Were you recently involved in a car accident in Texas? Did a police officer come to the scene of the crash to investigate? If so, it's critical that you get a copy of the Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (form CR-3) and thoroughly review it. The car accident lawyers at Karam Law Firm know how to use the report to conduct a broader investigation. Below, we discuss how to obtain a copy, how to read it, and how it will help you build a strong case. Here's what you need to know.
How To Obtain Your Official Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report
You can obtain a copy of your Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report online from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) website. Regular copies cost $6 and certified copies cost $8. Once the report becomes available, you may purchase an immediate copy of it using the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System.
Under Texas Transportation Code (§550.062), the police officer must submit the report within 10 days from the date of the crash. It can take up to 14 days for your report to appear in search results. Only those involved in the crash or car accident case can get access to the report. This includes your lawyer.
You can search for your report by using your:
- Name
- Driver's license or identification card number
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- TxDOT crash ID
If you're not able to obtain your crash report online, you have two options:
- Your lawyer can get a copy for you.
- You can fill out a request form (CR-91) and mail it in with a check or money order to:
Texas Department of Transportation
Crash Records
P.O. Box 149349
Austin, TX 78714
How To Read Your Car Accident Report
Your report will consist of two pages. It's important that you review it and ensure that all documented details are accurate. If there is any inaccurate information on your report, the other driver's insurance company will likely use it against you. Our attorneys will fight to get it fixed.
Here's what you'll find on page one:
- The basic details - The location, date, day and time of the crash.
- Driver details - The driver's name and address, driver's license number, license status, ethnicity and insurance information.
- Vehicle details - The year, make, model, body style, license plate and VIN.
- Alcohol or drug tests given by police - The type of specimen taken, drug category and test results.
- Charges or citations - This only applies if a driver was cited for a traffic violation or charged with a crime.
On page two, you'll find number codes which the police will use to document the following details:
- Seat position of car occupants
- If an occupant was ejected
- Restraints used by occupants
- If an airbag was deployed
- Helmet use
- Injury severity or fatality
- Factors and conditions that contributed to the crash
The rest of page two will consist of:
- Injured occupants taken to a hospital
- A written narrative describing how the crash occurred
- An illustrated diagram visually indicating how the crash occurred
Click here for a visual reference and downloadable copy of the Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report.
Contact an Attorney To Pursue Your Case
Once you have a copy of your Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report, and you've ensured that all information on it is correct, an experienced car accident attorney can help you with the next steps. The legal team at Karam Law Firm will gather all necessary evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault. This includes:
- Physical evidence from the crash scene
- Statements from witnesses
- Video surveillance footage
- Cellphone records
Our attorneys will also deal directly with the other driver's insurance company so you can focus on your recovery. When it comes to litigating your case, we'll fight for fair and maximum compensation on your behalf. To find out how, contact us online or call our law office for a free consultation.