How To Obtain A Police Report After A Car Accident (Houston)

When a vehicle collision causes injuries or results in substantial property damage, a police officer will likely visit the scene, investigate the accident, and file a police report. Collisions can be scary and confusing, so it’s helpful to know when and how to obtain a police report before the accident occurs.

The Police Report

A police report may or may not include the responding officer’s conclusions regarding the primary cause of an accident, but it typically contains:

  • 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.

Obtaining the Police Report

You can obtain a copy of the report by contacting the police department responding to the accident. In Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is the custodian of crash records for the state. A copy of the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) is available from TxDOT online. This system delivers a certified copy of the report immediately, at a cost of eight dollars. Copies may also be purchased by mail by completing and mailing a request form (CR-91) and payment. In some cases, a report may also be obtained by contacting the local police department.

You Need Your Police Report

If you’ve been injured in a vehicle collision, a police report can be helpful when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney can obtain and evaluate this vital piece of evidence on your behalf, to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.