If you’ve been in a car accident in Texas, securing a copy of your police crash report is essential for building a strong legal case. This document provides an official account of the accident, helping resolve disputes and supporting insurance or legal claims. Texas offers an online system to quickly access these reports.
An experienced Houston car accident lawyer can guide you in obtaining the necessary evidence for your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help protect your rights.
How to Obtain a Texas Crash Report Online
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) manages online crash report requests. Follow these steps:
- Visit TxDOT’s online portal
- Enter required details, including report number, accident date, and driver information
- Pay the processing fee
- Receive a download link via email (valid for 10 days)
Alternatively, you can request a copy by mail using Form CR-91, along with the appropriate fee.
Essential Information Needed to Retrieve Your Crash Report
To locate your report, you will need:
- Accident date and time
- City and location of the crash
- Investigating law enforcement agency
- Name of at least one involved driver
- Report number (if available)
How Much Does a Texas Crash Report Cost?
- $6 for a standard copy
- $8 for a certified copy (required for legal proceedings)
- Additional processing fees apply for credit card payments
Why a Texas Crash Report is Crucial for Your Car Accident Claim
A police accident report provides a neutral, third-party perspective on the accident. Given the potential for conflicting accounts between drivers, an officer’s report can play a key role in determining liability. Law enforcement officers are trained to investigate accidents, document details, and provide an unbiased opinion on what happened.
Insurance companies and courts often rely on crash reports to assess fault. A Texas crash report typically includes:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Details of involved drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Insurance information for all parties
- Description of injuries and property damage
- Eyewitness statements and their contact details
- Weather, road, and lighting conditions
- Crash scene diagrams
- Traffic law violations or criminal charges, if any
- Officer’s opinion on fault
How to Report a Texas Car Accident Properly
There are two ways to report a car accident in Texas:
- Call law enforcement – Dial 911 for emergencies or contact local police for non-emergency reports. If an officer responds, they will file an official crash report.
- File a CR-2 Report (Driver’s Crash Report) – If police do not respond to the scene, Texas law requires you to self-report the accident within 10 days if:
- Property damage exceeds $1,000
- There are injuries or fatalities
Who Can Access a Texas Crash Report?
Texas law restricts who can request a crash report, ensuring confidentiality. Eligible parties include:
- Drivers, passengers, bicyclists, or pedestrians involved in the accident
- Attorneys representing an involved party
- Employers of an involved individual
- Parents or legal guardians of minors involved
- Registered owners of the vehicles involved
- Insurance companies handling claims related to the accident
- Any party pursuing a legal case based on the accident
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Texas Crash Report?
- Reports are typically available within a few days to a few weeks
- TxDOT may redact sensitive information, which can take up to 10 days
- Electronic check purchases have a 10-day hold, while credit card payments allow immediate access
Need Assistance? Contact a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Today
A Texas crash report can serve as a critical piece of evidence when seeking compensation for injuries and damages. The experienced attorneys at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can help you obtain and use your accident report effectively.
Three of our attorneys are Board-Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Over 30 years of legal experience. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
