The duration that car crash video footage is retained depends on numerous factors, including the type of recording device, the entity storing it, and jurisdictional requirements. Dashcams, traffic cameras, security cameras, and even smartphone recordings all have different retention periods that can make or break your ability to prove liability. Understanding these timelines is crucial because once footage is deleted, recovering it becomes nearly impossible. Victims and their attorneys must act swiftly to secure video evidence before it vanishes. The difference between a strong case and a denied claim often hinges on how quickly this evidence is preserved.

Dashcam footage retention varies widely based on the device's storage capacity and settings. Most consumer dashcams use loop recording, which continuously overwrites old footage when storage fills up—typically every few hours to several days, depending on video quality and memory card size. High-end models with larger storage or cloud backup may retain files longer, but even these systems eventually purge data. Some dashcams have an automatic "event detection" feature that locks collision-related footage, preventing overwrites. If you're involved in a crash, immediately remove the memory card or sync cloud-stored videos to a separate device to prevent accidental deletion.

Traffic cameras operated by municipalities or transportation departments often have strict retention policies, usually ranging from 30 to 90 days. However, some jurisdictions delete footage in as little as 72 hours, especially in high-traffic urban areas where storage costs are a concern. Unlike dashcams, these systems rarely overwrite data randomly—they delete it permanently on a set schedule. Requesting this footage requires submitting formal public records requests, which can take time to process. Delaying even a few days could mean losing critical evidence forever. Always check local government policies and submit requests immediately after a crash.

Business security cameras from nearby stores, gas stations, or parking lots can be invaluable, but their retention periods are unpredictable. Small businesses might overwrite footage every 7 to 14 days, while corporate chains with centralized systems may retain it for 30 to 90 days. Some high-security facilities keep recordings for months or even years. The challenge is identifying and contacting the right business quickly before their system cycles out the relevant footage. A lawyer can issue preservation letters to halt routine deletion, but time is always the enemy in these cases.

Smartphone videos and photos taken at the scene are often overlooked but can be just as important as surveillance footage. While phones don't auto-delete media, they can be lost, damaged, or synced to cloud services with storage limits. Social media platforms may compress or alter uploaded videos, reducing their evidentiary quality. The best practice is to back up crash-related media in multiple locations—external hard drives, cloud storage, and email attachments—to prevent data loss. Even a seemingly minor fender-bender can escalate into a major dispute, making long-term preservation essential.

Law enforcement bodycam and patrol car footage follows different rules, often dictated by state laws or department policies. Some agencies retain recordings for 60 days to 6 months, while others keep them for years, especially if they're part of an active investigation. If police responded to your accident, file a request for their recordings immediately—some departments require formal requests within days or weeks. Bodycam footage can be particularly valuable in hit-and-run cases or disputes over officer testimony. Unlike private footage, these videos are usually exempt from automatic deletion once a request is filed.

Toll booth and highway monitoring cameras sometimes capture crashes but are among the most ephemeral sources. Many transportation agencies retain footage for less than 48 hours unless flagged for an incident. These cameras are primarily for real-time traffic monitoring, not long-term storage. If you suspect toll cameras captured your crash, contact the agency within 24 hours—some systems allow remote viewing for a short window before deletion. This ultra-short retention period makes toll footage one of the hardest types to recover.

Rideshare and delivery drivers (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash) often have dashcams, but their companies also maintain internal telematics and app-based recordings. Uber and Lyft typically store trip data for 30 to 90 days, though exact policies vary. Independent contractors' personal dashcam footage follows standard loop-recording rules unless manually saved. If your crash involves a gig worker, send a legal preservation request to the company immediately—they may withhold footage without a subpoena. These platforms are notorious for slow responses, so early action is critical.

