Mark Anderson | July 3, 2026 | Car Accidents
Video of a car accident can provide useful evidence to prove liability. For example, a highway traffic camera might capture images of a driver speeding before causing a rear-end collision, while a red-light enforcement camera might show someone running a red light before colliding with a pedestrian.
However, Texas has strict laws limiting the use of automated traffic enforcement camera systems. Moreover, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) does not record traffic camera footage. There may be alternatives for obtaining video footage of traffic crashes from private sources, though. Here’s how to access video footage of an accident in Dallas.
Finding Official Traffic Camera Footage in Texas
Texas law prohibits local governments and police agencies from using photographic traffic light enforcement systems. These systems have cameras and sensors that automatically detect and photograph vehicles that run red lights.
The law doesn’t specifically address photographic speed enforcement systems. However, the Texas Attorney General has issued an opinion that local police cannot implement these systems because state law does not explicitly permit them.
TxDOT does have cameras to gather live traffic footage. It uses these monitoring systems to identify road conditions and traffic incidents. But TxDOT does not record this footage. Instead, it uses the cameras strictly for real-time monitoring.
Without automated enforcement systems or traffic monitoring videos, you will probably not find any official videos of your traffic accident. Alternate sources may be available, though.
How Quickly Should You Try to Obtain Video Footage?
Many surveillance systems automatically overwrite their recordings after a short period of time. Depending on the business or property owner, footage may only be kept for a few days or weeks before it is permanently deleted.
Because of this, it is important to act quickly after a car accident. An attorney can send preservation requests to businesses or other property owners asking them to retain relevant video footage before it is lost. Taking prompt action may preserve valuable evidence that could help establish how the accident occurred.
How Long Is Video Footage Usually Kept?
Many surveillance systems automatically overwrite or delete recordings after a certain period of time. Depending on the property owner or business, footage may only be stored for a few days or weeks before it is permanently erased. As a result, waiting too long to look for video evidence could mean losing valuable proof of how the accident happened.
If you believe nearby cameras may have captured your crash, it is important to act quickly. An attorney can identify potential sources of footage, request that businesses preserve relevant recordings, and take additional legal steps if necessary to help prevent important evidence from being lost.
Accessing Private Video Footage of Your Dallas Car Accident
Private businesses and individuals are not subject to the same limitations as government agencies.
Depending on where the accident occurred, helpful video footage may be available from:
- Security cameras
- ATM cameras
- Doorbell cameras
- Cell phone videos recorded by witnesses
If possible, gather the names and contact information of any witnesses immediately after the crash and ask whether they captured photos or video. Because surveillance footage may be deleted after a short period, an attorney can quickly request that the owner preserve it.
If a lawsuit is filed, relevant footage may also be obtained through the legal discovery process or, when appropriate, by subpoena. Before video footage can be used in court, it generally must be authenticated under the Texas Rules of Evidence.
Contact the Dallas Car Accident Attorneys at Anderson Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Video footage can be some of the strongest evidence available after a car accident. Whether it comes from a nearby business, a doorbell camera, a dashcam, or another private source, preserving that evidence quickly can make a significant difference in your claim.
At Anderson Injury Lawyers, we know how to investigate car accidents and identify valuable evidence that may support your case. Our experienced Dallas car accident attorneys can help locate available video footage, work with witnesses, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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About the Author
Mark A. Anderson is the founder of Anderson Injury Lawyers and a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer—an honor held by only a small percentage of Texas attorneys. He earned his law degree from Baylor University School of Law and has spent more than 20 years helping injury victims across Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin. Mark handles cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, product liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, and more. Click here to view some of the successful case results Mark has achieved for his clients.
Location: Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, Texas
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