How to Obtain a Crash Report in Texas
Accidents happen, and when they do, it is essential to gather all the necessary information to ensure a smooth resolution and proper documentation. In the state of Texas, obtaining a crash report is a crucial step in this process. If you are injured and plan to file an insurance claim or personal injury claim, a crash report can provide vital information and evidence about how your injuries occurred.
Many people who are in a car accident are unsure of how to obtain a crash report. Wham & Rogers is here to help. In the article below, our Spring car accident lawyers provide a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process seamlessly.
If you need help understanding your rights or what to do after a car accident, call us at (832) 592-1108 for a free consultation.
How to Obtain a Crash Report in Texas
A crash report, also known as a Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3), is an official document created by law enforcement agencies after an automobile accident. It contains vital information about the incident, including details about the vehicles involved, the parties involved, the location, and the cause of the accident. Crash reports are valuable for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and statistical analysis of road safety.
Below, we provide the steps you can take to easily obtain your crash report:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before you embark on the journey to obtain a crash report in Texas, it is important to determine if you are eligible to request it. In most cases, the following individuals or entities can obtain a crash report:
- Individuals Involved in the Accident: If you were one of the parties involved in the accident, you have the right to obtain a copy of the crash report.
- Authorized Representatives: If you are an authorized representative of one of the parties involved, such as an attorney or insurance agent, you can request a copy.
- Insurance Companies: Insurance companies involved in a claim related to the accident can also obtain a crash report.
- Government Agencies: Government agencies with a legitimate interest, such as law enforcement and traffic safety agencies, can access crash reports.
- Media Organizations: Certain media organizations may be eligible to request crash reports, but they must adhere to specific guidelines and privacy laws.
Step 2: Gather Essential Information
To facilitate your request, you will need to gather some essential information related to the accident. This includes:
- Accident Details: Note down the date, time, and location of the accident.
- Driver's Information: Collect the names and driver's license numbers of all parties involved in the accident.
- Vehicle Information: Gather details about the vehicles involved, including license plate numbers, makes, models, and VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers).
- Law Enforcement Agency: Identify the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident, as you will need this information to request the report.
Step 3: Locate the Law Enforcement Agency
To obtain a crash report, you need to contact the law enforcement agency that investigated the accident. In Texas, there are multiple agencies that may respond to accidents, such as city police departments, county sheriff's offices, or the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can typically find this information on the accident scene or through local records.
Step 4: Request the Crash Report
Once you have identified the relevant law enforcement agency, you can request the crash report. Here are ways you can request the report:
- Visit in Person: You can visit the law enforcement agency's office in person to request a copy of the crash report. Be sure to bring all the necessary information and identification.
- Online Request: Many law enforcement agencies in Texas offer online request options through their websites. Visit the agency's website and look for instructions on how to request a crash report online. You may need to pay a fee for this service.
- Mail Request: If visiting in person or online requests are not feasible, you can send a written request by mail. Include all the required information and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for them to send you the report.
- Phone Request: Some agencies may allow you to request a crash report over the phone. Contact the agency's non-emergency number to inquire about this option.
Step 5: Pay the Fee
In Texas, obtaining a crash report typically involves a fee. The cost can vary depending on the law enforcement agency and the method of request. Be prepared to pay this fee when submitting your request. Most agencies accept payment in the form of cash, check, or credit/debit cards.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
After you submit your request and pay the necessary fee, you will need to wait for the law enforcement agency to process your request. The processing time can vary, so it is essential to inquire about the estimated timeframe when you make your request.
Step 7: Receive and Review the Crash Report
Once your request is processed, you will receive a copy of the crash report. Review it carefully to ensure all the information is accurate and complete. If you find any errors or discrepancies, contact the law enforcement agency to request corrections.
Why a Crash Report is Helpful for Car Accident Claims
A crash report, often prepared by law enforcement agencies following a car accident, is a valuable document that plays a crucial role in the process of car accident claims. If you are considering filing a personal injury claim, a crash report can be helpful in the following ways:
- Objective Documentation: A crash report is an objective, third-party account of the accident. It provides a detailed description of the incident, including the date, time, location, weather conditions, and a diagram of the accident scene. This factual information helps establish the basic facts of the accident without relying solely on the subjective accounts of the involved parties.
- Identification of Parties: The report includes the names, contact information, and driver's license numbers of all parties involved in the accident. This information is essential for insurance companies and attorneys to identify and contact the relevant parties for claims or legal proceedings.
