A car accident is a traumatic experience that can turn your life upside down in an instant, especially if you suffer serious injuries or your vehicle gets severely damaged. After addressing your immediate medical needs, your next step should involve securing a copy of your crash report.
An accident report contains vital details that insurance companies will scrutinize in an effort to pay you as little as possible — and that an only experienced car accident lawyer can use as key evidence later to recover the full compensation you deserve.
The Texas Highway Patrol most likely responded to your crash and generated the accident report. However, local law enforcement sometimes assumes responsibility for conducting crash investigations and generating reports.
The good news is that all crash reports are managed by the Texas Department of Transportation, and this makes obtaining a copy of your report relatively easy. Here is everything you need to know.
When Is A Crash Report Required?
Law enforcement officers are required to create a crash report if the incident involved the following:
- Death or injury to any involved parties
- $1,000 or more in damages
Responding officers are required to submit the report to TxDOT by the tenth calendar day after the crash. The Department of Transportation retains crash reports for 10 years plus the current year. The crash reporting form is standardized across the state.
Known as a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3), the document includes important information about the incident and also features a diagram. The form will include the officer’s narrative, which may reveal what factors played a role in the crash, such as distracted driving.
How Do I Get A Copy Of My Crash Report?
Copies of your crash report are available online via the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System. You can look for a new crash report or download any previously purchased reports. While law enforcement officers must submit the reports within 10 days, your report may not appear on the portal for 14 days.
To find your report, you’ll need one of the following:
- The name of an involved person or business
- Your driver’s license number
- The TxDOT Crash ID for the incident
Once you find your report, simply pay the $6 fee and download the documents. The report is in a PDF format, which makes it easy to save or print.
Why Do I Need A Copy Of My Crash Report?
Your crash report contains vital information about the accident, such as the following:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Who was involved
- Insurance information
- Road and weather conditions
- A diagram of the crash scene
- Statements from involved parties
- The officer’s observations
- A list of citations that were issued (if any)
You can use the report to verify that all of the facts are accurate. Your insurance company will also use the document to process your claim. The sooner you get a copy of the crash report, the sooner you can request a payout from your insurance company or the other party’s insurer.
You’ll also need a copy of your crash report to seek compensation for your injuries. An experienced attorney will review the report to determine whether the other party was negligent and whether you have a right to pursue additional compensation.
I’ve Got My Report — What Do I Do Now?
Once you receive your report, thoroughly review all of the key details. If you find any errors, report them to the Texas Highway Patrol as soon as possible. Retain a copy of the report for your records, and don’t hesitate to seek third-party assistance if you need help dealing with the aftermath of your claim.
Undefeated Car Accident Lawyers: Call 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consult
With Billions won for our clients, including the largest Record-Breaking Verdicts and Settlements for crash victims in Texas and across the United States, our Houston Car Accident Lawyers do whatever it takes to secure the maximum compensation possible for all of your injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious or fatal injury in a Texas car crash, our attorneys are here to help. Call 1-888-603-3636 or send us a confidential email through our Contact Us form.
We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and provide the information you need to decide what’s best for you and your family.
All consultations are free, and because we only represent clients for a contingency fee, you’ll owe nothing unless we win your case.
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Requirements
The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) also includes specific rules that impact how sulfur dioxide is transported within the state, such as:
- Emission Controls During Loading and Unloading: Transporters must use vapor recovery systems or similar technology to minimize gas release.
- Maintenance and Inspection Standards: Vehicles and equipment used to transport sulfur dioxide must undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. This includes verifying the integrity of storage tanks, valves, and connections to prevent leaks during transit.
- Incident Reporting Requirements: Any spills, leaks, or accidental releases of sulfur dioxide must be reported to the Texas Environmental Hotline operated by TCEQ. Transporters are required to have an emergency response plan in place and must notify authorities promptly to mitigate environmental and health risks.
Contact Our Undefeated 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation at 1-888-603-3636 or by Clicking Here
Our Undefeated Houston Truck Accident Lawyers are closely monitoring developments related to the San Jacinto County 18-wheeler crash and will post an update if new information becomes available.
Our truck accident lawyers have recovered billions on behalf of our clients, including record-breaking verdicts and settlements for truck and 18-wheeler accident victims across Texas and throughout the United States.
If you or a loved one were affected by the sulfur dioxide leak in San Jacinto County, call us for a free consultation at 1-888-603-3636 or send us a confidential email through our Contact Us page.
All consultations are free, and because we work on a contingency fee basis, you’ll owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
29.73890263937774, -95.4612824423294
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
31.99827039117601, -102.07752974593966
Open 24 hours