Man filling out accident form

How to Obtain a Car Accident Report in Texas?

By Jose Ceja
Managing Attorney

When you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. In order to have the best chance of recovery you will want to gather evidence to prove that the other person was, in fact, at fault for the crash. One of the best pieces of evidence that you can provide is an accident report. 

When you are involved in an accident caused by someone else, you will want to call for the police. The police will come to the scene of the accident, gather statements, look at the present evidence, and determine what they believe occurred. They will then put this information into an accident report, which is kept on file. 

Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report

In Texas, this accident report is called a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This report will contain a lot of information, such as:

  • The names and information of the motorists involved;
  • Each motorist’s insurance information;
  • Injuries;
  • Vehicle damage;
  • Summarized witness statements;
  • Arrests or traffic citations should they exist;
  • Road, weather, and traffic conditions at the time;
  • Photographs/sketches of the scene by the police; and
  • The overall opinion of the officer regarding the accident and who was at fault.

Getting a Copy of the Report

Under state law, law enforcement officers must file a crash report with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for any motor vehicle accidents that result in injury or death or that result in at least $1,000 in property damage. You can easily obtain a copy of the crash report online by using the Crash Report Online Purchase System on the TxDOT website. Copies of the reports are $6.00 or $8.00 for a certified copy, which can be used as evidence in court. 

If you are unable to obtain a copy of your report electronically due to issues with identification, you can mail in a request form and pay the same amounts as above.

Obtaining a copy of the crash report can be so helpful because it can bolster your claim. If the other parties involved deny that they were involved or at fault, it can help to provide another perspective. While what the officer writes in the report is not taken as absolute, it can definitely help.

The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Been Injured in a Car Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to the recklessness or negligence of another, it’s vital that you understand to what you are entitled under the law. With this information under your belt, you can make the important decisions regarding how you want to move forward. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Texas personal injury attorney.

At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the impact that a car accident can have on many parts of your life and the importance of properly dealing with such negligence or recklessness. That’s why we will work to get you the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

About the Author
Jose Ceja is the managing attorney of Ceja Law Firm. He has practiced law since 2007 and has devoted his career to the practice of criminal law. Mr. Ceja began his legal career as a felony drug prosecutor, where he prosecuted drug, gang, and violent offenses. Now in his career as a defense attorney, he regularly obtains dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and grand jury “no bills” in a wide variety of cases for his clients.