How to Obtain an Accident Report in Texas

By July 24, 2018Car Wreck

Accident Report Police ReportIf you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, an experienced Personal Injury Attorney can assist in obtaining all relevant records, including accident reports. Accident reports contain basic but necessary information needed to begin a personal injury claim.

Why Do Law Enforcement Officers Write Accident Reports?

Under Texas law, a law enforcement officer investigating a motor vehicle accident must submit a written report of any accident involving injury, death, or property damage believed to be greater than $1000 within ten days of the date of the accident (Texas Transportation Code, Subchapter D, Sec. 550). If no injuries occurred, or if the damage to property was less than $1000, no report is required.

Who Can Get an Accident Report?

The Texas Transportation Code states that accident reports can be made available to any of the following persons/entities after submitting a written request and paying any required fees:

  • any person involved in the accident;
  • a person authorized to represent any person involved in the accident;
  • a driver involved in the accident;
  • an employer, parent, or legal guardian of a driver involved in the accident;
  • the owner of a vehicle or property damaged in the accident;
  • a person who has established financial responsibility for a vehicle involved in the accident;
  • an insurance company that issued an insurance policy covering a vehicle involved in the
    accident;
  • an insurance company that issued a policy covering any person involved in the accident;
  • a person under contract to provide claims or underwriting information to a person with financial responsibilities for the vehicle or to an insurance company that issued a policy for a vehicle damaged in the accident or an individual injured in the accident
  • a radio or television station that holds a license issued by the Federal Communications
    Commission;
  • a newspaper;
  • any person who may sue because of death resulting from the accident;

How Can I Get My Accident Report?

If you were involved in an accident, and an officer prepared a report, you may obtain a copy of your report by going to the website of the county, city, or municipality in which the accident occurred and submitting a written request. If an accident occurred outside city limits, you can go to the investigating agency’s website, i.e. Sheriff’s Office or Department of Public Safety. Be advised, you may be required to pay a fee for your report. Included below are some helpful links to various DFW city websites where you can request your report or find out more information.

County Websites to Request Accident Reports

DFW Metroplex City Websites to Request Accident Reports

Accident reports are important in personal injury cases because they contain information about the at-fault party, their insurance company, and the responding officer’s determination as to how the accident occurred and who was at fault, all information that an attorney would need to begin pursuing a personal injury claim. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you obtain your accident report as well as provide you valuable information, support, and guidance while pursuing your personal injury claim.