Obtaining Atlanta Traffic Camera Footage: A Guide

Obtaining traffic camera footage in Atlanta, Georgia can be challenging and, in some cases, impossible. While the city has a network of live traffic cameras, it does not typically maintain a database of the footage, making it difficult to access specific accident recordings. However, there are alternative sources of footage and other types of evidence that can be utilised to establish liability in motor vehicle accidents.

The Georgia Department of Transportation does not record traffic camera footage

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) does not record traffic camera footage. While Georgia has an extensive traffic network, the GDOT does not store any video footage from its traffic cameras. This is due to the massive storage space and cost-prohibitive manpower that would be required to fulfil requests for footage. As a result, the GDOT is unable to honour any requests for traffic camera footage.

However, there are alternative sources of traffic camera footage that may be useful. For example, private businesses, homes, and government buildings may have security cameras that captured the accident. Additionally, personal dash cameras or cell phones may have recorded the incident. Obtaining this type of footage can be challenging and may require the assistance of an attorney.

In some cases, it may be possible to access live stream footage from traffic cameras on your computer or smartphone through services like Georgia 511. This can provide real-time information about traffic conditions but may not provide recorded footage of accidents.

If you are seeking traffic camera footage for legal purposes, consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer. They can help you investigate alternative sources of evidence, such as witness accounts, photographs, and expert reconstructions of the accident. They can also guide you through the process of requesting footage from other sources and handle your claim.

You can watch traffic camera footage live on your smartphone or computer

If you are looking for footage of a specific accident, obtaining this can be extremely difficult, if not impossible. The city of Atlanta does not maintain a database of traffic camera footage. However, there are some alternatives to obtain traffic camera footage or other types of video evidence.

One option is to file an open records request with the Atlanta Police Department, specifying the date and location of the footage you require. The city of Atlanta retains video footage from its cameras for 14 days, so you will need to act quickly. Another option is to engage the services of a lawyer, who can help you investigate and obtain other types of video evidence, such as from dashboard cameras, security cameras, or personal cell phones.

Private businesses may have surveillance footage of an accident

If you've been in a road traffic accident in Atlanta, Georgia, you may be wondering how you can obtain traffic camera footage to help with your case. While it's not possible to obtain footage from Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) cameras, there are other ways to get hold of this type of evidence.

Private businesses and local shops located on busy streets may have cameras that recorded your accident. This footage is usually stored for a reasonable period before being erased, and you can access it with the business owner's help. Banks, stores, and other businesses near the accident scene could have caught the accident. But you'll need to act quickly before the footage is deleted.

If you need to obtain private business surveillance footage, here's what you can do:

• Ask politely: While businesses are under no legal obligation to share their surveillance footage, a security guard or a friendly employee may allow you to view the footage. They may also provide you with contact information for a formal request.
• Make a formal request: If you obtain contact information for a higher-up or a security officer, consider reaching out to them directly. Explain your situation and make a formal request for the footage. They may consider your request and provide the required footage.
• Involve law enforcement: If the issue is complex and you need to involve the police, you can request their assistance in obtaining the surveillance video.
• Obtain a court subpoena: In some cases, a business may require a court order before releasing any footage. If you plan to file a case, work with law enforcement to obtain a court subpoena for the surveillance video.
• Hire an attorney: A premises liability attorney can send a spoliation request to the business owner, advising them of your claim and requesting a copy of the surveillance video. They can also advise the owner not to spoil or destroy the footage.

It's important to note that businesses should only provide footage for a particular purpose while protecting the privacy of their customers. When disclosing recordings, they must ensure that identifying information about individuals not involved in the incident is protected.

Home security cameras may have recorded an accident

If you've been in an accident in Atlanta, you may be wondering how to obtain traffic camera footage to support an insurance claim or legal case. While it's not possible to obtain footage from Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) cameras, there are other ways to get video evidence of a road collision. Here's what you need to know about requesting footage from home security cameras and other sources:

Home Security Cameras

Home security cameras, such as doorbell cameras or personal surveillance systems, can be a valuable source of footage if you've been in an accident in a residential area. If your accident occurred near homes or residential streets, it's worth approaching the homeowners to ask if their cameras captured any relevant footage. Most homeowners are willing to help in these situations.

Private Business Surveillance Video

Businesses located on or near busy streets may also have cameras that recorded the accident. This footage is typically stored for a reasonable period before being erased, so it's important to act quickly. Reach out to the business owner or manager to request access to any relevant footage.

Personal Dash Cameras

Personal dash cameras can record a vehicle and its surroundings, providing close-up footage of an accident. If there were other drivers on the road at the time of the accident, there's a chance that one of them may have a dash cam with footage that could support your case.

Traffic Camera Archive

While the State of Georgia does not record traffic camera footage, there are independent platforms, such as Traffic Cam Archive, that capture, catalog, and archive traffic camera footage. These platforms allow you to search for and purchase footage from specific dates and locations. This can be a useful resource if you need video evidence of an accident in Atlanta or other cities in Georgia.

Working with a Lawyer

Obtaining security camera footage can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially if you're dealing with the aftermath of an accident. Consider consulting a lawyer who can guide you through the legal requirements and advocate for your rights. A lawyer can help you identify potential sources of footage, send preservation letters, and make formal requests or subpoenas if necessary. They can also advise you on other types of evidence, such as photos, eyewitness testimony, and police reports, to support your case.

Dash cams can be a source of traffic camera footage

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a dash cam. Firstly, consider the video resolution. 4K video resolution will provide the sharpest and most detailed footage, which can be important for capturing things like license plate numbers. Other features to look for include night vision, high dynamic range (HDR), and a supercapacitor power supply instead of a lithium-ion battery.

In terms of mounting the dash cam, it's important to place it high and out of your eyeline so that it doesn't obstruct your view of the road. You'll also need to consider how to power the dash cam. Some dash cams can be plugged into your car's 12V DC outlet, while others may need to be hardwired directly into the electrical system.

It's also important to be aware of any legal restrictions on the use of dash cams in your area. In some places, it may be illegal to use a dash cam to record in public spaces due to privacy concerns. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the relevant laws before using a dash cam.

Overall, dash cams can be a valuable tool for capturing traffic camera footage and can provide important evidence in the event of an accident or incident.

Frequently asked questions