- Witness Statements: Crash reports often include statements from witnesses who saw the accident. These statements can be critical in corroborating the events leading up to the accident, helping determine liability, and strengthening the credibility of the claimant's account.
- Vehicle Information: The report contains details about the vehicles involved, including their makes, models, license plate numbers, and Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). This information is crucial for verifying the vehicles' identities and ensuring accurate documentation.
- Description of Injuries: In some cases, the crash report may also include a description of injuries sustained by the involved parties. While it may not provide comprehensive medical information, it can serve as initial documentation of injuries caused by the accident.
- Statements of the Involved Parties: The crash report may include statements provided by the drivers and passengers involved in the accident. These statements can be valuable evidence in understanding how the accident occurred and who may be at fault.
- Traffic Violations and Citations: If any traffic violations or citations were issued as a result of the accident, they are typically recorded in the crash report. This information can be used to establish fault and liability in the claim.
- Evidence for Liability Determination: Insurance companies and legal professionals rely on crash reports to determine liability and assess fault. Having an official document that outlines the circumstances of the accident helps streamline this process and reduces the chances of disputes.
- Legal Proceedings: If a car accident leads to legal action, such as a personal injury lawsuit, the crash report becomes a fundamental piece of evidence presented in court. It can help establish liability and contribute to the successful resolution of the case.
A crash report is a valuable tool for car accident claims because it provides an unbiased, detailed, and official account of the accident. It serves as a foundation for claims, helps establish liability, and supports both insurance settlements and legal proceedings.
Get Help with a Car Accident Claim
For anyone involved in a car accident, obtaining a copy of the crash report is a critical step in the process of seeking compensation and resolution. If you have injuries due to a car accident, Wham & Rogers can help you build a strong case and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Our Spring car accident lawyers have decades of experience helping personal injury clients obtain compensation for their injuries and losses. Take a look at our case results to see some examples of the types of claims and compensation we have obtained.
For a free consultation of your car accident case, call us at (832) 592-1108, or complete our online contact form.
Austin, Texas - Texas is already one of the most dangerous states for fatal 18-wheeler crashes, and major disruptions from trucking collisions are a near-daily occurrence. This morning, an 18-wheeler and six other vehicles collided near the Austin-area suburb of Georgetown . The severity of any injuries sustained in the commercial vehicle wreck has not yet been reported, but the crash and recovery efforts have led to the complete closure of southbound lanes on Highway I-35. The Texas Department of Transportation warns that traffic will be disrupted for hours. Just last month, commuters on I-35 suffered a major, multiple-fatality accident when a driver for an Amazon delivery contractor crashed his 18-wheeler into 17 other vehicles . Investigations continue into the cause of the crash. Despite the frequency and severity of 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle crashes in Texas, the State Legislature is considering new laws that would protect trucking companies from liability in these wrecks . When combined with other new legislation capping damages that result from these serious 18-wheeler accidents, Texans would be left even more vulnerable. If you have been injured in a serious truck or 18-wheeler accident in Texas, please call Wham & Rogers for a free consultation at 832-592-1108 .
Texas has led the nation in large truck crashes since 2017. Despite this, the Texas Legislature is considering bills that would sacrifice Texans' safety for commercial trucking and insurance company profits
A proposed Senate bill, pushed by insurance company lobbyists, would severely limit damages for victims involved in crashes with 18-wheelers, further tipping the scales in favor of insurance companies at the expense of Texans’ rights.
