You’re probably overwhelmed if you’ve recently been in a Belton car accident. Between medical appointments, insurance calls, and figuring out who was at fault, getting a copy of the accident report might seem like one more hassle you don’t have time for.
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., we understand how stressful life can be after a crash. With over 85 years of combined legal experience and a strong presence across Central Texas, our team has helped thousands of injured Texans get the information and support they need to move forward.
We’re local, accessible, and here to help people like you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get your Belton car accident report.
Why Do You Need a Car Accident Report?
Car accident reports are official documents law enforcement officers create after responding to a crash. These reports often contain:
- The date, time, and location of the accident;
- A description of what happened;
- Names and contact information of involved drivers and witnesses;
- Vehicle damage details; and
- Any citations or violations noted by the responding officer.
This information can be critical when filing an insurance claim, proving who was at fault, or preparing for a potential lawsuit.
Who Can Access a Belton Accident Report?
Texas law limits who can get an unredacted crash report. Under the Texas Transportation Code, the requester must have a direct connection to the crash or a proper interest in the case.
This can include the following people:
- Drivers and other people involved in the crash;
- The authorized representative of a person involved in the collision;
- Parents, legal guardians, or employers of an involved driver;
- The owner of a damaged vehicle or property;
- A person with financial responsibility for an involved vehicle;
- Insurance company with a policy on the vehicle or person;
- A claims adjuster or someone under contract to review or process insurance claims;
- A licensed TV or radio station;
- A qualifying newspaper that reports on legal matters and serves the general public;
- A person who might file a wrongful death claim because of the crash; or
- A representative of a storage facility that handled one of the vehicles involved.
If you don’t meet these criteria, you may still request a copy—but it will be redacted to remove personal and confidential information.
How to Get Your Accident Report Online
If you need a copy of your Belton car accident report, the most direct route is through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) database for crash reports. The TxDOT retains crash reports for 10 years plus the current year. If your car accident in Belton, TX, happened recently, it’s best to request the report as soon as possible.
Read on to learn how to get your accident report online.
Search for Your Crash Report
To get started, visit the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System. Click on “Search for Your Crash Report” and it will take you to a new page where you can begin the search process.
Accept the Disclaimer
Before continuing, you’ll be asked to agree to the Texas Crash Report Search and Purchase Disclaimer.
Choose Your Search Method
You will have two options for searching for your report. The first is to search by the name of a person or company involved in the crash. The second option is to search by the driver’s license or identification card number of a person involved in the crash.
Search by Name
If you search by name, you’ll be prompted to enter the name of a person involved in the accident. You can also narrow your search by adding optional information, including:
- The county or city where the crash occurred,
- Crash date, and
- Additional filters under “Advanced Field Options.”
The additional filters referenced above can include:
- The license plate number of an involved vehicle,
- The investigating agency,
- The first and last name of the investigating officer,
- An agency case ID,
- The driver’s date of birth,
- The roadway system, and
- The highway number.
After filling in the fields, click “search” to locate the report.
Search by Driver’s License or ID Number
Once you click the “search by driver’s license or ID number” option, you will be prompted to enter the driver’s license or ID card number of a person involved in the crash. Then click “search” to proceed.
Important Notes
It can take up to 14 days from the date of the crash for your report to appear in the search results. If you search too soon, it may not show up. Once you locate the crash report, you must select a certified or uncertified report and a redacted (personal information hidden) or unredacted (personal information displayed) report.
Then, add the report to your cart and proceed to payment. The cost is $6 for an uncertified copy and $8 for a certified copy. Note that a certified copy is used for legal proceedings or official purposes.
When Does a Belton Car Accident Report Have to Be Filed?
Not every fender bender in Texas requires a crash report—but more serious accidents do. A law enforcement officer must file a crash report if any of the following occurred:
- Someone was injured,
- Someone was killed, or
- The crash caused $1,000 or more in property damage.
When officers respond to the scene of an accident that meets one or more of these criteria, they must file an official crash report with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) within 10 days.
Talk to a Lawyer for Your Car Accident in Belon, TX Today
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., we don’t believe in assembly-line legal service. When you contact us, you’ll speak directly with an attorney—not a paralegal or assistant—and that same attorney will guide you through every step of your case.
We’ve been helping Central Texans since 1962, with offices conveniently located in Belton, Waco, Killeen, Temple, Round Rock, and Austin. Our team is ready to help you take the next step.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you—and we’ll fight to give you the answers, support, and justice you deserve.
ResourcesTX Dept. of Transportation, Crash reports and Records, link.
Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.
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