Obtaining A Car Accident Report In Houston, Texas

When you’ve been involved in a car accident in Houston, obtaining the police report is essential. In most cases, Molina Law Firm obtains the accident reports for our client’s claims. Here’s information on obtaining a car accident report in Houston, Texas. 

How to Acquire a Copy of a Police Accident Report in Houston

If the Houston Police Department (HPD) responded to your accident, you have several options to obtain a copy of the police report.

You need to have at least two of the following details to request a copy:

• Date of the accident
• Location of the accident
• Names of the drivers or other involved parties

Online Request

You can purchase a Houston, Texas accident report online through a third-party site called LexisNexis.  However, you do have to set up a LexisNexis account and be able to pay with a debit or credit card. You will also need to enter some information from the Police Exchange of Information form such as the date and location of the accident. 

In-Person Request

You can also get the report by visiting the HPD Records Division located at 1200 Travis St., Houston, TX, 77002. The office operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Keep in mind that this address is for the Houston Police Department Headquarters.  You will need personal identification to enter the building. Additionally, you have to pass through a scanner and security check to enter the building.  

Request by Mail

Alternatively, you can request a copy of the report by mail by filling out the H.B. 2633 form and mailing it to the HPD Records Division at 1200 Travis, Houston, Texas 77002. Include a check or money order for $6, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, and send it to Houston Police Deparment.

Importance of the Police Report After a Car Crash

Obtaining the police report is crucial for recovering damages in the aftermath of a car accident. Here’s some of the valuable information that will be in the accident report:

• Essential Information: Police reports contain vital details such as the date, location, and contact information of involved parties.
• Witness Statements: Statements from witnesses and the officer’s assessment of the situation are included, providing valuable insight into the accident.
• Proof of Liability: If the other driver received a citation, it serves as evidence of their negligence, supporting your claim for damages.

Establishing Negligence Using the Police Report

To pursue compensation, you must establish negligence. The police report will help you prove the following elements of a negligence claim:

• Duty of Care: Demonstrates that the other driver had a duty to drive safely.
• Breach of Duty: Shows how the other driver breached this duty through reckless actions.
• Injuries and Losses: Validates your injuries and resulting losses due to the accident.

While the police report is crucial, it’s just one aspect of building a strong case.  An experienced accident lawyer will also conduct an independent accident investigation to prove your claim.  

Supporting Evidence for Your Claim

In addition to the police report, various forms of evidence can strengthen your claim:

• Medical Records: Documenting your injuries and treatment.
• Eyewitness Testimony: Accounts from individuals who witnessed the accident.
• Expert Testimony: Insights from accident reconstruction specialists.
• Financial Records: Invoices and billing statements related to your injuries.
• Visual Evidence: Photos and videos of the accident scene.

With professional assistance, gathering and presenting this evidence becomes more manageable.