Traffic light cameras are everywhere. Originally installed to deter people from running red lights, traffic cameras have become an unexpected ally in resolving car accident disputes. These silent witnesses can provide crucial evidence in determining fault and liability after collisions at intersections.
It’s important to understand how traffic camera footage can serve as evidence following a car crash and how you can obtain and leverage the footage to support your claim. One of the best courses of action is to contact an experienced car accident lawyer in your area since they will have the resources to obtain traffic camera footage and use it to build a solid case for you.
Why Are Traffic Light Cameras Important?
Intersection car accidents are a significant portion of car accident occurrences and litigated cases. Illinois is ranked 5th among the top 10 states for running red traffic lights. The National Safety Administration estimated that 9,227 people in the US died in red-light-running-related car accidents.
Red-light running caused the deaths of more than 840 people in one recent year. Around 66% of these intersection car accident victims are people other than the person who ran the red light, such as bicyclists, pedestrians, and the occupants of the other vehicles.
Car crashes often catch us off guard, leaving us unprepared for the aftermath. In the chaos following a collision, it’s unlikely that anyone would have the presence of mind to meticulously document every detail of the incident. Given that our memories and observations can be unreliable, especially in stressful situations, it’s crucial to secure objective evidence before it becomes unavailable. One valuable source of such evidence is traffic camera footage, which should be obtained as soon as possible after the accident. This visual record can play a pivotal role in establishing the other driver’s fault and strengthening your case.
Though credible witnesses are the key to winning a car crash case, they can sometimes be hard to locate or reluctant to cooperate. Because traffic surveillance and red lights are always present, they are beginning to serve as the best witnesses in any intersection car crash because they will not move far away or recant statements at the witness stand. Even the most hardened judges will believe what they can see with their eyes.
An experienced car accident attorney or personal injury attorney can best help coordinate the review and prompt request of any wrongdoing that is caught on camera before the evidence is erased. Acquiring the available traffic light camera footage can also help the car accident victim receive the most beneficial compensation for their injury claim.
Understanding Traffic Light Camera Technology
Municipalities install red light cameras on poles surrounding intersections or next to the traffic lights themselves. The cameras are installed to collect evidence from different angles and are meticulously engineered and maintained to capture red-light running and intersection collisions. Red-light cameras have three essential elements:
- Camera(s)
- A computer
- Triggers
The technology used is complex. There is a detection zone with usually two loop triggers located underground near the stop line or crosswalk. These detect a vehicle when it moves across a particular point on the road. The computer works as the monitor between these triggers and the traffic lights. When the driver drives across the detection zone above a certain speed while the traffic light is red, this sets off a trigger signal to the computer.
Red-Light Camera Footage as Car Accident Evidence
Though they have been around for more than 40 years, red light cameras have gained in popularity recently. Some states solely use red light cameras to catch red light violations; others use them to catch speeders.
Red-light camera footage is beneficial as intersection car accident evidence because it is designed to capture different types of traffic violations, including:
- Illegal right-hand turns
- Turning right without stopping completely
- Going through a red light
Also, footage caputes motorists who are violating traffic regulations by:
- Blocking the intersection
- Failing to stop behind a school bus that has stopped or at a stop sign
- Disobeying railroad signs
Many jurisdictions treat red-light camera footage citations the same way as general parking tickets. Regardless of who was in the driver’s seat, the vehicle’s registered owner is the liable party. Typically, law enforcement only issues citations upon clear evidence of traffic violations; tickets are not issued automatically to each vehicle red-light cameras capture.
A trained police officer or any other authorized person reviews the camera footage before issuing a citation. Some state laws have red light cameras set up to take photos only of violating vehicles’ rear license plates, while other states require an actual photo of the driver.
Therefore, in most intersection car accidents, there is photographic evidence from traffic light cameras whenever someone runs a red light due to the at-fault driver triggering the device through their carelessness or recklessness.
Is Traffic Camera Footage Admissible in Court?
In most states, traffic camera footage is considered admissible evidence in court. It’s often used to support traffic violation citations, particularly for red light and speeding infractions. The footage is typically treated as photographic evidence, similar to security camera footage or photographs of a crime scene.
Factors affecting admissibility:
- Proper installation and maintenance of cameras
- Accuracy and reliability of the technology
- Chain of custody for the footage
- Compliance with state and local laws regarding traffic cameras
- Authentication of the footage
Illinois, for example, has specific laws governing the use of automated traffic law enforcement systems, primarily for red light violations. Illinois courts generally allow traffic camera footage as evidence with the following stipulations:
- Cameras must be clearly marked and signs must warn drivers of their presence.
- The violation must be reviewed by a law enforcement officer before a citation is issued.
- The camera system must be regularly tested for accuracy.
- Footage must be maintained for a specified period and made available to the alleged violator.
Challenges to Admissibility
Defendants may challenge the admissibility of traffic camera footage on various grounds, such as:
- Questioning the accuracy or reliability of the technology
- Arguing that the cameras violate privacy rights
- Claiming improper maintenance or calibration of the cameras
- Asserting that the footage doesn’t clearly identify the driver
An assertive personal injury lawyer can fight back on any defense tactics and help an injured individual hold the at-fault driver accountable and obtain fair compensation.
How A Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Traffic Light Camera Photographic Evidence
In some municipalities, officials attach the recorded image of the traffic violation to the violation notice. In others, a person can find the camera video clip or image of the citation on www.violationinfo.com when they enter the PIN and notice number of the violation notice. Such camera footage is also usually submitted in municipal court proceedings as evidence for violation prosecution.
A qualified auto accident attorney can help you gather all the necessary photographic evidence. Either from a traffic light camera or video surveillance from businesses near the car accident scene. You need to understand that even though evidence captured on camera may increase your car accident case as an injured victim, it could also negatively impact your personal injury claim if not used accordingly.
It is, therefore, best to partner with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible to help navigate you through all the steps necessary to settle your car accident claim.
Trust Us as Your Best Car Accident Lawyers in Illinois
Michael J. Brennan’s Injury and Accident Law Firm has certified, experienced car accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers who have been defending car accident victims since 1995. Our car accident lawyers are highly skilled in helping residents of Illinois seek compensation for their insurance claims due to serious injuries sustained in an auto accident incurred by another driver’s aggressive driving.
We can help you prove your case and get a fair car accident settlement for your car accident claim, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and future medical bills from the insurance company.
For more information on the use of traffic light cameras as evidence of a car crash and to request a free consultation, you can visit either our Orlando Park law office or our Chicago law office. You can also call 708-578-7914.