How to Get a Crash Report in Texas

The fastest way to obtain your Texas crash report is through TxDOT's^[1] online Crash Records Information System (CRIS) portal^[2]. Visit cris.dot.state.tx.us and search for your report using the crash date, county, and your name or case number. Once located, you can purchase and download an electronic copy immediately for $6.00 (uncertified) or $8.00 (certified)^[2].

For crashes investigated by local police departments, many agencies in Texas also use the BuyCrash portal operated by LexisNexis^[3]. Check with the investigating department to see if their reports are available through BuyCrash. Reports through BuyCrash may cost approximately $9.00 depending on the agency^[3].

You can also request reports by mail by sending a completed request form along with payment to TxDOT^[1]. Note that as of January 1, 2025, TxDOT no longer accepts subpoena and affidavit requests by mail^[8]. In-person requests can be made at TxDOT offices during business hours.

To locate your crash report in the CRIS system^[2], you will need the date of the crash and the county where it occurred. Having the crash ID number or investigating agency case number will make the search much faster. If you do not have a case number, you can search using the name of a person involved in the crash.

For mail-in requests, you must complete the appropriate request form and include your full name, date of birth, and the crash details. Payment must accompany the request in the form of a check or money order made payable to TxDOT^[1].

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.065^[4], crash reports may only be released to persons directly concerned in the accident or those with proper interest, including drivers involved, vehicle owners, employers or guardians of drivers, and authorized legal representatives.

The Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3)^[1] contains detailed information about the crash, including the date, time, and location; weather and road conditions; a diagram of the crash scene; descriptions of all vehicles involved; and the investigating officer's narrative and contributing factors.

The report will also include the officer's determination of fault, which is documented through contributing factors assigned to each driver. Common contributing factors include failure to yield right of way, following too closely, speeding, and distracted driving. These determinations play a significant role in insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Texas uses a modified comparative fault system under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001^[6], meaning you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the crash. Your percentage of fault will reduce your recovery proportionally. The crash report's contributing factors are a key piece of evidence in establishing fault percentages.

Law enforcement officers are required to file their crash reports electronically with TxDOT within 10 days of the crash^[5]. However, reports may not be immediately available for purchase. Most reports become searchable in the CRIS system^[2] within 10 to 15 business days after the crash date, though complex investigations may take longer.

If you need the report urgently, you may be able to obtain a copy directly from the investigating law enforcement agency before it appears in the CRIS system. Contact the police department or sheriff's office that responded to the crash and ask about their process for releasing preliminary reports.

Reports remain available for purchase through the CRIS system indefinitely^[2]. However, older reports may require additional processing time. For crashes that occurred before TxDOT began electronic reporting, you may need to submit a written request^[1].

Write down the crash ID number and investigating agency at the scene if possible. The crash ID is the fastest way to locate your report in the CRIS system^[2]. If you did not receive this information, call the non-emergency number of the responding agency and ask for the case number.

If you are an injured victim, you may be entitled to a free copy of the crash report. Texas Transportation Code Section 550.065^[4] allows persons directly concerned in the accident to request the report, and some law enforcement agencies will provide a courtesy copy to crash victims at no charge. Ask the investigating officer or agency about their policy.

Check both the CRIS portal^[2] and BuyCrash^[3], as your report may appear in one system before the other depending on the investigating agency. Local police departments often upload to BuyCrash first, while state trooper reports typically appear in CRIS first.

If your report contains errors, contact the investigating agency to request a supplemental or amended report. TxDOT^[8] does not have the authority to modify crash reports; only the investigating agency can make corrections.

Your Texas crash report is essential for filing an insurance claim after a car accident. Insurance companies rely on the CR-3 report^[1] to determine fault, assess the severity of the crash, and process claims. Without the official report, your claim may face delays or disputes over the facts of the incident.

If you are considering legal action, the crash report provides critical evidence for your case. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for both personal injury and property damage claims under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003^[7], so obtaining your report promptly gives you and your attorney time to build a strong case based on the official record.

The crash report also serves as an important personal record of the incident. It documents the other driver's information, insurance details, witness names, and the officer's findings. This information is valuable even if you do not immediately pursue a claim, as injuries or vehicle damage may become apparent after the initial incident.