If you suffered injuries in a car accident, you might rightfully be focused on your physical and emotional recovery.
Requesting documents, contemplating potential lawsuits, and arguing with insurance companies may feel far from your mind.
However, remember that Texas law protects your right to seek compensation from the negligent party that caused your accident and injuries.
Your accident report is one essential piece of evidence in a potential lawsuit and insurance claim.
Today, the attorneys at Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. will discuss how to obtain a copy of Dallas, Texas, accident reports.
What Are Dallas Car Accident Reports?
The Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report, or the CR-3, includes useful information victims may miss or forget.
Law enforcement officers at the scene compile helpful information that they record in Dallas county accident reports.
This information includes the following:
- The date, time, and location of the collision;
- The names and contact information of parties involved;
- The makes and models of vehicles involved;
- Insurance information for parties;
- Details regarding any injuries;
- Details regarding property damage;
- The names and contact information of any witnesses;
- The violation of any laws and issuance of any citations;
- Weather and traffic conditions at the time of the accident;
- A sketch of the accident; and
- The officer’s opinion on the cause of the accident and their determination of fault.
The officer’s narrative and fault determination are extremely valuable for insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
However, carefully read your accident report to spot any mistakes or errors. The sooner you have a chance to review your report, the sooner you can correct any inaccuracies.
How Can I Get Dallas Police Accident Reports?
There are three methods of obtaining a copy of the CR-3 report: online, in-person, and by mail.
Online
Dallas accident reports are available online from the Texas Department of Transportation. They are generally available five to seven working days after the crash.
The Texas Transportation Code requires reporting law enforcement officers to file crash reports with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for any accident causing injury, death, or $1,000 or more in property damage.
The TxDOT collects crash reports from all Texas reporting agencies for collisions occurring on public roads or highways.
Copies of Dallas car accident reports cost $6.00 per copy or $8.00 for certified copies for use in court.
You may obtain Dallas Texas accident reports from the Dallas Police Department by mailing a written request to the Open Records Unit at 1400 Botham Jean, Dallas, TX 75215.
Provide a check for $6.00 for your copy with your request. Include the name of a person involved in the accident and the accident’s location or date.
In-Person
In-person requests may be made at the customer service window of the Dallas Police Department located at 1400 Botham Jean, Dallas, TX 75215.
As with mail requests, you must provide the name of a person involved in the accident, the accident’s location, or the accident’s date.
Texas Transportation Code § 550.065 only permits the release of accident reports on written request and payment to anyone directly concerned in the accident or having a proper interest.
This includes parties involved in the accident and any authorized representative, employer, parent, or legal guardian.
Contact Us
At Aaron A. Herbert, P.C., we fight to obtain outstanding results for our clients throughout Texas.
We’ve worked hard to earn a reputation in the community as hard-hitting, determined attorneys with impeccable litigation skills and negotiation tactics.
Over the years, we’ve secured millions of dollars for our personal injury clients.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation to find out how our legal team can help you.