How Do I Get a Crash Report In Texas?

Oftentimes, the single most important document in a motor vehicle collision case is the crash report (otherwise known as police report or car accident police report).

A crash report is completed when a responding law enforcement officer investigates a traffic crash when there is apparent damage of $1,000 or more to property or the crash resulted in injury or death.

If you were injured in an automobile collision and are seeking representation, then do not hesitate to contact the lawyers at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP.

We routinely obtain copies of crash reports for our clients.  If, however, you have not decided to hire a lawyer yet or are simply looking to obtain your crash report on your own, here you will find:

1. What is contained in the crash report
2. How to obtain it

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What is a Crash Report and Why Do I Need It?

Texas law requires crash reports to contain certain information.  For example, the crash report will provide you with the following information:

• Identifying information for the drivers involved
• Identifying information for the responding police officer
• Contact information for any witnesses
• The driver’s insurance information, including the insurance company and policy number
• Identifying information for the vehicles involved
• Date and time of the collision
• Location of the collision
• Vehicle Damage Rating
• If the vehicles had any defects
• Roadway, weather, lighting conditions

Perhaps, most importantly, the crash report may also provide:

• A description of how the crash occurred
• Indicate what factors contributed to the crash, and
• List any citations issued and laws violated for the crash.

This information is extremely important to determine who is “at fault” for the crash. If one of the drivers received a citation for the crash, there is a good chance that they will be found at least partially “at fault.”  The crash report often helps prove that.

How to get a copy of a police report in Houston

To get a copy of a police report in Houston, you can request it online, by mail, or in person through the appropriate local or state agency. If the crash was investigated by the Houston Police Department (HPD), you’ll need to contact their Records Division. If the incident was outside Houston’s jurisdiction but still in Texas, the report may be filed with the Texas Department of Transportation. 

Here’s how to obtain your report depending on the agency:

1. If HPD handled the crash:

• Visit the HPD Records Division at 1200 Travis St., Houston, TX 77002. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Bring at least two details: date of the accident, location, or names of involved drivers.
• Fee: $6 for a regular copy.

2. Online via TxDOT’s C.R.I.S. system:

• Access the Crash Records Information System (C.R.I.S.).
• You’ll need information like the crash date, location, and at least one driver’s name.
• Cost: $6 for a regular copy or $8 for a certified copy.
• Reports typically become available 5 to 8 days after the crash.

3. By mail (HPD crashes only):

Prepare a written request and include a check or money order made payable to the “City of Houston,” along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Be sure to provide detailed identifying information, such as the date and location of the crash and the names of those involved, to help process your request without delays: 

• Houston Police Department.
• Records Division.
• 1200 Travis St.
• Houston, TX 77002.

How to Obtain a Copy of Your Crash Report?

You have two primary options to obtain a copy of your crash report in Texas:

• By mail through the Texas Department of Transportation
• Online

Keep in mind that it may take up to fourteen (14) business days from the date of the crash for the report to be finalized.  Sometimes, it takes even longer.

By Mail.  To obtain a copy of your crash report by mail, you must fill out a CR-91 form and mail it with the appropriate fees to: Crash Data and Analysis, Texas Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 12879, Austin, Texas 78711.

Online.  To obtain an electronic copy of your crash report online, click the following link: https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/app/home. You can search for a crash report using (1) the names of anyone involved in the crash, (2) the driver’s license number for anyone involved in the crash, (3) the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of any vehicle involved in the crash or (4) the TxDOT Crash ID assigned to the crash.  If you are searching by name, make sure to double-check the date to ensure you are purchasing the correct report.  To download the report, you must certify that you are authorized to obtain a copy of the report. Once you have selected the correct report with the correct date, you can download a PDF version of the crash report.

The Cost of Obtaining a Texas Crash Accident Report

The cost to obtain your crash report will vary depending on what type of report you are ordering.  Regular copies of crash reports cost $6.00.  Certified copies of crash reports cost $8.00.  A regular copy just contains the crash report.  A certified copy is an official version that contains a certification from the Texas Department of Transportation that the crash report is a true and correct copy.  A certified copy may be helpful if the crash report is going to be used in legal proceedings.

9 Things You Should (And Shouldn’t) Do Immediately After a Car Accident

If I don’t have a police report, does it affect my claim?

