If you were in a car accident in El Paso, Texas, the El Paso Police Department likely responded and filed a report.
Now you may be wondering how to obtain a car accident report in El Paso.
To obtain a car accident police report, you will need some basic information about the accident, and you’ll need to pay a fee. You can make your request online, in person, or by mail.
If you need help, reach out to one of our experienced El Paso car accident lawyers, and we can track down the report for you.
What Is a Car Accident Report?
A car accident report is a document that provides information about a traffic accident. It generally includes:
- Basic information. The accident report should include the date and time of the accident. It should also describe the location of the accident, such as a nearby address or intersection.
- Description of vehicles involved. The report will indicate the make and model of the vehicles, as well as license plate numbers.
- Names and contact information of drivers in the accident. This permits the parties to an accident to contact one another after an accident. This information can be crucial, especially if a party was injured at the scene and unable to collect information at that time.
- Witness statements. If other people witnessed the accident and gave information to the police at the time, their statements will be included in the report. However, it is possible to have an accident without witnesses.
- Narrative description of the accident. This is a written description of what happened in an accident. The police base this description on their assessment of the crash scene and statements from those involved.
- Citations or charges as a result of the accident. The report will include information on whether the police issued any tickets or filed charges. The officers who arrived at the scene may or may not have given any citations.
- Insurance information for drivers. Each driver’s insurance information should be included as part of the report. It may be in the introductory information section or its own section.
An accident report is essential if you are considering legal action based on the accident. If you are unsure who was at fault, the accident report can provide you with vital information on the details of the accident.
In addition, if you were injured in the accident, the report can help your attorney understand the situation and assess the strength of your claim.
What Is Required to Get an Accident Report in El Paso?
All requests for El Paso car accident reports must be submitted in writing. The request must include at least two of the following three items:
- Date of the accident,
- Location of the accident, or
- Name of person in the accident.
If you know the case number, you should provide that as well.
How to Get a Car Accident Report in El Paso
There are three ways to obtain an accident report in El Paso: online, in person, or by mail.
Online
You can request a Texas accident report online. This is not limited to accidents in El Paso. The information required is slightly different than for other accident reports. To proceed, you need either:
- Name of a person involved,
- Driver’s license number of a person involved,
- VIN of a vehicle involved in the crash, or
- TXDOT Crash ID.
Note that it can take 14 days from the crash date for your incident to appear in search results.
In Person
To request a report in person, you can go to El Paso Police Department Headquarters at 911 N. Raynor, El Paso, TX 79903. They are open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
They also have hours on Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Alternatively, you can go to other locations that may be closer to you. You can contact the police department at 915-212-4000 for more information on which other locations may be open.
By Mail
Mail is another way to get your accident report. To do this, prepare a self-addressed stamped envelope and mail it along with your written request to El Paso Police Dept., Records Division, at 911 N. Raynor St., El Paso, TX 79903.
Does an El Paso Accident Report Cost Money?
Yes. Both online accident reports and those obtained from the El Paso police department cost $6. There is an additional $2 if you want the report to be certified and, for El Paso reports, an additional $1.50 if requested by mail.
Online ordering accepts credit cards but charges an additional processing fee for their use. El Paso accepts cash, Money Orders, and Checks. Checks should be made payable to “The City of El Paso.”
What If I Was Injured in the Accident?
Consulting with El Paso car accident lawyers is a good idea if you were injured in the accident. They can help you navigate the difficult terrain of insurance and identify if there is anyone responsible for your injuries. Your accident report will provide a good starting point for your lawyer to assess your claim and gather evidence.
Is There Any Rush to Talk to an Attorney?
Yes. If you believe you have been injured and it is somebody else’s fault, your claim is subject to time limitations. In Texas, the time limit to bring a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. For this reason, you should talk to an attorney as soon as possible if you were injured.
Contact Us to Discuss the Traffic Accident and Potential Recovery
Being involved in an accident is a serious matter. Getting an accident report can be the first step of a process that culminates in financial recovery for the costs of the accident.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we have the experience and skill to get you the monetary recovery you’re entitled to. We serve El Paso, as well as surrounding areas. Contact us to discuss your accident and how we can help you today.
James Tawney
James Tawney is a native of the Southwest dedicated to serving his community. He was born and raised in Arizona, where he attended Northern Arizona University and graduated summa cum laude.
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