Public transportation buses and trains frequently have onboard cameras, but retention varies by transit authority. Some keep footage for 14 to 30 days, while others archive it for months. If your crash involves a city bus or metro system, time is of the essence—submit a request within a week to avoid losing evidence. Transit agencies often require specific crash details (time, location, bus number) to retrieve recordings, so gather as much information as possible. Unlike private businesses, these entities are subject to public records laws, which can expedite access.

Insurance companies sometimes request video footage early in a claim but don't always preserve it properly. Adjusters may review and discard footage if they deem it unfavorable to their case. If you know video evidence exists, demand copies in writing rather than relying on the insurer to retain it. Better yet, have your attorney subpoena the footage before it's lost. Insurers have been known to "lose" critical evidence when it contradicts their liability assessments. Proactive preservation is the only way to guarantee access.

Cloud-based dashcams (like Tesla Sentry Mode or BlackVue) offer longer retention but come with hidden pitfalls. While cloud storage can preserve footage for weeks or months, subscription plans often auto-delete older files to free up space. Cheaper plans may only store clips for 7 to 14 days unless manually archived. Always download and back up cloud footage immediately—don't assume it's safe indefinitely. Some systems also compress video quality over time, reducing its usefulness in court.

Parking lot and garage surveillance is another overlooked source, but retention policies are inconsistent. High-end facilities may keep footage for 30 days, while budget operations might overwrite it nightly. If your crash occurred in a parking structure, visit the management office within 24 hours to request footage—many systems auto-delete quickly to conserve storage. Security personnel often lack authority to release video without corporate approval, so escalate requests promptly.

Private homeowners' doorbell cameras (Ring, Nest) have grown into key evidence sources, but retention depends on subscription status. Free plans may store footage for just 24 to 48 hours, while paid tiers extend this to 30 to 60 days. Some systems only record motion-activated clips, meaning a crash might not trigger recording if it's too far from the camera. If a resident's camera might have captured your accident, politely ask for the footage immediately—homeowners rarely think to preserve it long-term.

Fleet vehicles (trucks, taxis, corporate cars) often have advanced telematics systems that retain video longer than consumer dashcams—sometimes 6 months to a year. However, companies frequently resist releasing footage without legal pressure. If a commercial vehicle caused your crash, send a spoliation letter to the company demanding preservation. Fleet operators know video can be damning, so they may "lose" it if not compelled to save it.

Legal strategies for preserving footage include spoliation motions, which penalize parties that destroy evidence. Courts can impose sanctions, including adverse inferences that the lost footage would have been unfavorable to the destroyer. However, you must prove the party knew about the footage's relevance and failed to preserve it. This makes timely written requests essential—oral demands carry little weight. An attorney can file emergency motions to compel preservation before deletion occurs.

Metadata—such as timestamps, GPS coordinates, and speed data—is often embedded in video files and can be just as important as the visuals themselves. Some systems strip this data during storage compression, so original files are preferable to copies. Forensic experts can sometimes recover deleted footage, but success isn't guaranteed and costs thousands. The cheapest and most reliable strategy is always immediate preservation.

Weather and lighting conditions also affect retention—low-quality nighttime footage is often deleted first when systems prioritize storage space. If your crash occurred at night or in bad weather, act even faster to secure recordings. Some cameras automatically purge poorly lit clips sooner to save bandwidth. This quirk of digital storage means unfavorable conditions accelerate evidence loss.

International travel adds another layer of complexity—rental car dashcams and foreign traffic cameras may follow different laws. EU GDPR rules, for example, limit video retention to 30 days unless flagged for an investigation. If your crash occurred abroad, consult local counsel immediately, as evidence vanishes faster than in the U.S.

Ultimately, the single most important takeaway is this: Assume every video has an expiration date. Whether it's a traffic cam, a store security system, or a witness's smartphone, delay is the enemy. The moment a crash occurs, prioritize identifying and securing all possible footage. Waiting even a few days could mean losing the evidence that decides your case. In the digital age, justice moves at the speed of data—and deleted files rarely come back.