CAR ACCIDENT REPORTS: HOW DO I GET A COPY OF MY CRASH REPORT IN TEXAS?

When you are involved in an accident in Texas and a Texas Police Officer is called to the scene, a crash report will be most likely conducted. There are many pieces of evidence that can help your attorney get the basic information of your car accident case but the police report is usually the primary piece of evidence needed to support your case. Usually, it takes around 10 days for the report to be uploaded to the Crash Records Information System (“CRIS”).

HOW CAN THE CRASH REPORT HELP MY CASE?

Information is an extremely vital aspect of defending your personal injury claim. A police crash report provides basic information about the drivers, vehicle owners and vehicles involved in the car crash. Additionally, on the reports statements made by the parties are usually on the report and provide key information to how the accident occurred.

HOW TO OBTAIN A COPY OF MY TEXAS CRASH REPORT?

Anyone that was involved in a car accident or who has an interest in the accident can obtain a copy of the accident. There are multiple methods on how to obtain the copy which include:

1. By Mail to the responding agency;
2. By purchasing online at Texas Department of Transportation (“TXDOT”) CRIS System;
3. By Mail to the Texas Department of Transportation (“TxDOT”)

Below we will go into to detail on each method of how to obtain your crash report.

Mail

For example, if the Houston Police Department was the responding agency to the accident you can request your report from them directly via mail.  You would need to send a check/money order for $6.00 (Payable to: City of Houston) addressed to HPD Records Division, 1200 Travis, Houston, TX 77002.

Here is a LINK to the instructions on how to request your copy from HPD.

Your envelope should be addressed as follows:

• HPD 
• ATTN: Records Division
• 1200 Travis
• Houston, TX 77002

Online Purchase on TxDOT CRIS System

The most efficient way possible to obtaining your copy would most likely be through the CRIS system. It may take up to 30 days for the report to be uploaded on the CRIS system.

For this option, you will need the following information:

1. Name of the person
2. Driver’s License Number of any person involved in the accident;
3. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN Number) involved in the accident; or
4. TxDOT Crash Identification Number

Mail Request to TxDOT

Another option is requesting a copy of the crash report via mail from the TxDOT. You will be required to fill out a form that can be found HERE. Please follow the outlined instructions on the form and mail to the following address:

Mail the completed for with payment ($8 check or money order to: 

• Crash Data and Analysis
• Texas Department of Transportation
• P.O. Box 12879
• Austin, Texas 78711

If you have been involved in a vehicle accident Montes & Guevara Attorneys at Law, PLLC will help you every step of the way. While a multitude of evidence is used to evaluate your potential claim, a crash report will provide the foundation to your potential claim. Additionally, here at Montes & Guevara, we only get paid if a settlement is reached for our clients. There is literally no up front cost nor anything to lose in hiring an attorney to help you with your personal injury claim.

Contact us today at 833-SOTXLAW (768-9529) if you have been involved in a car accident for your FREE initial consultation. JUST LAWYER UP!