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After a Crash Near a Long Beach Speed Camera
30-second answer
Do not assume the speed camera recorded your crash. Long Beach says its Speed Safety System does not record video. After getting care, save your own files. Note other cameras and witnesses. Keep any warning or citation you lawfully received.
Legal information from the Law Office of Arta Wildeboer · Updated
Do this now
- 1Write down the crash location, direction of travel, date, and time. Mark any estimates.
- 2Save original dashcam files and photos that you lawfully have. Keep surrounding footage and any known clock error.
- 3Note nearby cameras from a safe public place. Ask witnesses how to contact them. Do not enter traffic.
- 4Ask the actual camera owner whether relevant recordings exist and can be kept. Save the request and response.
- 5Keep the whole warning or citation if you received one. Ask for legal guidance about restricted City records.
Avoid this
- Do not assume every roadside camera records video or belongs to the same agency.
- Do not touch equipment, trespass, or access someone else's account.
- Do not delete unfavorable files or post plates and personal details online.
Save these
- Original files and backups
- Location, direction, and time notes
- Witness and camera-owner contact details
- Your complete notice, envelope, and images
- Requests, replies, and report numbers
- Medical instructions, records, and bills
Common questions
Can the speed camera give me crash video?
The City says this system does not record video. It takes rear vehicle and plate photos when its speed threshold is met. Other cameras may work differently.
Can anyone get the City's photographs?
No. The City describes them as confidential. Its FAQ allows access by the registered owner or a driver that owner identifies. Other access needs legal review; a request alone does not ensure release.
Should I wait for a City response before looking elsewhere?
No. Once it is safe, preserve independent evidence too. Retention rules differ. Do not assume all cameras keep five days of video or that a request stops deletion.
Does a notice—or no notice—decide fault?
Neither decides an injury claim by itself. The crash sequence, conduct, injuries, and other evidence still matter.
Want more detail?
Read the full explanation
Long Beach Speed Cameras Do Not Record Crash VideoOfficial resources
- City of Long Beach: Speed Safety System (opens in a new window)
- City of Long Beach: Speed Safety System Use Policy (opens in a new window)
- California Courts: Subpoenas (opens in a new window)
- Judicial Council: 2026 Civil Jury Instructions, CACI 400 (opens in a new window)
- MedlinePlus: Recognizing medical emergencies (opens in a new window)
Questions about your situation?
Talk with Arta Wildeboer
A short guide cannot account for every fact. A free consultation can help you understand the next step without pressure.