After a car accident in Texas, securing an official record is crucial for insurance and legal purposes. The Texas accident report, also known as the Crash Report or Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3), documents essential details about the incident: who was involved, what happened, where, and the contributing factors. These reports are invaluable evidence when pursuing injury claims, repairing vehicles, or proving fault after a crash.
In Texas, insurance companies and attorneys rely on the crash report to determine liability, negotiate fair compensation, and resolve disputes. Without this document, it’s your word versus the other driver’s, which can complicate insurance negotiations or legal claims.
Why You Need a Texas Accident Report
- Vital evidence for insurance and legal purposes
A Crash Report contains critical details, such as who was involved, what happened, and citations issued. It’s often required for insurance claims and is essential in personal injury cases as credible evidence of what occurred.
- Accurate documentation of facts
Police reports are carefully compiled by law enforcement. They help reduce disputes by providing an official, unbiased record.
- Forms of the report: Regular vs. Certified
- Regular (uncertified) reports are often sufficient for most insurance claims.
- Certified copies (with an official state seal) are required if you plan to use the crash report in court or formal legal actions.
Steps to Getting a Texas Accident Report
If you have been involved in a collision in Houston or anywhere in Texas, here’s how you can obtain your crash report:
- Confirm That a Report Was Filed
Not every accident will automatically result in a police report. Texas law requires drivers to report an accident to law enforcement if it caused injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. In most serious accidents, an officer will come to the scene and file the report. If no officer arrives, you may need to file a Driver’s Crash Report (CR-2) with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
- Wait for Processing
Once the report is filed, it usually takes between 7 and 10 business days for it to be available in the TxDOT system. In Houston, larger crashes or investigations can sometimes take longer.
- Order Online Through TxDOT
The most common way to get your Texas accident report is online. TxDOT manages crash reports statewide.
- Visit the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System.
- Provide details such as the crash date, location, and drivers’ names.
- Each report costs $6 for a regular copy or $8 for a certified copy, which is often needed for court purposes.
- Request In-Person or by Mail
If you prefer not to order online, you can request a copy by mail using the CR-91 request form available through TxDOT. Some local police departments, including the Houston Police Department, allow direct requests at their records divisions.
- Ask Your Attorney for Help
If you hire Hollingsworth Law Firm after your car accident, our team can request and obtain your crash report. We ensure all deadlines are met and you receive certified copies when necessary.
Who Is Authorized to Request a Crash Report?
Texas restricts complete crash reports to:
- Drivers or passengers involved in the crash
- Vehicle owners
- Insurance companies handling the claim
- Attorneys representing the involved parties
- Law enforcement or government agencies doing official business
Others may only get a redacted version that omits personal details like names, license numbers, VINs, etc.
Timing: When You Can Get the Report
- Reports typically become available 5–10 business days after the crash once law enforcement submits them.
- CRIS may take up to 14 days to show your report.
- If the report isn’t accessible after two weeks, double-check your search details or contact the agency involved.
- Mail requests may take up to 30 days.
Common Challenges & Tips
- Delay in TxDOT submission: The responding officer has time to submit the report, which can delay its availability online.
- Incorrect search data: Double-check names, dates, VINs, and spelling.
- Location mismatch: The local records department may release the report faster, especially for public info.
- Certified copy needed?
Use certified reports when dealing with court, formal disputes, or hearings.
- No report was found. Contact the local law enforcement records division; there may be a delay or filing issue.
Why Hollingsworth Law Firm Can Help
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys are experienced with getting a Texas accident report and know precisely how to navigate delays and errors. We can:
- Determine whether you need a regular or certified crash report.
- Monitor availability and follow up with TxDOT or the local agency.
- File requests on your behalf are instrumental in urgent cases.
- Provide legal support if a report is delayed or access is denied.
You don’t have to do it alone; let us handle the paperwork and timing so you can focus on recovery.
Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in Texas
Knowing how to obtain a crash report, or getting an accident report in Texas, is more than paper chasing. It’s about building a strong foundation for your insurance claim or personal injury case. The crash report provides clarity and legal weight to your account and is necessary for the best possible outcome.
If you’re in Houston and need help obtaining your Crash Report or want to understand what to do next, Hollingsworth Law Firm stands ready to assist. Contact us at 713-637-4560 for a free consultation. We’ll put our experience to work for you.
