How to Obtain a Houston Police Accident Report in 3 Simple Steps

Why Your Houston Police Department Accident Report is Critical After a Crash

A Houston police department accident report is the official document that records the facts and findings of your car accident. If you’ve been in a collision in Houston, here’s how to get your report.

Quick Answer: How to Get Your Report

1. Wait 5-8 days after the accident for the report to be processed.
2. Gather required information: Incident number, date, location, and driver names.
3. Request your report through one of three methods:
   • Online: LexisNexis BuyCrash portal – $6 plus a processing fee.
   • By Mail: Send a check, self-addressed envelope, and completed H.B. 2633 form to HPD Records Division, 1200 Travis, Houston, TX 77002.
   • In-Person: Visit the Edward A. Thomas Building, 1200 Travis St., 1st Floor (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm) – $6.

After a car accident, the days that follow are often overwhelming. Amid dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance calls, one document becomes the cornerstone of your claim: your official accident report.

This report is the official record that insurance companies, attorneys, and courts use to determine fault, process claims, and calculate compensation. The officer’s narrative, diagram, and listed contributing factors can make or break your case. Without it, you’re left with conflicting stories and no neutral, documented version of events.

Obtaining your Houston police department accident report is a straightforward process. Texas law requires officers to file a crash report (CR-3) for accidents involving injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage. These reports are typically available 5 to 8 days after the crash. This guide will walk you through the process, from gathering information at the scene to requesting the report.

I’m Brian Nguyen, Managing Partner at Universal Law Group, where I lead our personal injury division. With years of experience helping accident victims steer insurance claims, I know how critical a Houston police department accident report is to building a strong case and protecting your rights.

Step 1: Gather Essential Information for Your Report Request

This first step begins at the crash scene. The information you collect here will make requesting your official report significantly smoother and lay the groundwork for your claim.

What to Document at the Accident Scene

The moments after an accident are chaotic, but taking a few key steps can make a world of difference when you request your Houston police department accident report.

First, prioritize safety. Call 911 if there are injuries or significant damage, which ensures law enforcement will create a crash report. Check on yourself and others, and seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries are not immediately apparent. If possible, move vehicles to the side of the road.

Once it’s safe, begin documenting. When the officer arrives, get their name, badge number, and most importantly, the police report or incident number. This number is the fastest way to locate your report later. Also, note the exact date, time, and specific location of the accident, including cross streets or mile markers.

Exchange the following with the other driver:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate number

If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers. Their independent accounts can be invaluable.

Finally, use your smartphone to take photos and videos of everything: vehicle damage, the position of the cars, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and the surrounding area. A visual record is crucial, as memories can fade.

Key Details Needed for the Houston Police Department Accident Report Request

When you’re ready to request your Houston police department accident report, having specific information on hand will prevent delays. The HPD Records Division requires at least two of the following details, but we advise having them all:

• Incident Number: This is the most important piece of information. It’s the case number the officer gave you and the quickest way for HPD to find your report.
• Date of the Accident: The exact date the crash occurred.
• Location of the Accident: The specific address or intersection.
• Full Names of All Drivers Involved: This helps verify you are requesting the correct report.
• Your Driver’s License and Plate Number: Additional identifiers to confirm your involvement.

Being prepared with these details ensures you can complete your request in one attempt, whether you do it online, by mail, or in person.

Step 2: Choose Your Method to Request the Houston Police Department Accident Report

After the officer files the report, it typically takes 5 to 8 days to become available. The Houston Police Department offers three ways to request a copy, each with different advantages.

Option A: Requesting Your Report Online

For most, the online option is the fastest and most convenient way to get your Houston police department accident report. HPD partners with LexisNexis through its BuyCrash portal, which is available 24/7.

The cost is $6.00 plus a small online processing fee. After payment, the report is usually delivered to your email. You can purchase your HPD crash report online through the portal.

Be aware that you must comply with H.B. 2633 requirements. This Texas law requires you to complete an online questionnaire under penalty of perjury to confirm you are legally entitled to the report (e.g., as a driver, passenger, or authorized representative). This protects the sensitive personal information in the report. The process takes only a few minutes if you have your information ready.

Option B: Requesting Your Report by Mail

If you prefer a paper trail and are not in a hurry, requesting your Houston police department accident report by mail is a reliable option.

Send your request to the HPD Records Division at 1200 Travis, Houston, TX 77002. The cost is $6.00 per report, payable by check or money order to the “City of Houston.” Do not send cash.

You must include two items with your payment:

1. A self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your report.
2. A completed H.B. 2633 form, which verifies your right to obtain the report. You can download the official H.B. 2633 Crash Report Form in English from the city’s website.

Also include key details like the incident number, date, location, and names of drivers to ensure your request is processed quickly.

Option C: Requesting Your Report In-Person

For those who prefer face-to-face interaction or need the report quickly, visiting the HPD Records Division is the best choice.

The HPD Records Division Public Service Counter is located in the Edward A. Thomas Building at 1200 Travis St., 1st Floor, Houston, TX 77002. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it’s wise to call ahead to confirm hours.

The cost is $6.00 per report. You will need to bring your completed H.B. 2633 form to save time. The main advantage of this method is that if you have the incident number, you can often receive the public information portion of the report the same day. This can be invaluable if you are facing an insurance deadline.

