If you are involved in an auto accident in Texas, it is essential that an accident report detailing the collision be filed. These reports can be referred to by your attorney to demonstrate how the actions of an adverse driver led to your collision and your injuries.
Texas law recognizes two types of crash reports. The type of crash report that filed and who is responsible for the filing of the report is dependent on whether or not the crash was investigated by a law enforcement officer.
A Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) is completed by a law enforcement officer investigating a crash when the crash being investigated:
Texas Transportation Code §550.062 requires that the responding officer submit such a report to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) no later than the 10th day after the date of the crash at which point TxDOT will retain the report for 10 years plus the current year.
A Driver’s Crash Report (CR-2), also known as a Blue Form, is a report that is completed by a driver involved in a crash that is not investigated by a law enforcement officer. Similar to a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report, Texas Transportation Code §550.061 requires that a Driver’s Crash Report be completed when a crash:
State retention schedule for Driver’s Crash Reports is one year plus the current year.
If you need to file a Driver’s Crash Report (CR-2), you can find the form on the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) website. If you are unable to access the form electronically, you may request a physical copy of the form at any local Department of Safety office.
When filling out a Driver’s Crash Report, you will be asked to provide:
Once the form is completed, you may submit it to TxDOT electronically or by mail.
You may obtain a copy of your crash report by visiting your local DPS office or by visiting the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System.
In an effort to guarantee confidentiality, Texas law does not make crash reports available for viewing by the general public. As such, access to a crash report is limited to:
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