How to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in San Antonio?

Getting into a car accident can be a painful and a terrifying ordeal. You may not immediately know what to do next when it comes to seeking justice for your accident and holding the right people accountable. It’s understandable to feel this way, which is why an experienced car accident lawyer from Marco Bass Injury and Accident Lawyers can be such an asset to your case.

We can help you determine how to get a police report after a car accident in Texas and guide you through the rest of your case. Call us at 210-600-0000 or reach out to us online to speak with a member of our team for a free consultation.

Obtaining a Police Report in San Antonio 

After the initial shock of a car accident wears off and you begin considering the legal implications, you will need to get the police report from your accident. If the police arrived on the scene and took your statement, they likely wrote up a report as well, especially if the accident was a hit and run. 

Police reports are an enormous help when it comes to handling insurance claims and filing a legal case against the negligent party that caused the crash. In Texas, police officers are only required to write up a police report for a car accident if the accident resulted in either:

• A serious injury or death

• Property damage that exceeds $1,000

If the accident was minor, you will have to file a Driver’s Crash Report within 10 days of the accident. This report doesn’t carry the same weight as a police report, but it satisfies the legal requirement. 

To get your police report, you can: 

• Get it directly from your local police department
• Request it online through the Texas Department of Transportation
• Get it through your insurance company
• Have your lawyer get it for you

Information You’ll Need to Obtain a Police Report

To expedite the process, have the following information ready:

• Date and time of the accident
• Location of the accident
  Names of the parties involved
• Report or incident number (if available)

Where to Obtain Your Police Report

While it is possible to request the report yourself online, by mail, or in person, the process can be time-consuming and sometimes confusing.

The best and most efficient way to get your police report is to have your attorney handle it for you. At Marco Bass Injury and Accident Lawyers, we take care of all the paperwork and communication with the authorities on your behalf, so you can focus on recovering. We ensure your report is obtained promptly and accurately, giving you the crucial documentation needed to support your insurance claims and legal case.

Let us do the legwork and make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.

San Antonio Police Department (SAPD)

The SAPD handles accident reports within the city limits. You can request a copy of your accident report through the following methods:

• Online: Visit the San Antonio Open Government Portal, create an account, and submit a request for your report. Reports are typically available online within 7 to 10 business days.
• In-Person: Go to the SAPD Records Office at 315 S. Santa Rosa, San Antonio, TX 78207. Bring a valid ID and details about the accident, such as the date and location.
• By Mail: Download and complete the Police Report Request Form, and mail it along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a money order for the $6.00 fee to the SAPD Records Office.

Bexar County Sheriff’s Office

If the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office responded to your accident, you can request a copy of your accident report:

• In-Person: Visit the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at 200 N. Comal Street, San Antonio, TX 78207.
• By Mail: Send a self-addressed stamped envelope and a money order for the appropriate fee to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

If your accident occurred on a state highway or involved multiple jurisdictions, you might need to request the report from TxDOT. Use the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System to obtain a certified copy of your crash report. Reports are typically available online within 7 to 10 business days. 

What Happens If There Are Mistakes in the Report? 

Errors in official police reports are more common than you might expect. Police officers are only human, and they sometimes make mistakes. If you find factual errors, contact the reporting officer and provide documentation supporting the correction. If the report disputes the facts of the accident, you should do the same but also provide detailed evidence that supports your version of events. 

Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer Today 

Getting your hands on a valid police report of your accident is crucial to the success of your case. It can serve as an instrumental piece of evidence that supports your claim and strengthens your case. We can help you get that report and add it to your case file.

Our legal team at Marco Bass Injury and Accident Lawyers understands how difficult it can be to move forward with a legal case after a car accident. We can help you build up your case, gather evidence, and obtain a police report. 

Contact us at 210-600-0000 or reach out for a free consultation.