Step 3: Understanding Your Texas Accident Report and What Comes Next

Receiving the report is just the beginning. It’s vital to understand the information it contains, verify its accuracy, and know what to do if the accident occurred outside HPD’s jurisdiction.

CR-3 vs. CR-2: What’s the Difference in Your Houston Police Department Accident Report?

In Texas, you may encounter two types of reports:

• Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3): This is the official report filed by law enforcement, such as the HPD. Under Texas Transportation Code §550.062, an officer must file a CR-3 for any crash involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. This is the key document for your insurance claim and any legal action, containing the officer’s narrative, a diagram, and contributing factors.
• Driver’s Crash Report (CR-2): Also known as the “Blue Form,” this was a self-report form for minor accidents not investigated by police. As of 2017, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) no longer retains these forms. While you can still fill one out for your own records, the CR-3 is the official report that matters for your case.

The Role of TxDOT and What to Do If the Accident Was Outside Houston

TxDOT is the central custodian for all Texas crash records. This means every CR-3, including those from HPD, is sent to TxDOT’s database. If you have trouble getting your report from HPD, you can often purchase it directly from TxDOT’s Crash Report Online Purchase System.

A Houston police department accident report is only created if HPD officers responded to the scene. If your crash occurred in an unincorporated part of Harris County, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) likely responded, and you’ll need to request the report from them. Similarly, crashes on state highways may be handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Each agency has its own request procedure, but most reports eventually become available through TxDOT.

Reviewing Your Report for Accuracy and Why It Matters

Once you have your Houston police department accident report, your work isn’t done. You must review it carefully, as errors can seriously harm your claim. Insurance companies use these reports to assign fault and determine payouts, and an inaccurate report gives them a reason to dispute your claim or reduce your compensation.

Check the following details for accuracy:

• Factual Details: Verify that all names, addresses, vehicle information, and the date, time, and location of the crash are correct.
• Officer’s Narrative and Diagram: Ensure the written description and visual diagram accurately reflect how the accident happened. A misrepresentation can incorrectly shift fault to you.
• Contributing Factors: This section uses codes to assign causes like “distracted driving” or “unsafe lane change.” An incorrect code can wrongly suggest you were at fault and reduce your settlement.
• Citations, Injuries, and Damage: Confirm that any tickets were correctly assigned and that the report accurately documents all injuries and vehicle damage. Underreporting can lead insurers to minimize your claim.

If you find an error, act quickly. You can contact the investigating agency to request a correction or an amendment to the report. This often requires providing evidence like photos, witness statements, or medical records. This process can be complex, and having experienced legal representation is invaluable. An accurate report is the foundation of a fair settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions About HPD Records and Procedures

Beyond accident reports, you may have other questions about HPD’s public services and records. Here are answers to some common inquiries.

Can I get other HPD reports online, like for theft or vandalism?

Yes, HPD offers an online reporting system for certain non-emergency crimes to save you time. You can file a non-emergency police report online for incidents like minor theft (with no suspect info), lost property, and vandalism.

However, this system cannot be used for emergencies, crimes in progress, traffic crashes, incidents involving injuries, or any situation where you have suspect information or evidence needs to be collected. For emergencies, always call 911. For non-emergencies that don’t fit the online criteria, call 713-884-3131.

How do I file a complaint or commend an HPD officer?

HPD has formal processes for both accountability and recognition. If you believe an officer acted improperly, you can file a complaint with the Internal Affairs Division. Be sure to provide details like officer names, badge numbers, and a specific description of the incident.

Conversely, if an officer provided exceptional service, you can submit a commendation to recognize their work. Both complaint and commendation forms are available on the HPD website and help maintain transparency and trust with the community.

Where can I find other HPD information like crime statistics or active cases?

The main HPD website (houstonpolice.org) is the central hub for public information. You can find resources like the HPD Robbery Division Active Cases page or browse crime statistics and annual reports.

If the information you need isn’t available online, you can submit a Public Information Request (PIR) under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA). This formal process allows you to request specific documents from HPD. A PIR is for obtaining records, not for checking the status of a report you’ve filed; for that, you should contact the relevant division directly.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Knowing how to obtain a Houston police department accident report is a crucial first step, but it’s just the beginning of a complex legal journey. An experienced attorney knows how to use this powerful evidence to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.

At Universal Law Group, we understand that an accident report is the foundation of your case, but building a successful claim requires much more. Our team, which includes attorneys with former prosecutor experience, knows how to analyze every detail of your report and counter the strategies of insurance companies.

Here’s how we help our clients:

• Analyze the Report: We scrutinize your accident report for errors, omissions, or inconsistencies that could harm your claim, from an inaccurate diagram to incorrect contributing factor codes.
• Handle Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. We take over all communication and aggressively negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Gather Additional Evidence: We build the strongest case possible by collecting medical records, witness statements, photos, and expert reports to supplement the police report.
• Protect Your Rights: We manage the entire legal process, ensuring deadlines are met and you are not pressured into an unfair settlement. We make sure your case stays on track with Texas’s statutes of limitations for filing car accident claims.
• Maximize Your Settlement: Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation for all your current and future losses, including medical treatment, lost earning capacity, and rehabilitation.

You shouldn’t have to steer the aftermath of a car accident alone. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.

Contact our Houston personal injury attorneys for a free consultation today. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and fight for the justice you deserve. There’s no obligation—just honest guidance from a team that cares.