How to Get a Copy of the Police Report From Your Car Accident in Texas

After a car accident, one of the first things insurance companies (and your attorney) will ask for is the police crash report. This report contains crucial details about how the accident happened, who was involved, and what the responding officer observed.

If you’ve never needed one before, you may be wondering: how do I get a copy of my police report? We’ll explain step-by-step on how to obtain your crash report, why it matters, and what to do once you have it.

Why the Police Report Matters After a Car Accident

A Texas police crash report (form CR-3) is more than just paperwork. It’s an official record that can significantly influence the outcome of your claim or lawsuit.

Here’s what it typically includes:

• Date, time, and location of the crash
• Names, contact information, and insurance for all drivers involved
• Witness statements and diagrams showing how the crash occurred
• Officer’s observations and preliminary fault determination

Insurance adjusters and attorneys rely heavily on this information to determine liability. If there’s an error in your report or if it unfairly assigns fault, it can impact the value of your claim. That’s why it’s critical to review the report carefully.

When a Police Report is Required in Texas

Under Texas Transportation Code 550.062, law enforcement officers must file a crash report if:

• The accident caused injury or death, or
• The property damage appears to exceed $1,000

Most reports are submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) within ten days of the accident, though it can take up to two weeks before they appear in the public database.

How to Get a Copy of Your Police Report

There are several ways to obtain your crash report, depending on which agency investigated your accident.

1. Request online from TxDOT

The fastest and most convenient option is through the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Crash ID number (if you have it)
• Full legal name
• Driver’s License number
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Date or location of the crash

You can search even if you don’t have all the details, as long as you provide enough information to identify the report.

Cost:

• $6 for a regular copy
• $8 for a certified copy (required for legal proceedings)

Availability:

Reports are typically available 7-10 business days after the crash and remain in the TxDOT database for up to 10 years.

2. Request from the Local Law Enforcement Agency

If your accident was handled by a local police department, you can request your report directly from them. Each department has its own process, but you’ll generally need:

• The case number or report number
• Driver’s name(s)
• Date and location of the accident
• Valid ID

Some agencies allow you to submit a request online, by mail, or in person. Fees vary slightly by department. Tip: if your accident involved the Texas Highway Patrol, you’ll still request your report through TxDOT, since the Department of Public Safety forwards all crash data there.

3. Ask Your Personal Injury Attorney to Handle It

If you’ve hired a Texas car accident lawyer, they can obtain the police report for you and interpret it to ensure your rights are protected. At Thomas J. Henry Law, we routinely request these reports for our clients as part of our investigation. We:

• Obtain the full, certified copy from TxDOT or the responding agency
• Identify inconsistencies or mistakes that could affect liability
• Use the report to support insurance negotiations or court filings

This not only saves you time, but also ensures no important details are missed.

What if You Can’t Find Your Report?

If you’ve searched online and can’t locate your report, don’t panic. There are several possible reasons:

• The report hasn’t been uploaded yet, or
• You’re searching under a slightly different spelling or date

You can contact TxDOT Crash Records or the police agency that responded to the crash to confirm the report’s status. Providing as much detail as possible such as the officer’s name or badge number can help.

How to Review Your Texas Police Crash Report

Once you obtain your report, it’s important to review it carefully for errors. Here’s what to check:

• Personal and vehicle information – are names, VINs, and license plate numbers correct?
• Crash diagram and narrative – do they accurately reflect what happened?
• Fault determination – did the officer assign fault fairly, based on facts?
• Witness statements – are any details missing or inconsistent with what you recall?

If something doesn’t look right, contact your attorney immediately. Your lawyer can submit additional evidence (such as photos, dashcam footage, or witness statements) to clarify the record.

What to Do After Getting Your Police Report

Getting your police report is just one step in the recovery process. Once you have it, notify your insurance company and provide them a copy. Don’t forget to seek medical treatment if you haven’t already. Even minor injuries can worsen over time. Lastly, consult a Texas personal injury lawyer if you suffered injuries, missed work, or are facing repair costs. An attorney can use your police report to strengthen your claim, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and file a lawsuit if necessary.

Why Work With Thomas J. Henry Law?

At Thomas J. Henry Law, our Texas car accident attorneys have helped countless clients navigate the aftermath of serious crashes. We handle every step of your case from obtaining your police report to fighting for fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free case review.