Can Traffic Camera Footage Be Used to Prove Fault in a Tempe Crash?
When a crash happens in a busy Tempe intersection, everyone involved usually has a version of the story. But video footage doesn’t forget. In some cases, traffic camera recordings can provide a neutral, objective view of what really happened—if you know how to access and use them.
Whether you were T-boned at a light, sideswiped in a turn lane, or rear-ended in gridlock, understanding how traffic camera footage plays into an accident investigation can give you a major advantage. The Tempe car accident attorney team explains what’s recorded, how to request it, and when it might shift the outcome of your claim.
Where Are Traffic Cameras Located in Tempe?
Tempe is no stranger to digital surveillance. The city uses a variety of traffic cameras for real-time monitoring and traffic management. These include:
Red light cameras at high-risk intersections
ADOT traffic cams on highways and interchanges
City-operated monitoring systems near major thoroughfares like Rural Road, Baseline, and Mill Avenue
Surveillance on campus-adjacent roads and school zones
You’re most likely to find these devices at intersections near Downtown Tempe, North Tempe, and South Tempe, where accidents are common due to congestion and quick traffic signal changes.
What Do Traffic Cameras Actually Record?
Not all traffic cameras are created equal. Some record continuously, while others only activate when a violation—like running a red light—is detected. Depending on the type of camera, footage may capture:
The color of the light at the time of the crash
Vehicle positions at the moment of impact
Speed estimation based on timestamps
Lane usage and turning patterns
Pedestrians in crosswalks
Vehicles failing to yield or merging unsafely
This information can become vital when fault is disputed—especially in accidents involving T-bone collisions, pedestrian injuries, or hit-and-run scenarios.
Can You Get the Footage After an Accident?
It depends on the source of the camera. Here’s what you should know:
Red Light or Enforcement Cameras
If a red light or speed camera captured your crash, the footage is typically managed by the Tempe Police Department or a contracted vendor. These recordings may be available for a limited time and may require a formal request or subpoena to access.
ADOT Cameras
Arizona Department of Transportation cameras mostly provide live feeds without storing past footage. However, in some cases, ADOT may retain short-term backups used for traffic analysis. These are harder to obtain and usually require legal intervention.
City Surveillance or School Zone Cameras
Tempe may operate cameras near city-owned buildings, parks, or high-risk intersections. If your accident occurred in one of these areas—say, near a high school or Escalante—you may need to file a public records request with the city.
How Traffic Camera Footage Is Used in a Claim
When available, video footage provides clear, time-stamped evidence that can:
Confirm or disprove fault
Show whether a driver ran a red light or failed to yield
Establish who had the right-of-way
Identify distracted or aggressive driving behavior
Verify weather or lighting conditions at the time
For example, if the other driver claims they had a green light, but the footage shows otherwise, that could significantly strengthen your case. It becomes even more critical if your claim involves distracted driving, rideshare liability, or multiple vehicles.
Limitations and Hurdles
Unfortunately, traffic camera footage isn’t always easy to obtain—or even available at all. Here are some limitations to keep in mind:
Short retention periods: Many systems delete footage within 24–72 hours unless flagged
Privacy concerns: Not all footage is considered public record, especially if pedestrians or private property are visible
Cost and delays: Some footage requests involve processing fees or take weeks to fulfill
Incomplete views: Cameras may not capture the exact moment of impact, especially if the crash occurred just outside the frame
Because of these challenges, it’s often important to act quickly after a crash. If you suspect a camera captured your accident, note the intersection, time, and direction of travel immediately.
Is Traffic Footage Enough to Win a Case?
While powerful, traffic footage is just one piece of the puzzle. To strengthen your position, it should be supported by:
Photos of vehicle damage and debris
Medical records for any injuries
Police reports documenting statements and diagrams
Dashcam footage from your own or other vehicles involved
Eyewitness accounts from bystanders
Together, this evidence can create a strong claim—especially if the video footage clearly contradicts the at-fault driver’s version of events.
Final Thoughts
Traffic camera footage can be the deciding factor in a Tempe car accident case. But it’s not guaranteed, and you can’t rely on it being stored or accessible forever. If you’re involved in a crash, acting quickly to determine whether footage exists can make a significant difference in your claim.
Even when available, traffic footage should be combined with other forms of documentation to ensure your side of the story is heard and supported. Whether it’s a dispute over a red light, a dangerous left turn, or a failed yield at a busy intersection, having video proof often changes the game.
