contact the Property Owners Directly
If the camera is on private property, request the footage directly from the owner or manager. Be polite but urgent. Provide:
- The exact date and time of the crash
- Your contact information
- A brief explanation of the incident
- The location and direction of the camera faces
If they agree to release the footage, get a copy immediately. If they hesitate, have your attorney make a formal request.
3. Send a Preservation Letter
Have your attorney send a spoliation letter or preservation request to the party responsible for the spoliation. This letter notifies the recipient and their insurance company that they must preserve any potentially relevant footage for litigation. It should include:
- A description of the crash
- The time and location
- The reason the footage may be relevant
- A legal notice of their duty to preserve evidence
Failing to preserve video after receiving such a letter can lead to legal consequences for the party who destroys it.
4. File a Subpoena for Surveillance Footage
If the party refuses to release the video voluntarily, your attorney can issue a subpoena during the discovery phase of your injury claim. This legal document compels them to produce the footage.
5. Request Footage from Government Agencies
To obtain traffic camera or intersection video from public entities, file an Open Records Request under the Texas Public Information Act. Requests should be sent to:
- The Houston Police Department (HPD)
- The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
- The Houston Public Works Department
Include precise dates, times, and intersections. Government footage may be limited, so a quick request is essential.
What Happens If You Can’t Get the Footage
Not all crashes are captured on camera. If no video is available, your attorney can build your case using:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction
- Photos of the scene and vehicle damage
- Medical records
While video is powerful, it is not the only way to prove fault in a car accident. However, acting quickly gives you the best chance to secure critical footage.
Legal Help Maximizes Your Chance of Securing Footage
An experienced Houston car accident attorney has the tools to obtain surveillance footage before it’s lost. We act fast to:
- Identify and contact all potential footage holders
- Send legal preservation notices
- File subpoenas when necessary
- Coordinate with law enforcement
- Use footage effectively to strengthen your claim
If you delay, the evidence may be gone forever. Surveillance video can mean the difference between a denied claim and full compensation.
Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer to Secure Crash Footage
We help crash victims throughout Houston obtain critical surveillance footage to support their claims. If you were hurt in a crash and believe a camera may have captured the incident, contact our office immediately. If we accept your injury case, we will move quickly to preserve and secure all available evidence while protecting your legal rights.
Let our team fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Baumgartner Law Firm at (281) 587-1111.
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