You can request your accident report online from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) website. You may also request a copy of your report by mail.
When requesting your report, you’ll have to wait until the report has been completed by the investigating officer and entered into the system. This could take 14 days or more.
To request a copy online you’ll need to search for your report on the CRIS Purchase website. To locate your report you’ll need to know at least one of the following details:
- The Nameof a person or company involved in the crash
- The Driver’s License/Identification Card Numberof a person involved in the crash
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)of a vehicle involved in the crash
- The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Crash IDsfor one or more crashes
You’ll be asked to choose between a redacted and non-redacted report. A redacted report has personal information like phone numbers, addresses, and dates of birth hidden. When you require a non-redacted copy, you’ll have to fill out an affidavit confirming your eligibility. To have access to the non-redacted report, you’ll need to be one of the following people:
- Any person involved in the accident
- A driver involved in the accident
- An authorized representative of a crash victim such as a car accident attorney
- Employer, parent, or legal guardian of a crash victim
If you have any questions, you can call 844-CRIS-Hlp Monday through Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
What Does My Bellaire Accident Report Cost?
The cost for an Uncertified electronic online copy is $6.00. The cost of a Certified electronic copy is $8.00. There may be an additional processing fee for paying by credit card.
A certified copy has the signature of the Custodian of Motor Vehicle Crash Records as well as the official Texas Department of Transportation seal. Certified reports are usually required for legal proceedings, employment verification, etc.
You can pay by Credit Card or Electronic Check. Your report will arrive by email.
How Do I Request a Bellaire Police Accident Report By Mail?
To request your crash report by mail, you’ll need to print out form CR-91 and fill it out. You’ll send off your form to:
Crash Data and Analysis,
Texas Department of Transportation,
P.O. Box 12879
Austin, Texas 78711
A copy of the accident report will cost $6. A certified copy will cost $8. You may pay for your form with a check or money order. Requests through the mail could take up to 30 days to process.
There are further instructions on the CR-91 form. For questions regarding a request through the mail call: 844-274-7457
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Bellaire?
After an accident, if you find yourself with only minor injuries like scratches and bruises, or only damage to your car, you may not benefit from having a lawyer handle your case.
But if you suffer a serious injury and another driver is to blame, talking over your case with a lawyer is a good idea. Among other things, a serious injury would include a broken bone, head trauma, or a neck or back injury.
When you take longer than a day or two to recover from an injury and miss time at work, car insurance companies begin to worry. They don’t want to accept responsibility for your rising medical bills and lost paychecks. They’ll work hard in an attempt to pin the blame on you or try to talk you into accepting far less than you’ll need to recover.
Your Bellaire car accident lawyer protects you from their tactics and ensures you have everything you need to rebuild your life after a major crash. When you have an attorney on your case, your lawyer secures the accident report and all other evidence for you. To find out if you have a strong case, contact The Gutierrez Law Firm. We offer a free case review to all accident victims.
There’s no obligation, but if you feel we can help you earn more for your injury, you won’t need any money to hire us. We don’t get any money unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement money car insurers must pay you.