Five people were killed and eleven injured in a major, multi-vehicle collision on the evening of March 13th in Austin, Texas. According to NBC affiliate KXAN , one individual has been charged: "Police sources confirmed with KXAN the person arrested was the driver of a semi-truck hauling for Amazon. The driver involved in this incident is not an Amazon employee. … The owner of ZBN Transport LLC said Friday afternoon there’s been no contact with its semi-truck driver." (KXAN) According to Austin police, the alleged driver has been charged with multiple counts of intoxication manslaughter. Amazon, like many other large corporations, has chosen to expand its operations via an array of third-party contractors rather than relying solely upon employees. This provides the company with greater flexibility on pay and benefits, and may also seem like attractive way to reduce liability for accidents like the above. However, many large corporations have discovered that merely declaring a worker to be an “independent contractor” does not necessarily make it so. In one notable example, a court of appeals in Oregon ruled that Domino’s Pizza, Inc. was directly responsible for an accident caused by one of their franchisee’s delivery drivers, and could not disclaim liability . A decade later, the Supreme Court of Ireland found the same. Amazon has also faced legal scrutiny over its "Delivery Service Partner" program in the state of Georgia: "Jurors Thursday handed down a $16.2 million verdict at trial against Amazon Logistics and a service partner. ... Notably, jurors also concluded that Amazon exercised sufficient control over defendant Fly Fella Logistics to render the delivery giant liable ." (Courtroom View Network) To be considered truly “independent”, a contractor should exercise significant control over his own schedule, and be able to make decisions over how and when to provide services. When a company policy guarantees a specific delivery timeframe, or denies digital app or marketplace access to a contractor based on number of jobs taken per week, they may risk having the supposedly “independent” contractor being considered an employee. If you have been seriously injured by a commercial driver, or a contractor for a major corporation, the Texas 18-wheeler accident experts at Wham & Rogers, PLLC can help. Speak to an attorney today by calling (832) 592-1108 or leaving us a message on our contact page.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. None of the information on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
Austin, Texas - Texas is already one of the most dangerous states for fatal 18-wheeler crashes, and major disruptions from trucking collisions are a near-daily occurrence. This morning, an 18-wheeler and six other vehicles collided near the Austin-area suburb of Georgetown . The severity of any injuries sustained in the commercial vehicle wreck has not yet been reported, but the crash and recovery efforts have led to the complete closure of southbound lanes on Highway I-35. The Texas Department of Transportation warns that traffic will be disrupted for hours. Just last month, commuters on I-35 suffered a major, multiple-fatality accident when a driver for an Amazon delivery contractor crashed his 18-wheeler into 17 other vehicles . Investigations continue into the cause of the crash. Despite the frequency and severity of 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle crashes in Texas, the State Legislature is considering new laws that would protect trucking companies from liability in these wrecks . When combined with other new legislation capping damages that result from these serious 18-wheeler accidents, Texans would be left even more vulnerable. If you have been injured in a serious truck or 18-wheeler accident in Texas, please call Wham & Rogers for a free consultation at 832-592-1108 .
Texas has led the nation in large truck crashes since 2017. Despite this, the Texas Legislature is considering bills that would sacrifice Texans' safety for commercial trucking and insurance company profits
A proposed Senate bill, pushed by insurance company lobbyists, would severely limit damages for victims involved in crashes with 18-wheelers, further tipping the scales in favor of insurance companies at the expense of Texans’ rights.
Five people were killed and eleven injured in a major, multi-vehicle collision on the evening of March 13th in Austin, Texas. According to NBC affiliate KXAN , one individual has been charged: "Police sources confirmed with KXAN the person arrested was the driver of a semi-truck hauling for Amazon. The driver involved in this incident is not an Amazon employee. … The owner of ZBN Transport LLC said Friday afternoon there’s been no contact with its semi-truck driver." (KXAN) According to Austin police, the alleged driver has been charged with multiple counts of intoxication manslaughter. Amazon, like many other large corporations, has chosen to expand its operations via an array of third-party contractors rather than relying solely upon employees. This provides the company with greater flexibility on pay and benefits, and may also seem like attractive way to reduce liability for accidents like the above. However, many large corporations have discovered that merely declaring a worker to be an “independent contractor” does not necessarily make it so. In one notable example, a court of appeals in Oregon ruled that Domino’s Pizza, Inc. was directly responsible for an accident caused by one of their franchisee’s delivery drivers, and could not disclaim liability . A decade later, the Supreme Court of Ireland found the same. Amazon has also faced legal scrutiny over its "Delivery Service Partner" program in the state of Georgia: "Jurors Thursday handed down a $16.2 million verdict at trial against Amazon Logistics and a service partner. ... Notably, jurors also concluded that Amazon exercised sufficient control over defendant Fly Fella Logistics to render the delivery giant liable ." (Courtroom View Network) To be considered truly “independent”, a contractor should exercise significant control over his own schedule, and be able to make decisions over how and when to provide services. When a company policy guarantees a specific delivery timeframe, or denies digital app or marketplace access to a contractor based on number of jobs taken per week, they may risk having the supposedly “independent” contractor being considered an employee. If you have been seriously injured by a commercial driver, or a contractor for a major corporation, the Texas 18-wheeler accident experts at Wham & Rogers, PLLC can help. Speak to an attorney today by calling (832) 592-1108 or leaving us a message on our contact page.
