Texas Car Accident Reports

Get a Car Accident Report in the State of Texas

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How to Report?

Obtain a Car Accident Report in Texas

If you were involved in a car accident in Texas, obtaining a copy of the official crash report is an important step in protecting your rights and handling any insurance or legal matters. Texas law enforcement agencies generate detailed crash reports that include key information about the incident—valuable for all parties involved.

Here’s a complete guide to help you understand who can access a Texas accident report, how to get one, and why it matters.

Who Can Access a Crash Report in Texas?

Under Texas law, crash reports are confidential and are only made available to certain authorized individuals, including:

Drivers and passengers involved in the accident
Vehicle owners
Legal representatives of involved parties
Insurance companies and their agents
Law enforcement agencies
Media organizations (in limited cases)
Anyone otherwise authorized under Texas Transportation Code §550.065

If you are not one of these parties, you will not be able to access the full crash report.

What’s Included in a Texas Crash Report?

A Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) contains critical details such as:

Date, time, and location of the accident
Road and weather conditions
Vehicle and driver information
Description of damages
Injuries and fatalities
Witness statements
Officer’s narrative and diagram
Citations issued, if applicable
Fault determination (if included)

This document can play a significant role in insurance claims, legal proceedings, and resolving liability disputes.

Guide To Report

Request a Texas Accident Report

There are two main ways to obtain a Texas crash report:

1. Online via the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

The easiest and most commonly used method is to request your report online through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Report Online Purchase System.
To order online:
- Visit the TxDOT Crash Reports page:
  https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/CrashReportSearch.htm
- Enter the required information:
  - Name of one or more involved parties
  - Date of the crash
  - Location of the crash (city or county)
- Submit payment (usually $6.00 for a regular report or $8.00 for a certified copy)
Reports are typically available for download in PDF format once the purchase is complete. If your report is not yet available, it may still be under review or in processing by the law enforcement agency.
Note: TxDOT only processes crash reports investigated by local police, sheriff’s offices, and the Texas Highway Patrol that meet the criteria for state reporting.

2. By Mail or In-Person from Local Law Enforcement

If you know which law enforcement agency responded to your crash, you can contact that agency directly to request a copy of the report. This applies to agencies like:

Texas Highway Patrol
County sheriff’s offices
Local city police departments (e.g., Houston PD, Dallas PD, San Antonio PD)

Each department may have its own policies for in-person or mailed requests.

You’ll typically need to provide:

Names of involved parties
Date and location of the crash
Case or report number (if available)
Valid ID and/or proof of involvement
A check or money order for the report fee

Processing times may vary, but most local agencies provide reports within 5 to 10 business days after the incident.

Why You Need a Copy of the Report?

Obtaining your Texas crash report is highly recommended—even if the accident seems minor. It provides an official, unbiased account of the incident from law enforcement.

Here’s why having your report matters:

Insurance Claims: Insurers often require the report to verify fault and damages.
Legal Cases: If you are considering filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit, the crash report is essential evidence.
Dispute Resolution: If another driver disputes what happened, your report provides a formal record.
Peace of Mind: It’s always good to keep a copy for your own documentation.

Even if no injuries were reported, having the report on file is a smart precaution.

Don’t Waste time!

Need Help Getting Your Accident Report?

If you’re unsure how to access your report or need help identifying the correct agency, contact Wreck Reports we can assist you at no cost. In fact, if you’re pursuing a legal claim, your attorney will often obtain the report for you as part of their case investigation.

Be sure to keep a copy for your records, especially if you are involved in any legal, insurance, or medical proceedings following the crash.

Question?

When Will the Report Be Available?

Most crash reports are available within 7 to 10 days after the accident. However, this timeline can vary based on the agency involved and the complexity of the investigation. If your report is delayed, contact the responding agency for an update or check the TxDOT portal periodically.