Yes, not having a police report can make proving fault or damages in your personal injury claim harder. While it’s not legally required to file a car accident claim, an official crash report’s absence can weaken your case wildly when liability is disputed.

Insurance companies often rely on police reports to:

• Verify the facts of the crash
• Identify potential traffic violations
• Determine which driver may have been at fault
• Confirm property damage and injuries at the scene

Without a report, it may come down to your word against the other drivers, which puts you at a disadvantage. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, drivers should always document the crash scene and exchange information. Still, when injuries or damages are involved, police presence and a formal report are strongly recommended.

If you weren’t able to get a report at the scene, try to:

• Gather witness statements
• Take photographs of the scene, vehicles, and any injuries
• Document medical treatment and expenses
• Request 911 call transcripts if applicable

A seasoned attorney can help reconstruct the incident and seek other supporting evidence. However, having the report speeds up the process and strengthens your position when negotiating or litigating.

Demonstrating Negligence With The Help of A Police Report

A police report helps show negligence by offering an impartial account of what happened and often indicating who was at fault. In Texas, where liability is based on a modified comparative fault rule, even small details in the report can shift the outcome of a case.

The officer’s findings may include:

• Citations issued to the other driver (e.g., speeding, running a red light)
• A diagram of the crash scene
• Statements from drivers and witnesses
• Road and weather conditions
• Vehicle damage assessment

This report is often the first step in building a case. It helps align medical records, vehicle damage, and timelines with the narrative presented to insurers or juries.

Here are ways the police report can demonstrate negligence:

• Admission of Fault: This will usually be noted if the other driver admits they were distracted or violated traffic laws.
• Citations Issued: Being cited supports claims of reckless or unlawful behavior.
• Witness Accounts: Credible third-party statements captured by law enforcement can confirm your version of events.
• Scene Analysis: The officer’s on-site observations, including skid marks or mentions of traffic camera footage, can support claims of speeding or lack of control.

Understanding how to get a copy of a police report in Texas can make a real difference in your case. It’s not just paperwork; it’s a key step in showing what happened and holding the other party accountable.

Additional Tips When Requesting a Police Report in Houston

To ensure your request is successful and processed quickly, keep these pointers in mind:

• Double-check the spelling of names, license plate numbers, and the exact crash date to avoid delays or mismatches in the system.
• If requesting by mail, include your complete contact information in case the department needs to clarify any part of your request.
• Confirm whether HPD or TxDOT stores the report; this depends on the location of the crash and which agency responded.
• Certified reports are often necessary for court proceedings, formal insurance claims, or if you’re pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
• Consider requesting multiple copies if you’re dealing with more than one insurance company or legal representative.
• If you plan to pick up the report in person, bring valid identification, as some departments require ID for the release of crash records.

These small steps help avoid unnecessary back-and-forth and get you the documentation you need without added frustration.

What If I Can’t Find My Report?

Sometimes, reports get delayed or misfiled. If it’s been more than 10 days and you still can’t locate the report through HPD or TxDOT:

• Contact the officer who filed the report (name and badge number should be on the business card given at the scene).
• Reach out to your attorney to follow up through official legal channels and ensure all relevant documentation has been submitted.
• Check if the crash was reported under a different jurisdiction or another nearby local law enforcement agency.

Knowing how to get a copy of a police report in Texas also means knowing where to look if your case falls outside city limits. Each department has its procedures, so confirming jurisdiction is key, especially if the crash happened near city boundaries or involved multiple agencies.

If you need help with a case, consult with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP. As one of the top personal injury lawyers in the Houston area, they are known to provide high-value, professional representation for every single client, with 70 clients endorsing the firm with a 4.9-star Google review. Call for a free consultation at 832-402-6637 or online.

Please read: Is it Illegal to Not Report a Car Accident to Insurance?

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Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong is the Managing Partner and co-founder of Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP. Known for his strategic insight and relentless pursuit of justice, Scott personally guides the firm’s approach to complex cases, including catastrophic injuries, vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and product liability. His leadership has created a culture where excellence, innovation, and dedication to client success are paramount, and his influence is evident in every case the firm handles, often resulting in hundreds of millions recovered for clients.

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