Texas drivers must report any car accident that results in $1,000 or more in property damage or the death or injury of any person. You can satisfy this legal duty either by calling 911 after a crash or filing a report with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) within 10 days. Either method creates an official record of the crash.

Following a wreck, you may have several reasons to need a copy of the official crash report. You may need to provide a copy to your insurance carrier, or you might be considering consulting an attorney about filing an accident claim.

Just as there’s more than one way to file a crash report, there are multiple ways to obtain a copy of it when necessary.

Table of Contents

What Is a Police Crash Report?

When law enforcement officers are called to the scene of an auto accident, they prepare a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (form CR-3). The officer records information about the crash on this form, which they then file with TxDOT.

Some of the information contained in form CR-3 includes:

  • The names, contact information, and insurance details of the individuals involved
  • The date, time, and location of the incident
  • The types of vehicles involved and the damage each sustained
  • Whether anyone reported injuries
  • The road, weather, and lighting conditions present at the time of the wreck
  • Other factors that the officer believes may have contributed to the accident

The responding officer will also prepare and submit a diagram as part of his or her report. This diagram will depict the crash scene as it appeared to the officer upon arrival. The vehicle locations will be displayed along with any debris, skid marks, or other items of interest.

Obtaining a Copy of a Police Crash Report in Texas

If you need to obtain a copy of your crash report for any reason, you can do so by visiting TxDOT’s Crash Report Online Purchase System. Only certain individuals are eligible to receive a full, non-redacted copy of the CR-3, including:

  • Any party involved in the accident or their authorized representatives
  • The employer, parent, or legal guardian of any party involved
  • The owner of a vehicle or other property damaged in the collision
  • An insurance company that issued a policy for a vehicle or person involved
  • Any party that might sue over the death of someone who died in the accident

If the person asking for the report doesn’t fit into any of the categories of individuals authorized to receive a crash report from a wreck, he or she will receive a redacted CR-3 form. It will likely have personal information about the people who were involved in the accident hidden, protecting their privacy.

Once you access the online system, you’ll navigate through several screens that ask if you want to purchase a new report or access a previous purchase. You’ll also have the option to obtain a “certified” copy, which may be necessary for legal proceedings.

If you request an unredacted copy of the crash report, you must complete an online affidavit swearing that you’re legally allowed to receive the document.

Paying the Fees and Receiving Your Report

Once you enter the relevant information to identify your crash report, you must pay a fee of either $6 or $8, depending on whether you requested a certified copy. When you complete your request and pay the relevant fee, your crash report will be emailed to you.

Self-Reported Crash Documents

If you report an accident directly to TxDOT yourself, you must make and keep a copy of the Driver’s Crash Report (form CR-2). As of September 1, 2017, TxDOT no longer keeps its own copies of these reports.

A Crash Report Can Provide Vital Information After a Wreck

If a police officer submitted in form CR-3 after your auto accident, it means the event caused an injury, fatality, or serious property damage. The document could play a big role if you decide to pursue legal action.

If you’re uncertain how to get a copy of your crash report online, speak with a qualified car accident attorney. He or she can obtain a copy of your report on your behalf and go over it with you to make sure you understand your rights and options.