Up to 40% of all commercial truck accidents are caused by distracted driving. In 2018, there were 4,832 deaths caused by distracted truck drivers. That number was 4,977 in 2019 and 4,777 in 2020, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administratio n. The categories of distracted driving tracked by the FMCSA include: Talking or Listening to Cellular Phone Other Cellular Phone Related Using or Reaching For Device/Object Brought Into Vehicle Eating or Drinking Dialing/Manipulating Cellular Phone a Lost In Thought/Day Dreaming Adjusting Audio and/or Climate Controls Using Other Device/Controls Integral to Vehicle Distracted By Other Occupant(s) Careless/Inattentive Distracted By Moving Object in Vehicle Distraction/Careless Looked But Did Not See Smoking Related Cell phone use by truck drivers It’s important to note that the FMCSA prohibits texting and the use of handheld devices by truck drivers. Violations can result in fines, and even suspension of commercial driver’s licenses. Drivers who use handheld devices are 4x more likely to be in a serious crash. Text messaging increases the risk of a collision by 23 times. Cell phone use delays a driver’s reaction time as much as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%. How does distracted driving affect truck drivers’ performance? Distracted driving can slow the driver’s perception of traffic events, resulting in delayed reaction times. Slow reaction times may cause incorrect steering, too much brake pressure or inaccurate accelerator pressure. What can trucking companies do to reduce distracted driving by truck drivers? Require regular distracted driving training for drivers; Install distracted driving software which blocks use of social media, streaming video and texting while driving; Develop a distracted driving policy and require each employee to sign it, requiring them to agree to follow the policy. Enforce their distracted driving policy—and reprimand employees who fail to follow the policy. Educate dispatchers: Dispatchers shouldn’t expect immediate responses if drivers are on the road. Remind drivers to set their voicemail and call forwarding when on the road. Use driver facing cameras to ensure compliance with the safety rules. If you have been the victim of distracted driving by a commercial driver, Wham & Rogers can help you. We can rapidly respond to a collision in order to download the electronic control module and when necessary, download the phone of the distracted driver. Call 832-592-1108 or text (832) 413-1428 for a free consultation.
If you drive on Texas highways you have likely encountered some situations which you felt were unsafe or even dangerous. As a parent or grandparent, we especially worry about protecting our children from dangerous drivers, particularly from large commercial vehicles such as 18 -wheelers. How to protect your family while on the road with 18-wheelers: Be alert and aware of your surroundings when driving near 18-wheelers. Keep watch where the truck is and where other nearby cars are located and their movement. Being alert can give you time to move out of the way and to safety in the event of a collision. Don’t crowd 18-wheelers. When driving behind a semi- truck, leave enough space to stop in case the driver must slam on his brakes. You do not want to rear-end an 18-wheeler. Pass safely. When passing an 18-wheeler, stay closer to the shoulder than to the truck and pass as quickly as you can safely pass. If you linger next to the 18-wheeler, you may be in their blind spot. Don’t cut in front of a semi-truck. It takes large trucks a long distance to stop. Leave enough space between you and the truck so they can avoid hitting you in the event of a slowdown. Avoid the big rig’s blind spots. Large trucks have multiple blind spots, including the right side of the truck, directly in front of the truck, and directly behind the trailer. To protect yourself, stay out of these blind spots. The old adage is that if you can’t see the driver in the mirror, they can’t see you. Use your turn signal. Always use your turn signal when you are changing l anes or making a turn. Give the big rig driver sufficient warning of where you are moving to so he can avoid hitting you. If you travel in mountainous areas, you may have seen the runaway truck ramps. These ramps are there because trucks can have brake failures on steep slopes. Stay away from big trucks on both inclining and declining slopes to protect yourself in the event of a runaway truck. If you are sharing the road with a big truck and the road is steep, stay as far away as you can in the event of a brake failure. 18-wheelers take very wide turns due to their length. Give them enough space when they are turning so they don’t hit you. Here are some other safe driving tips to help keep you and your family safe while on the road: Avoid distractions, such as texting, applying make-up and eating; Watch out for and move away from drivers who are swerving or otherwise demonstrating that they are distracted by texting on their phone; Always make sure your child is in the proper car seat, even when traveling in someone else’s vehicle; Keep a proper distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Keep enough space to that if the traffic stops ahead of you that you have time to stop; Check your rear and side mirror often. You may be able to change lanes to avoid a collision if you are keeping a close lookout; Allow enough time to get to your destination so you don’t have to rush; Plan your route ahead of time and use voice-activated navigation systems so that you can focus on driving rather than searching for the road you need to turn on; Obey the posted speed limits; Take breaks—don’t become fatigued; Keep a first aid kit in your car and if you are traveling in desert areas, keep extra water in your car. If you are traveling in icy conditions, make sure you have the proper tires and chains, if required. Also, make sure you have blankets and other supplies to stay warm if you are stranded. The attorneys at Wham & Rogers have years of experience in 18-wheeler collision cases. Call 832-592-1108 or text (832) 413-1428 for a free consultation.
