How Long Is Traffic Camera Footage Stored in Queens, NY?

Car collisions are unfortunately common in a fast-paced borough like Queens, NY. In such cases, road camera footage can play a critical role in determining fault and establishing liability. Many people may wonder how long traffic camera footage is stored and whether it remains accessible after an accident. These are important questions for anyone involved in a collision.

This blog will explain how long different agencies in the city retain traffic camera recordings and outline steps to take if the videos from your incident are no longer available. The Barnes Firm, located at 420 Lexington Avenue Suite #2140, New York, NY 10170, helps victims gather all necessary evidence, even when retrieving is difficult.

How Long Do Traffic Cameras Keep Footage of Car Accidents in Queens?

The retention period varies depending on the type of camera and the agency managing it. Traffic footage is generally stored for a short period, typically 24 to 72 hours, though this can differ based on the camera’s purpose. Understanding the differences between these cameras can help you know what to expect when trying to obtain videos and images after a car incident.

• Live Road Cameras: These are managed by agencies like the New York City Traffic Management Center (NYCTMC) and are used to monitor real-time conditions and assist with traffic flow management. The content is not archived for future use and is typically deleted after a few hours or days. It’s crucial to request footage as soon as possible after an incident.
• Red-Light Cameras: These cameras are designed to capture still images or short video clips when a vehicle runs a red light. They primarily operate to issue citations to violators. The videos or images from them are stored long enough to process the ticket but are usually purged after a short time unless a legal case requires them to be retained.
• Speed Cameras: They monitor vehicle speeds in designated areas such as school zones or construction sites. When a driver exceeds the speed limit, the camera captures an image, and the footage is typically retained long enough to enforce a citation.

Given these short storage durations, it is crucial to secure the recordings quickly after a crash. Legal professionals can assist in obtaining this time-sensitive evidence before it is permanently deleted.

Does the Department of Transportation Store Traffic Camera Footage of Car Accidents in Queens?

No, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) does not store the recordings for public access after collisions. NYCDOT operates numerous cameras across the city to monitor congestion and improve road conditions. Still, their cameras are primarily intended for real-time traffic monitoring rather than for archiving the recordings.

For example, the NYCTMC manages live-streaming cameras, which provide real-time updates on websites like 511NY. However, they do not store footage for long-term use, as their primary function is to assist with managing traffic flow, not to serve as evidence in incidents. As a result, requesting the media from the Department of Transportation or the traffic management center after a collision is generally ineffective unless the request is made immediately.

How Long Do Law Enforcement Agencies in Queens Keep Traffic Camera Footage of Car Accidents?

Law enforcement agencies in Queens typically retain camera footage for a short time, ranging from 30 to 90 days. This media, usually collected from red-light or speed cameras operated by the NYPD or local municipalities, tends to be stored longer than the ones from live traffic cameras due to its use in enforcing the laws.

Recordings from red-light and speed cameras, used by law enforcement for issuing citations, are generally kept for record-keeping purposes once the citation is issued. However, accessing this footage can be challenging and often requires a prompt request to ensure it is still available.

What if Traffic Cameras Didn’t Keep Footage of My Queens Car Accident?

If the footage is unavailable, don’t worry; there are other important ways to gather evidence to support your case. Traffic cameras often store media for only a short time, and it’s not uncommon for that evidence to be erased before it can be retrieved. Nonetheless, a trusted lawyer can help you explore alternative forms of evidence that can be just as effective in proving liability and building a strong claim. Here are some key sources that count as proof for your case:

• Accident reports: Law enforcement agencies like the NYPD file detailed reports after responding to car collisions. These documents contain crucial information about the crash, including statements from involved parties and any citations issued, making them vital pieces of evidence.
• Eyewitness testimonies: People who were present at the scene can offer valuable firsthand accounts of the event. Their perspectives can help clarify how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
• Private security cameras: Many businesses or residential properties near the scene may have security cameras that record footage of the incident. These often retain video for longer periods than traffic cameras.
• Dashcam Recordings: Other drivers on the road may have dashcams in their vehicles, capturing the detailed scene of the collision from different angles.

Leveraging these alternative sources allows the legal team to build a comprehensive case even when the camera footage is unavailable.

New York Traffic Cameras: How to Access Them on Long Island

Accessing the traffic camera footage on Long Island requires contacting the specific agency responsible for the camera in question. Several road management systems in the city, such as the NYSDOT and Thruway Authority, manage live traffic feeds similar to those in Queens.

For example, NYSDOT operates cameras along Long Island highways. On the other hand, these feeds are typically not archived and only available for real-time updates. Similarly, the New York State Thruway Authority operates cameras on major roads but does not store the images and videos for extended periods.

If you believe traffic camera footage could assist in your case, acting quickly is crucial. A car accident lawyer can help ensure the proper requests for footage are made in a timely manner.

Instructions to Order Traffic Camera Footage on Long Island

To request the images and videos, you must contact the agency that operates the camera. For cameras managed by the NYSDOT, a request can be submitted via their website. For cameras operated by the Thruway Authority, you’ll need to contact their customer service department for specific guidance on making a formal request.

It’s important to note that these agencies are not required to provide the content to the general public, especially for live traffic cameras that are not used for law enforcement purposes.

Call Our Lawyers After a Car Accident in Queens

After a car accident in Queens, NY, it may sometimes be unclear whether traffic camera footage will help your case. Acting quickly is key, as these cameras often store the media for only a limited time. However, various other types of evidence can still support a strong case. The attorneys at The Barnes Firm are ready to help you gather the necessary evidence and file your claim.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
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