Published by J.A. Davis & Associates – San Antonio Personal Injury Attorneys
What Crash Reports from SAPD Mean for Your Car Accident Case
After a car accident in San Antonio, one of the first steps you should take is to ensure a police officer is called to the scene—most likely from the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). The official crash report filed by the responding officer can significantly impact the outcome of your personal injury claim. These documents often serve as the foundation for insurance negotiations, legal strategy, and proving liability. More on this website
At J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP, located at 2914 Pleasanton Road, San Antonio, TX 78221, we help injured drivers understand and leverage SAPD crash reports to strengthen their car accident cases. Call (210) 732-1062 today for a free consultation. Our car accident lawyers are ready to stand by your side and fight for what you’re owed.
Why the SAPD Crash Report Matters
The SAPD crash report—also known as the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3)—is a detailed document created by the responding officer at the accident scene. It contains:
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Names and contact info for all parties involved
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Date, time, and location of the crash
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Vehicle descriptions and damage
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Weather and road conditions
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Statements from drivers and witnesses
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Diagrams of the collision
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Any citations issued
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The officer’s preliminary assessment of fault
This report becomes a key piece of evidence when negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a lawsuit. While it’s not the final word on fault, it carries weight—especially when coming from a neutral third party like law enforcement.
How to Obtain a Crash Report in San Antonio
SAPD crash reports are usually available within 7 to 10 days after the accident. You can request a copy through:
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San Antonio Police Department Records Office
315 S. Santa Rosa Ave., San Antonio, TX 78207 -
Online via the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Crash Report Purchase System
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Through your attorney at J.A. Davis & Associates—we can obtain it for you
You’ll need basic details like the date of the accident, involved parties’ names, and the location to access the report.
Understanding What’s in the Report
SAPD crash reports are divided into several sections. Here’s how each one may impact your case:
1. Contributing Factors
This section identifies what the officer believes caused the accident—such as speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, or intoxication. If the other driver is listed with a clear contributing factor, that helps strengthen your claim.
2. Narrative and Diagram
Officers include a written description of what occurred and a diagram showing the position and movement of vehicles. These visuals are powerful tools when explaining the collision to insurance adjusters or juries.
3. Injuries Noted
If injuries are observed at the scene, they’ll be documented. This helps establish that your injuries were directly related to the crash—not from a later incident.
4. Citation Information
If the other driver was ticketed, that’s strong evidence of negligence. For example, citations for running a red light or reckless driving can bolster your case for compensation.
Common Issues with Crash Reports
While SAPD officers are trained to document collisions, mistakes can still happen. We frequently see issues such as:
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Incomplete or incorrect contact info
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Wrong location or time of crash
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Misspelled names
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Errors in identifying the at-fault party
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Missing witness statements or photos
These errors can harm your claim if not addressed promptly. That’s why our legal team carefully reviews every crash report for accuracy.
Can a Crash Report Be Changed?
Yes, it’s possible—but not easy. If the SAPD crash report contains factual errors (such as the wrong license plate number or misspelled names), you or your attorney can request a correction through a Crash Report Amendment Request.
However, if you simply disagree with the officer’s interpretation of fault, it’s more difficult to amend. In such cases, we gather additional evidence to challenge the report’s conclusions, including:
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Independent witness statements
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Traffic or security camera footage
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Vehicle data (black box information)
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Expert accident reconstruction
This evidence can outweigh the officer’s opinion and shift the narrative in your favor.
How Insurance Companies Use Crash Reports
Insurance adjusters rely heavily on crash reports when evaluating claims. If the report places blame on their insured, they may be more inclined to offer a fair settlement. If the report is unclear or suggests shared fault, the insurer may:
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Delay the claims process
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Reduce the settlement offer
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Deny the claim entirely
That’s why having a skilled San Antonio car accident attorney is essential. At J.A. Davis & Associates, we don’t just accept the crash report at face value—we build a stronger case around it.
How Our Legal Team Uses SAPD Crash Reports
Our experienced lawyers use crash reports to:
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Confirm facts and timelines
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Track down witnesses listed in the report
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Identify errors and request corrections
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Guide our investigation strategy
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Rebut false narratives from the other driver or their insurer
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Strengthen our demand letters and settlement negotiations
We also use the report as a starting point for deeper investigations that help uncover the full picture of what happened.
When the Crash Report Doesn’t Support Your Case
Not all SAPD crash reports are favorable to injury victims. Sometimes, the officer doesn’t issue a citation or makes an incorrect assumption about fault. If that happens, don’t panic.
Our team at J.A. Davis & Associates has turned around many complex cases, even those where the crash report seemed unfavorable. By gathering new evidence and presenting a compelling narrative, we can overcome an initial disadvantage and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call Our San Antonio Car Accident Lawyers Today
Crash reports from the San Antonio Police Department are essential, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need a legal team that knows how to interpret these documents and use them to your advantage.
Let J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our office at 2914 Pleasanton Road, San Antonio, TX 78221, or call (210) 732-1062 for a free consultation today.
We’re ready to guide you every step of the way—from the crash report to the courtroom.