Sean O' Rourke | July 31, 2025 | Personal Injury
After a car accident in Houston, one of the most important documents you’ll need is a car accident report. Whether you’re filing an insurance claim or considering a lawsuit, this report can provide critical evidence about how the crash happened and who may be at fault.
Understanding how these reports work and how to access them is essential for protecting your rights after a collision.
Why Car Accident Reports Matter
In Texas, car accident reports are usually completed by law enforcement officers who respond to the scene. The most common form is the CR-3 Peace Officer’s Crash Report. These documents contain key details that insurance companies and courts use to evaluate claims.
Here’s what’s typically included in a crash report:
- Basic crash information: Time, date, and location of the accident
- Involved parties: Driver names, contact details, and insurance providers
- Vehicle data: Make, model, license plate, and damage summary
- Scene documentation: Road conditions, weather, and crash diagram
- Officer’s observations: Citations issued and suspected cause of the crash
All of this information helps establish a legal record of what happened and who might be responsible.
When Car Accident Reports Are Required in Texas
Texas law requires a crash to be reported if:
- Someone is injured or killed
- Property damage is estimated at $1,000 or more
- A driver leaves the scene of the crash
If the police do not respond to the crash, drivers may be required to file a report themselves. However, in most cases involving injury or substantial damage, an officer will arrive and file the report directly.
Failing to report a qualifying crash can result in fines or penalties.
How to Get Your Car Accident Report in Houston
Crash reports in Texas are maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). In most cases, they become available within 7 to 10 days of the incident.
To request a copy, follow these steps:
- Visit the TxDOT Crash Report Purchase System
- Enter relevant details such as names, dates, or crash location
- Select the type of report and pay the required fee (usually $6 to $8)
Some local police departments also offer copies directly, but TxDOT is the official statewide repository.
Be sure to request a certified copy if you plan to use the report in a legal case.
What to Look for in Your Accident Report
Once you have the report, read it carefully to make sure all information is correct. Even minor mistakes could impact your case.
Important details to verify include:
- Contact and insurance info: Confirm all personal and insurance data is accurate.
- Crash diagram: Make sure the layout reflects what actually happened.
- Injury descriptions: Ensure that any injuries were documented correctly.
- Officer conclusions: Look for any notes about fault or violations.
After reviewing these sections, consider taking action if you find errors or missing details.
Can You Dispute an Inaccurate Report?
If a report contains false or incomplete information, it may be possible to request a supplemental report or submit your own written statement. However, law enforcement officers are not obligated to change their findings unless compelling evidence is provided.
Even if the officer’s report seems to suggest you were at fault, you still have options under Texas law. Because Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible.
An experienced attorney can help gather additional evidence to challenge the report and support your side of the story.
What to Know Before You File a Claim
Accident reports can shape the outcome of your insurance claim or personal injury case. They’re one of the first things insurance adjusters review when deciding how much to offer.
Because of their influence, it’s smart to:
- Request the report promptly
- Check for accuracy
- Consult a lawyer if the facts are disputed
A well-documented report can speed up the process and increase your chances of a fair settlement.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been in a crash in Houston, don’t overlook the importance of your car accident report. This document can provide vital support for your claim, but only if it’s accurate and complete. Review your report carefully, correct any mistakes when possible, and speak with a lawyer if questions about fault arise.
For more information, please get in touch with the Houston personal injury attorneys at Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
440 Louisiana St Suite 1115, Houston, TX 77002
(281) 667-4081
About The Author
Sean O’Rourke earned his law degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law and is licensed to practice in Texas. He frequently assists clients with their legal needs in Houston, with a focus on personal injury cases, especially those involving motor vehicle accidents (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, & motorcycles). Click here to view some of the amazing case results that Sean has successfully handled.
Location: Houston, TX