You called 911. You reported the accident. The police showed up at the scene of the crash, did a preliminary investigation, and documented important details about the collision in a report.
You’ll want a copy of that police report after a Texas car accident to help you establish liability, show a causal link between the crash and your injuries, and build a claim that forces the insurance company to make you whole.
There are a few ways you can get a copy of the police report, which you can do yourself or get assistance from our Georgetown accident attorneys.
Go to Your Nearest Police Department and Request a Copy
If the car accident happened near where you live, you can go to your nearest police department and request a copy of your accident report.
For example, if your car accident occurred in Georgetown, you would go to the Georgetown Police Department located at 3500 D B Wood Rd, Georgetown, TX 78628. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
At this location, you’ll need your name, photo ID, and the report number. If you don’t have the report number, you’ll need to provide details about the collision. Regular reports cost $6, while certified copies are $8. You can also call the Records Department for help with getting a copy of your accident report at (512) 930-FILE (3453).
If visiting your nearest police station in person is difficult due to your injuries, a car accident lawyer can handle this request for you.
Request a Copy of Your Accident Report Online
If you don’t want to go to the local precinct, or if the accident wasn’t local, you can request a copy of the accident report from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Visit the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System and click on “Search for your Crash Report.” You’ll need to provide your name, the report number, and/or driver’s license number to get a copy, as well as payment for a certified or non-certified copy. Once the report is generated, you’ll be able to download it to your device or computer for use in your car accident claim.
If you encounter technical issues or missing crash details in the state database, consulting a car accident lawyer can ensure your official records are secured properly.
Your Insurance Company May Provide a Copy
While Texas is an at-fault state, there are times when you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company after an accident. When you’re dealing with your insurance carrier, you can ask them to get a copy of your accident report for you.
Often, this is part of their claim investigation, anyway. However, before relying entirely on insurer negotiations, having a dedicated car accident attorney review the report ensures your legal rights stay protected.
Ask a Car Accident Lawyer to Get a Copy For You
Life can get overwhelming when you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Texas. It’s possible that you might be hospitalized, unable to go to the police station, or navigate the TxDOT website to get a copy of your accident report.
When you hire the Georgetown car accident attorneys at Dow Law Firm after a crash, you won’t have to worry about preserving evidence, getting copies of your accident report, or even talking to the insurance company if you don’t want to.
Our car accident lawyers will handle every aspect of your car accident claim so you can focus on your recovery. Contact our car accident attorneys in Georgetown at (512) 240-9951 today to learn more. Your first consultation is free.