Accidents happen, and when they do, it's crucial to have all the necessary documentation to handle the aftermath.
If you've been involved in a car accident in Bedford, Texas, obtaining a copy of your accident report from the Bedford Police Department is a critical step toward ensuring you have the information you need for insurance claims, legal proceedings, or simply for your own records. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to get your Bedford Police Department accident report.
Why Do You Need an Accident Report?
An accident report provides an official record of the details surrounding the incident. It includes essential information such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the parties involved and any witnesses. Additionally, it typically contains the responding officer's assessment of the scene, including factors that may have contributed to the accident and any citations issued. This information is an essential part of your insurance claim, so it’s vital that you get a copy as soon as possible.
Ways to Obtain Your Bedford, TX Accident Report
Fortunately, obtaining a copy of your accident report from the Bedford Police Department is relatively straightforward. Currently, there are two ways you can get your report: online or in person at the police station.
Online
In Bedford, Texas, accident reports are typically processed through the Texas Department of Transportation's Crash Records Information System (CRIS). This system allows you to obtain a copy of your Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report Form CR-3, either with or without certification. To initiate the process, you'll need to visit the CRIS website and search for your record with any of the following information:
- The vehicle identification number (VIN) of any vehicle involved in the accident,
- The TxDOT Crash ID (often provided by the officer handling the report),
- The name of any individual or entity involved in the incident, or
- A driver’s license number for you or the other driver.
According to Texas law, the investigating officer has ten days from the date of the accident to file the report with the Texas Department of Transportation. Once TxDOT receives the report, it typically takes about four business days to process. This means that your accident report for crashes in Bedford may not be accessible on the website for about two weeks after the crash occurs. The cost for a certified copy of the report is $8, while an uncertified copy is $6.
In Person
If you are in the Bedford area, you may prefer to pick up your report in person. This is often quicker than waiting for it to be available online. To do so, visit the Bedford Police Department Records Counter at the following address:
Records Division
2121 L. Don Dodson Dr.
Bedford, TX 76021
The window is usually open from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Keep in mind that you need the same information as the online method to successfully retrieve your report. Currently, the cost is the same as the online option.
Grossman Law Offices Is Here to Help in the Aftermath of Your Accident
We trust this guide on how to get your Bedford Police Department accident report has been valuable. Of course, if you've sustained injuries in an accident in Bedford, TX, know that the award-winning personal injury team at Grossman Law Offices stands ready to advocate for you. With decades of collective experience and a history of achieving substantial settlements for our clients, we understand how life-changing these injuries are.
For a free consultation, reach out to our office or fill out our online contact form. We are honored to assist clients across Bedford and throughout the state of Texas.
