You Can Obtain the Police Report Online or In Person
Getting the police report after your car accident in Houston is relatively easy. You can obtain a copy of the report by contacting the police department responding to the accident.
In Houston and throughout the state, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintains crash records.
To access a copy of the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) online, visit the crash reports and records site. This system delivers a certified copy of the report immediately at a cost of $8 for a certified copy, which is the kind you want for insurance claims and legal actions. You can also purchase a copy by mail when you mail in a CR-92 request form or contact your local police department.
You can also visit the Houston Police Department Records Division in person at 1200 Travis St., Houston, TX, 77002. To request a report this way, you must do so between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday.
What is the Police Report So Important in a Car Accident Claim?
Texas is an at-fault state when it comes to auto insurance accident claims. This means that whoever is found at fault for causing the crash is responsible for paying the damages they inflicted on the others.
Yet, demonstrating who is to blame is not as easy as you might think, which is why it’s so vital that you get a police report after your collision.
What Kind of Information Does the Police Report Include?
The police report for your accident is a powerful indicator of who holds fault. The report typically (but not always) includes the responding officer’s conclusions regarding the primary cause of an accident. It also includes as much of the following information as the officer could obtain:
- The date, time, and accident location
- The names of the owners and drivers of all vehicles and any passengers
- A description of the weather, lighting, and traffic conditions
- The names and addresses of injury victims and a description of their injuries
- The names of any witnesses
- A description of the vehicles involved
- A diagram of the accident scene displaying the intersection, traffic lanes, vehicle positions, and skid marks
- A description of any property damage
Although Texas Transportation Code §550.062 only requires the police to file a crash report when someone is injured or killed in a crash or when the property damage is more than $1,000, you should always call 911 for law enforcement after a wreck. You may be hurt and not realize it, or your vehicle could require more repair than you can tell at first glance. It’s smart to call for help because you are protecting the health of everyone involved and providing support for any future claim.
Other Evidence That Could Support Your Houston Car Accident Claim
In addition to the police report, you and your car accident lawyer can collect a variety of other evidence that will support your insurance or legal claim against the other driver. For example, your attorney can help you gather the following items:
- All your medical records
- Witness statements
- Photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Information about the other driver’s driving history
- Cell phone records that could show the driver was distracted before the crash
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Expert testimony
If you’re able, you can begin collecting evidence as soon as the crash is over by taking pictures of the vehicles, road, weather, signs, and your injuries.
Even if you don’t do this, your auto accident lawyer will put their professional staff and network of experts to work building a robust claim for you while you concentrate on healing.
Demonstrating Negligence Is the Key to Securing Compensation
Showing how the other driver is at fault does more than show negligence. It’s required if you’re going to successfully receive the settlement or jury verdict you need to fully recover. An accident causes more than just economic damage with a price tag. It also leaves you with non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering.
Your car accident attorney will help you identify all your damages, which might include the following:
- Lost income while you heal
- Hospital fees and surgery costs
- All your medical expenses and doctor visits
- Nursing care or rehabilitation center fees
- Repair costs for your vehicle
- Repair or replacement costs for your other personal property, such as your phone, computer, or clothing
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues
Find Out More About Police Reports and Accident Claims in Houston
If you’ve never been in a wreck, you may not know what to do, especially when it comes to filing an insurance claim or pursuing financial relief when someone else is to blame. Even if your crash isn’t your first, you may be unclear on the best way to ensure you don’t end up paying for someone else’s careless choices. You can speak with a qualified Houston car accident lawyer at Steve Lee Accident & Injury Lawyers for free to understand your legal options.
We offer no-cost, no-risk initial case reviews so you can get the help you need without paying a penny. If we accept your case, we fight hard to win for you, only getting paid when we secure a settlement or jury award. Contact us to schedule your meeting and learn more about how to use a Houston police report after your car accident to get your life back on track.