Financial stress and uncertainty can hit fast after a car accident in Texas. Medical bills start piling up, income stops coming in, and insurance adjusters start calling you, all while you’re trying to recover from painful injuries that limit your mobility.
If you want to address these issues and gain the financial stability you deserve, you need strong evidence that someone else is at fault for the crash. One of the most essential pieces of evidence in these cases is the Texas car accident police report.
The Role of Police Reports After a Texas Car Accident
When a police officer arrives at the scene of an accident, they act as a neutral observer. The responding officer notes conditions, speaks with drivers and witnesses, and assesses the collision in an official report.
Insurance companies and personal injury attorneys rely heavily on Texas crash reports because they provide structure and credibility early in a claim. While a police report does not decide fault on its own, it often guides the direction of investigations and insurance negotiations.
What Is a Texas Police Accident Report (CR-3)?
Texas uses a specific form called the CR-3 Crash Report. A responding law enforcement officer completes this official document after investigating a crash that involves injury, death, or significant property damage.
A CR-3 report typically includes the following information:
- Names and contact information of all parties involved in the accident
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
- Vehicle descriptions and insurance details
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Diagrams showing vehicle positions and points of impact
- Weather conditions
- Road conditions
- Traffic violations or citations issued
- The officer’s narrative summary of the crash
Why Police Reports Are Critical Evidence in Texas Car Accident Claims
A Texas accident report (CR-3) carries weight because it is issued by a trained officer with no financial stake in the outcome of the personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters often review the report before making a settlement decision.
A strong police report can:
- Support your version of events
- Identify the at-fault driver early
- Confirm traffic violations or unsafe driving
- Strengthen liability arguments during negotiations
What Police Reports Can—and Cannot—Prove
Police reports help, but they do not tell the entire story.
Here’s what they can do:
- Document physical evidence at the scene
- Record witness statements right after the collision
- Note signs of intoxication or reckless behavior
And here’s what they cannot do:
- Decide legal fault under Texas law
- Measure the full extent of vehicle damage and injuries
- Prove pain, suffering, emotional distress, or long-term impact
In other words, a crash report can provide a strong starting point for building a compelling claim, but your attorney must gather additional evidence to build a claim that reflects the true impact of the accident on your daily life and finances.
How to Obtain a Police Report in Texas
Texas makes police reports relatively easy to access. You can request the official record through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) online portal.
To request the report, you usually need:
- The crash date
- The city or county where the crash occurred
- At least one driver’s name
TxDOT typically charges a small fee, and reports often take several days to become available. Acquire a copy for yourself and file it away carefully in an organized folder.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Injured in a car accident? The team at Burch Law Firm stands ready to protect your rights and fight to hold the at-fault party accountable. Contact us today for your free consultation with a car accident lawyer in New Braunfels.