If you have sustained serious injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you should consult with a personal injury attorney right away. If you delay in retaining an attorney, you take the risk that evidence favorable to you will disappear. You also risk being misled or taken advantage of by the insurance company.
Don’t all employers in Texas have to carry worker’s compensation insurance? No. Texas is the only state that does not require private employers to carry worker’s compensation insurance. How do I find out if my employer carries worker’s compensation insurance? You can search the Texas Department of Insurance page here: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/ Many large employers such as Amazon, Walmart, HEB, McDonald's, Home Depot, Kroger, Target, Dollar General, Hobby Lobby, and Whole Foods are non-subscribers, meaning that they do not have worker’s compensation insurance. If you are employed by one of these companies and are injured on the job, you have a "non-subscriber" claim. I’ve been injured on the job and my employer is a non-subscriber. What rights do I have? You have the right to recover for all damages you suffered. Your recovery is not limited by the Texas Worker’s Compensation Act. As the employee of a non-subscriber, you must prove the negligence of your employer. Your employer has a duty to provide you with a safe workplace. If you are injured by your employer’s failure to provide proper safety equipment, failure to properly train your coworkers, or assigning you tasks outside your job description, you may be able to recover for your employer’s negligence which caused your injuries. If there is an on-the-job fatality, the family members of the worker who lost his life may be able to file a claim for wrongful death against the non-subscribing employer. When an employee is injured as a result of his or her employer’s negligence, the employee may recover more in damages than if the employer had worker’s compensation insurance. What damages can I recover in a non-subscriber case? A non-subscribing company may be sued for damages such as pain and suffering and medical expenses. The non-subscribing company may also be held liable for gross negligence or punitive damages. What defenses do non-subscriber employers have when employees are injured? Non-subscribing employers may not claim that their employees were contributorily negligent or that the employee assumed the risk of the dangerous activity they were assigned to do. Non-subscribers cannot escape liability for their employee’s injury because a coworker was at-fault. Non-subscribing employers are able to escape liability if an employee is intoxicated, reckless or deliberately caused their own injury. Can I sue my employer for an on-the-job injury if my employer has worker’s comp? No. If your employer has worker’s compensation insurance, your sole remedy is through the worker’s compensation system. At Wham & Rogers, we have years of experience handling non-subscriber cases. If you have been injured on the job and your employer is a non-subscriber, call us at 832-592-1108 or text us at (832) 413-1428 for your free consultation.
On the night of January 31st, drivers and passengers waiting at the intersection of East Sam Houston Parkway and Sabo Road were struck by an 18-wheeler . In addition to the truck, a further six vehicles were damaged in the collision, with at least two occupants, including a child, sustaining injuries. Tragically, one driver lost his life. The driver of the 18-wheeler reportedly left the scene rather than rendering aid to the victims . Fleeing the scene of a crash can severely increase legal penalties under these circumstances: hit-and-runs that result in death carry sentences up to 20 years in Texas. The suspect is still at large, but will probably be identified soon from security camera footage recorded before, during, and after the wreck. Beltway 8, of which Sam Houston Parkway is a part, has high definition cameras that record license plates at regular intervals. What should you do if you are hit by an 18-wheeler? If you have been in a collision with an 18-wheeler, it is critical to retain counsel right away to investigate the collision and to ensure evidence is preserved . In this situation, an attorney can send preservation letters to all vehicle owners who were involved in the collision to request preservation of dash cam video and electronic control modules. An attorney can also hire an investigator to canvas local businesses for video footage of the collision in order to track down the 18-wheeler driver and company.
Always order your crash report from a .gov site
