If you were involved in a car accident in Texas, you can obtain a copy of the police report by purchasing it online through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System, requesting it directly from the law enforcement agency that responded to the scene, or ordering it by mail. Most Texas crash reports become available within 10 business days of the accident and cost $8 per report when ordered online or $10 when requested by mail.
A police accident report serves as an official record of what happened during your collision. This document contains important information, including the date, time, and location of the accident, names and contact information for all drivers involved, insurance details for each vehicle, witness statements, the responding officer’s observations, a diagram of the accident scene, and sometimes the officer’s assessment of who caused the crash.
Insurance companies rely heavily on these reports when processing claims. The information documented by law enforcement carries significant weight during claim investigations and settlement negotiations. Without this official record, you may face challenges proving what happened or establishing fault for the collision.
Texas law requires drivers to report accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or disabling property damage to law enforcement. You must report any crash that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. If a police officer responds to the scene, they will file an official crash report with the Texas Department of Transportation within 10 days.
However, if police do not respond to the scene and the accident meets reporting requirements, you must file your own Texas accident report with local authorities. This driver’s crash report must be submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation within 10 days of the accident.
The fastest way to obtain a vehicle accident report is through the Texas Department of Transportation’s online system.
To purchase a TxDOT crash report online, you will need the crash report number found on the blue copy of the CR-3 form the officer gave you at the scene, or the exact date and county where the accident occurred. The system allows you to search for reports by crash report number, date, and county, driver’s license number, or vehicle license plate number.
Online crash reports cost $8 and can be downloaded immediately as PDF files once the report becomes available in the system. Most Texas crash reports are accessible within 10 business days of the accident, though some may take longer depending on the investigating agency’s processing time.
You can also request a police accident report directly from the law enforcement agency that investigated your crash. This might be a city police department, county sheriff’s office, or the Texas Department of Public Safety, depending on where the accident occurred.
Contact the records department of the appropriate agency and provide the date, time, and location of the accident, along with the names of the drivers involved. Some agencies allow in-person requests at their offices, while others require written requests by mail or email.
Processing times and fees vary by agency. Some departments provide reports within a few days, while others may take several weeks. Fees typically range from $6 to $10 per report.
If you prefer to request your crash report by mail, you can submit a written request to the Texas Department of Transportation Crash Records Section. Your request must include the crash report number if available, the date and location of the accident, the names of all drivers involved, and a check or money order for $10 made payable to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Mail your request to:
Texas Department of Transportation
Crash Records Section
125 East 11th Street
Austin, TX 78701-2483
Mailed requests typically take 2-3 weeks for processing and delivery.
The CR-3 Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report contains detailed information about the collision. The report identifies all parties involved, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. It documents vehicle information such as make, model, year, and license plate numbers. The report describes road and weather conditions at the time of the accident.
Most importantly, the crash report includes a narrative section where the responding officer describes what happened based on physical evidence, witness statements, and driver accounts. The officer may indicate contributing factors such as speeding, failure to yield, distracted driving, or impaired driving. Some reports include a diagram showing vehicle positions and the accident scene layout.
If you need help understanding your Texas crash report or pursuing compensation after a car accident, contact a car accident lawyer at (979) 595-5000. Our experienced team at Chad Jones Law can review your accident report, explain how it affects your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
