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If you were hurt in a car accident in Erie, Pennsylvania, you’re probably looking for answers and evidence. Traffic camera footage can sometimes show exactly what happened, which can be incredibly valuable for your case.
In many situations, you can request traffic cam footage from government agencies like the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) or the City of Erie by submitting a formal request. However, the process isn’t always simple, and time is critical. In most cases, traffic camera footage is not saved for longer than 72 hours. However, a car accident lawyer can often help secure this evidence before it’s lost.
Getting traffic camera footage in Erie usually involves contacting the agency that owns or operates the camera and submitting a Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) request form. Here’s how that process typically works:
Start by identifying who likely owns the camera. There are two primary agencies that may have it:
If you’re not sure, you can submit a request to one agency first. If they don’t have the footage, they may direct you to the correct one.
If your accident occurred on a highway or state road, you might assume PennDOT has video of what happened. In reality, PennDOT traffic cameras are used for live traffic monitoring only. They typically do not have any recordings, and those they do have may be recorded over shortly after, in some cases, immediately.
If you still want to confirm whether any records are available, you can submit a request through the state’s Office of Open Records.
Or contact PennDOT’s Open Records Officer:
Email: PE*****************@**.gov
Mail: PennDOT Open Records Officer
Bureau of Office Services, PennDOT
400 North Street, PO Box 3451
Harrisburg, PA 17105-3451
Your request should include the exact location, date, and time of the accident, along with a clear description of the footage you are seeking.
Submitting the request itself is free. However, because PennDOT generally does not retain traffic camera recordings, these requests are often unsuccessful.
If your accident happened on a city street, your request will go through the City of Erie. Requests are often required to be made in person or by certified mail, although some records may be available through online services. The city handles many records through its Right-to-Know online services.
You can submit your request directly to the City of Erie Police Department:
Email: er********@*****pa.us
Mail: Erie Police Department
Attn: Right to Know Officer
626 State Street
Erie, PA 16501
When you submit your request, include the exact location of the accident, the date, and the time. Clearly state that you are requesting video footage related to a motor vehicle accident you were involved in.
The cost for the recording is $100 per video.
If traffic cameras don’t capture your accident, or the footage isn’t available, there may be other video sources nearby.
Other sources can include:
These sources can sometimes provide clearer views of what happened, but you must reach out quickly. Digital camera footage is often automatically overwritten, sometimes within days. That means the video you need could be gone before you know how to request it.
Getting video from private sources is usually more informal, but it is still time-sensitive. If you notice a nearby business or home with cameras, try to:
Just like traffic cameras, private systems may overwrite footage quickly. Also, some owners may be unsure about sharing footage. This is where having a lawyer can help because they can step in and formally request or preserve the evidence when needed.
While video evidence can be powerful, obtaining it isn’t always straightforward. You may run into:
In some cases, footage may not be available at all.
If you can’t get traffic cam or surveillance footage, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a case. Many successful car accident claims rely on other types of evidence to prove what happened.
If video footage isn’t available, other evidence can help build a strong claim. This evidence may include:
Each piece helps tell the story of how the accident happened and how it has affected you.
Trying to track down footage and building a case while dealing with injuries can feel overwhelming. That’s where legal help can make a difference. A personal injury lawyer can:
At Berger and Green, we’ve spent more than 40 years helping injured people through difficult times. We understand what you’re going through, and we focus on making the process easier so you can focus on your recovery.
Getting traffic camera footage in Erie can be time-sensitive and complicated, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Berger and Green is here to help you take the next step.
Call us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
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