How Long Do Traffic Cameras Keep Footage of Motorcycle Accidents in NJ?
In order for your motorcycle accident lawsuit to succeed, you must gather evidence that proves your crash was caused by the defendant’s negligence. One valuable form of evidence that can be used is surveillance footage from traffic cameras.
The video images recorded by traffic cameras in New Jersey will be stored for 7 calendar days. After 7 days have passed, images will be deleted to make room for new ones. Accordingly, it is important to begin working on your potential claim as soon as possible after suffering a motorcycle crash.
If you need help with your motorcycle accident case, consult with an experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney by calling Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464.
Traffic Camera Footage in New Jersey
The Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera video system is operated by the DOT so that they can manage traffic and identify day-to-day operational problems. These cameras are used to record information like traffic delays, weather conditions, and other incidents that can affect traffic. They are only located in public areas and are monitored during routine traffic surveillance or when the DOT receives information about a traffic incident. The information provided by traffic cameras allows the DOT to handle emergencies and manage traffic quickly and efficiently.
These cameras may also record the events that unfold before, during, and after motorcycle accidents. In such cases, footage from these cameras may be used to establish fault. For example, traffic camera footage may show that a negligent driver caused an accident by running a red light. Further, such footage may establish fault by showing that a driver caused a crash by failing to properly yield the right-of-way.
The video images recorded by the DOT’s traffic cameras will only be stored for 7 days. Once 7 days have passed, footage will be erased to create room for new recordings. Therefore, you should begin working on your claim as soon as possible after suffering a motorcycle accident in New Jersey.
Assistance from an experienced Atlantic City motorcycle accident lawyer can be highly beneficial when gathering and preserving pertinent evidence. After your free case review, Jerry can begin searching for any traffic camera footage that may be used to support your case.
How to Obtain Traffic Camera Footage of Your Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey
In order to obtain traffic camera footage of your motorcycle accident in New Jersey, you will have to fill out a video log request form. This form can be filled out online by following this link. You will be asked to provide general background information such as you name, address, and contact information. Furthermore, you will be asked to provide information regarding the date, time, and location of your accident. For your request to be processed, you must pay fee. The charge for 3 hours of recorded footage will be $100. After that, a $50 charge will be assessed for every additional, 3-hour period of footage that is requested.
You will be notified by the DOT if your request for traffic camera footage is successful. Payment for the footage must be submitted within 30 days of the date you received this notice. If no payment is tendered, the request will be nullified.
The DOT is permitted to decline requests for traffic footage. If your request is denied, you should be emailed an explanation for the denial.
Are There Other Types of Surveillance Footage that Can Be Used to Support Your Motorcycle Accident Case in New Jersey?
In addition to traffic camera footage, there are multiple other types of surveillance camera footage that can be used to support your motorcycle accident case. For instance, many drivers equip their vehicles with dashboard cameras that record the events that unfold around them during transit. If your motorcycle accident was caught on film by your dashboard camera or another driver’s camera, then that footage may be used to establish fault for your crash. For instance, footage from a dashboard camera may show that a driver committed an illegal lane change before causing your collision.
Furthermore, many businesses are equipped with security cameras that surveil surrounding areas. These cameras often capture motorcycle accidents that occur in parking lots and along storefronts. Footage from these cameras can also be used to support your motorcycle accident case. For example, a security camera in a business’s parking lot may show that a driver failed to check their surroundings before backing into you.
Finally, residential security cameras and doorbell cameras can also be useful when seeking to prove fault for your motorcycle accident. If your crash happened in a residential neighborhood, then you may be able to obtain helpful footage from security cameras operated by nearby homeowners. Reach out to an experienced Cherry Hill, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer.
How to Obtain Private Security Camera Footage After a Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey
Unfortunately, parties in control of private security camera footage may be reluctant to cooperate with plaintiffs in motorcycle accident cases. Accordingly, there are certain steps you can take that will enhance your chances at recovering such footage.
First and foremost, you should be polite when asking for footage. Be sure to introduce yourself before requesting the footage. Furthermore, do not make it seem as though you are making a demand. You should ask nicely for parties in control of relevant footage to offer their help.
Also, you should act quickly after suffering your accident. Many businesses and private camera owners delete their footage after certain periods of time. By waiting too long to seek the footage you need, you may allow it to be deleted forever.
Finally, you should be persistent when requesting security camera footage. Do not confuse being polite with being passive. You should make not of any correspondence you have with parties in control of relevant footage. If they stop communicating with you, you should find the right people to talk to so that you may keep the process moving.
In the Aftermath of Your Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey, Call Our Law Firm for Assistance
Seek help from an experienced Burlington, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer by calling Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464.
