To get a crash report in Corpus Christi, TX, you’ll need to request it from either the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) or the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), depending on which agency responded to the crash. These reports document key details of the accident and play a central role in insurance claims and personal injury cases.
If you were involved in a crash, knowing how to retrieve this report can be essential for protecting your rights. This guide outlines the steps and legal considerations involved, as well as how a Corpus Christi car accident lawyer can assist you throughout the process.
What Is a Crash Report and Why Does It Matter?
A crash report is completed by law enforcement when an accident involves injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. It includes:
- Crash date, time, and location
- Names and contact info of involved parties
- Insurance and vehicle details
- Diagram of the crash scene
- Officer’s observations
- Witness names and statements
- Violation or citation information
- Observations about damage and conditions
Crash reports often serve as foundational evidence in personal injury claims. Unfortunately, inaccuracies can affect your ability to recover compensation. Our law firm routinely obtains and analyzes these reports to identify liability issues and strengthen our clients’ cases.
We have offices in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Victoria; and will travel to any corner of Texas if we are capable of preventing an injustice.
How to Request a Crash Report in Corpus Christi
Depending on the agency, you can request a crash report in person, online, or by mail.
In Person (CCPD)
Where:
Corpus Christi Police Department Central Records
321 John Sartain St., Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Bring:
- Government-issued ID
- Crash details (date, time, location)
- Names of involved parties (if known)
- Report or case number (if available)
Cost: $6
Online (TxDOT)
Website: https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/app/home
Steps:
- Enter crash details
- Pay fee: $6 (regular), $8 (certified)
- Download your report as a PDF
By Mail (CCPD)
Use this mailing address:
Central Information
Corpus Christi Police Department
P.O. Box 9016
Corpus Christi, TX 78469
You may wish to call ahead for more information before mailing in a request.
A Corpus Christi car accident lawyer ensures that requests are submitted correctly to the appropriate agency, preventing delays or errors.
What to Do if You Don’t Have the Report Number
You can obtain your accident report using alternative details:
- Date and time of the crash
- Location
- Names of involved drivers
- Vehicle license plate numbers
However, incomplete info can cause delays or result in receiving the wrong report. Our personal injury lawyers can provide needed documentation and ensure requests meet legal access requirements.
Representing the injured in all areas of Texas that extends back over 40 years
How Much Will it Cost to Request a Crash Report?
In addition to the costs outlined above, you may have to pay for:
- Return postage (mail-in requests)
- Multiple reports (multi-vehicle crashes)
We help clients determine the right type of report and streamline the request process to avoid rejections or delays.
You need a skilled advocate to protect your legal rights and present your claim in such a way as to maximize your recovery.
What if My Report Isn’t Available or Is Missing?
Reports are not always available right away. Common reasons include:
- Not yet filed (officers have 10 days by law)
- Ongoing investigation
- Wrong jurisdiction (e.g., you submit a request to the CCPD, but they did not respond to the accident)
- Clerical errors
- Access restrictions under Texas Transportation Code § 550.065
What You Can Do:
- Confirm crash details
- Verify the responding agency
- Wait a few more days if you are still within the 10-day window
- Contact the records department directly
Our legal team can verify jurisdiction, follow up with agencies, and, if necessary, escalate or file public information requests. We can also help recover alternative documents, such as officer narratives or dispatch records, to keep your case moving.
Can I Get a Report if I’m Not Involved in the Crash?
Texas law restricts access to full, unredacted crash reports. The following may access them:
- Drivers, passengers, and vehicle owners involved in the accident
- Parents or legal guardians of minors involved in the accident
- Attorneys, insurers, and law enforcement investigating the accident
Others (like journalists or concerned parties) may request redacted reports, which remove:
- Names and addresses
- Insurance and license info
- Vehicle registration numbers
These reports may offer context but are not typically usable in legal claims.
Our legal team can confirm your eligibility under Texas law, submit authorized requests, and resolve redaction or access issues (such as if you are requesting the report on behalf of a loved one who passed away in the accident). If your request was denied, we can evaluate options and intervene on your behalf.
Why Accurate Crash Reports Are Crucial for a Personal Injury Case
Crash reports often have a significant impact on insurers, courts, and opposing attorneys. They are especially helpful when the other party denies fault or if multiple parties are liable, such as in commercial trucking accident cases. In these situations, a Corpus Christi truck accident lawyer can help pursue claims against all liable parties using information from the crash report.
Dangers of Inaccuracies in Crash Reports
Any or all of the following could conflict with your own version of events and make it more difficult to recover fair compensation:
- Incorrect contact or insurance info
- Missing or misidentified witnesses
- Fault misattribution
- Failure to document injuries
We thoroughly review crash reports to:
- Verify accuracy
- Cross-reference client and witness accounts
- Identify disputes or inconsistencies
- Work with experts to reconstruct events when necessary
If errors are found, we know how to challenge them and build a stronger narrative using facts, records, and testimony.
Contact a Corpus Christi Car Accident Attorney for Help With Your Case
Getting a crash report in Corpus Christi, TX, might seem straightforward, but for injury victims, it’s a pivotal part of the legal process. A well-documented, accurate report can be the difference between a denied claim and a full, fair settlement.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, our Corpus Christi auto accident lawyers regularly assist clients in retrieving and interpreting crash reports, ensuring their legal rights are protected from the outset. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you maximize your personal injury recovery.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC we can talk to you about your options and rights.
