816-326-2968In the aftermath of a car accident, one of the most powerful tools available to uncover the truth is video evidence. Across the state of Missouri, from its urban centers to rural roadways, traffic and surveillance cameras are becoming increasingly prevalent. These cameras, installed at intersections, along highways, and on private properties, can play a vital role in car accident investigations.
Their footage can substantiate claims, determine liability, and ensure fair outcomes for injury victims.
Why Camera Footage Matters in Missouri
Every year, thousands of traffic accidents occur in Missouri, many resulting in serious injury or death. Determining what actually happened in these incidents can be challenging, especially when drivers give conflicting accounts. This is where video footage becomes essential. Camera recordings provide a neutral, objective view of the event, often clarifying uncertainties that eyewitness testimony or police reports cannot resolve.
- Proving Right of Way
One of the key disputes in many Missouri auto accidents involves who had the legal right of way. Whether the crash occurred at a busy intersection, a rural two-way stop, or a four-way traffic light, understanding which driver had the right to proceed is critical in assigning fault.
Traffic camera footage can show the exact moment each vehicle entered the intersection, the color of the traffic light, and the positioning of all vehicles. This is especially useful in intersections governed by traffic lights, where red-light violations are common. The footage helps confirm if one driver entered the intersection unlawfully or failed to yield properly.
- Identifying Traffic Law Violations
Running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, and ignoring yield signs are common causes of accidents across Missouri. When a crash occurs, video footage can capture these violations with timestamped evidence.
Some intersections and highways in Missouri are equipped with red-light or speed cameras designed specifically to detect and record such infractions. Even in areas without these automated systems, nearby security or surveillance cameras from businesses, residences, or public buildings may capture key moments of the incident. Footage showing a vehicle clearly ignoring a traffic signal is difficult to dispute in court or during negotiations with insurance companies.
- Reconstructing the Sequence of Events
Missouri’s roads vary from congested interstates to quiet county routes, and accidents can unfold differently depending on location. In high-speed areas, collisions happen in seconds, leaving involved parties disoriented or unable to recount the exact sequence.
Surveillance or dash camera footage helps reconstruct what happened before, during, and after the crash. It may reveal swerving, erratic driving, tailgating, or sudden stops. This clear chronology of events helps investigators, attorneys, and insurers understand how the accident transpired and which actions contributed to the outcome.
The Urgency of Securing Footage
Despite its usefulness, traffic and surveillance footage is not stored indefinitely. In fact, most video systems—especially those managed by municipalities or private entities—are programmed to overwrite or delete footage within a short timeframe. Depending on the system, recordings may be erased after just 24 hours, or retained for a few days to a few weeks.
This reality makes timing critical. If you’ve been in an accident in Missouri, it’s imperative to act quickly. Contacting a personal injury attorney right away can ensure that any potentially valuable video evidence is identified and preserved before it’s lost. Attorneys can send legal preservation letters, file subpoenas, or contact private entities such as businesses or homeowners to obtain a copy of the footage.
How Attorneys Help Secure and Use Footage
Navigating the process of obtaining traffic or surveillance footage can be complex. Most public traffic cameras are controlled by city governments, county agencies, or the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Accessing this footage typically requires formal requests, and in many cases, legal intervention.
Private surveillance cameras—such as those operated by gas stations, retail stores, or residences—require a more informal yet immediate approach. Many property owners are willing to share footage if asked promptly and respectfully. However, without legal support, victims may not know where to look or how to make the request.
An experienced Missouri personal injury attorney understands the legal procedures and has the resources to:
- Identify nearby cameras that may have recorded the incident.
- Send preservation and evidence requests to camera owners.
- File subpoenas when necessary to compel production of footage.
- Analyze the footage in context with local traffic laws.
- Present the evidence persuasively during settlement discussions or in court.
Types of Cameras Common in Missouri
While Missouri is not universally covered with traffic monitoring infrastructure, several types of video surveillance are commonly found throughout the state:
- Red-Light and Speed Cameras
Though Missouri has debated the legality of some red-light camera programs, certain municipalities still use them to monitor traffic violations. These cameras automatically capture footage of cars running red lights or speeding, and often serve as strong evidence in both traffic citations and accident cases.
- MoDOT Traffic Cameras
The Missouri Department of Transportation operates traffic cameras along major interstates and highways. While these cameras primarily serve real-time traffic monitoring purposes, footage may be available upon request in some circumstances.
- Business and Private Security Cameras
Gas stations, convenience stores, banks, and even residential homes frequently have exterior-facing security cameras. These can offer valuable perspectives, especially for accidents that occur near driveways, parking lots, or secondary roads.
- Dash Cameras
More and more Missouri drivers now install dash cameras in their vehicles. These personal devices continuously record road activity and often capture high-quality footage that can support accident claims.
Legal and Insurance Implications
Video footage can significantly strengthen your position in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Insurers are more likely to settle fairly when faced with incontrovertible video proof of their insured’s negligence. Moreover, if the case goes to trial, footage often sways jurors who value visual, objective evidence over verbal testimony alone.
In Missouri, where comparative fault rules apply, establishing a clear narrative through footage can also protect you from having your compensation reduced due to alleged shared fault.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash, don’t wait, Aramjoo Law Firm is here to serve you. Contact us today at (816) 479-5898 or online to schedule your free consultation immediately to preserve your rights and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.