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How to Look Up a Police Report in Texas

police report

Police reports, accident reports, crash reports are all names for the report filled out by the public safety agency that reports on a traffic accident. This could be a city police department, a county sheriff’s department, international airport public safety, state troopers or another public safety entity that is tasked with producing vehicle accident reports in Texas, and in most other states.

The Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report or CR-3 is the name of the report used in Texas. The Texas Transportation Code requires that a police report be submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) for any motor vehicle collision that results in injury, death, or $1,000 or more in property damage. Each report has information recorded by the agency officer who responds to or is called to report on the vehicle accident. The report includes:

  • The names of people and vehicles involved in the crash
  • Insurance information and license/tag details for each driver
  • Notes on Injuries and property damage including auto damage
  • Witness statement summaries
  • Weather conditions, road conditions, and  traffic conditions
  • Issued traffic citations, tickets or arrests when pertinent
  • Often the report will include the officer’s opinion on what led to the accident, how it happened and the motorist thought to be at fault (which could be any or all of the motorists involved)
  • A sketch of the crash scene or photos collected by the agency employee or law enforcement official

How Soon Can I Get My Police  Report?

These reports are sometimes available a few days after an accident. But, in many cases, it may take up to 2 weeks before a police report is available. And, the agency that reported on the accident will usually produce and send you a copy of the document, upon request. Depending on the agency the request process varies. Some agencies offer online ordering, while others offer no ability to get the accident report directly from the agency. In this case you will have to wait until the report is available in the TXdot Crash Database, at which point you can order a copy from TXDOT.

Where Do I Get My Police Report?

In most cases a police report will be available if a city police department reported on the crash.  And, each police department has its own request protocol, for instance obtaining a Dallas Police Department crash report is a relatively straightforward process. You have to go the police department in person or send a written request via postal mail.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Police Report?

Keep in mind that you will also need to pay for the accident report that you request. Prices range from $6.00 to $13.00 in most situations. And, you can choose between a standard copy or a certified copy of the report.

What If I’m Having Trouble Getting My Police Report?

As a free service, our experienced car accident attorneys are glad to obtain the report for you and advise you of your legal options.

If you wish to receive help finding your accident report, please fill out and submit the form below, or call us or text us at 972-499-4813 to provide us with the necessary information.

How to Get an Accident Report in Dallas

You can obtain a crash report in the city of Dallas via the Dallas Police Department. You will need to mail a written request form to the

Open Records Unit, 1400 South Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75215.

You may also request your accident report by visiting the address above in person. Report or CR-3 copies cost $6.00 for a standard crash report and $8.00 for a certified crash report. The reports are usually available within 10 days.

Dallas Police Department Logos
Fort Worth Police Department Logos

How to Get an Accident Report in Fort Worth

In Fort Worth, crash reports can be requested online at:

https://police.fortworthtexas.gov/AccidentReports

 The cost for a basic report is $11.00. Certified copies of an accident report can be requested at the Police Records Division at:

1000 Calvert Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Certified crash reports cost $13.00. You can also call (817) 392-4160 to check on the status of your report.

How to Get an Accident Report from TXDOT

You might be able to request a crash report from the Texas Department of Transportation instead.

To request a copy of a crash report from TXDOT online here:

https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/app/home

 or by mailing in the appropriate CR-91 form. Copes of TXDOT crash reports cost $6.00 for a basic copy or $8.00 for a certified copy that can be used in court.

For more information see:

https://www.txdot.gov/data-maps/crash-reports-records.html
Txdot

Should I Get a Standard Copy of an Accident Report or a Certified Version of the Report?

It’s usually best to go ahead and get the certified version of a CR-3. The cost is higher, but you will want a certified document in order to build a strong case for your claims and losses. Should your case ever need to go to court, you will need the certified version in order to have it be admissible to a jury. If you work with a car accident lawyer, you will most likely have access to a certified version of your report, particularly if you or a loved one were injured in a serious or catastrophic collision.

How an Accident Report Can Help You Obtain Compensation

A crash report can help if the other driver denies an accident happened or that they were at fault. A Texas crash report provides the perspective of the investigating officer. Even though the officer’s opinion about the accident’s cause isn’t binding, it often serves as compelling evidence for insurance companies and juries, should your case go to court. However, it is worth noting that police reports can contain errors. If you can prove there is an error, a judge will often not allow a jury to see the police report. So, it is only part of the evidence used to determine fault.

Need a Car Accident Lawyer? Call Tate Law Offices.

If you were injured in a Dallas motor vehicle accident, call or text Tate Law Offices 24/7 for a free case consultation 972-499-4813. You can speak to an experienced accident lawyer now. If you choose our firm to help you after a crash, you’ll be backed by attorneys with a success rate of over 99% and more than 3,000 successful cases. Our firm can connect you to the doctors and specialists you need and help you get your car repaired or declared a total loss. If you were in a accident and were injured you need a lawyer on your side, so contact us now.an

 

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