Obtain Dallas Crash Records under Public Records Act

Transportation Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Dallas, Texas, individuals and insurers commonly need official traffic crash records to file or support insurance claims. Municipal crash reports and related investigative records are subject to the Texas Public Information Act and are handled through city records offices and the police records division. This guide explains how to request Dallas crash reports, what documents may be available, typical timelines and fees, who enforces compliance, and practical steps to appeal a denial or protect sensitive personal data.

What crash records are available and who holds them

Crash reports created by the Dallas Police Department and related photographic or investigative records are maintained by the City of Dallas records office or the Police Records Division. For statewide archived collision data, the Texas Department of Transportation maintains crash databases used for research and statistical reports.[3]

Records held by the city may differ from statewide databases in scope and detail.

How to request Dallas traffic crash records

Requests for police crash reports typically follow the City of Dallas open records process. Requesters should:

  • Identify the record: crash report number, date, location, and names involved.
  • Submit a written Open Records Request to the City Secretary or the Police Records Division with a clear description of records sought.[2]
  • Request any expedited handling if needed for an insurance deadline and note the purpose (insurance claim).
  • Be prepared to pay reasonable reproduction or processing fees if charged.
Keep a copy of your written request and proof of delivery when submitting for records.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of records obligations under the Texas Public Information Act is overseen by the Texas Attorney General for material disputes; locally, the City Secretary and departmental records officers manage compliance. Specific statutory fines or per-day monetary penalties for failing to release records are not specified on the cited city page; remedies typically include administrative review and AG opinions or court orders to compel disclosure.[1]

  • Enforcer: Texas Attorney General for contested denials; City Secretary or Police Records Division for intake and initial decisions.
  • Time limits: the city must respond promptly; if denied, requesters may seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General—specific deadlines for filing an AG request are not specified on the cited page.
  • Fines/penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary remedies: court orders, mandamus, or AG rulings ordering disclosure or affirming exemptions.

Applications & Forms

The City of Dallas typically accepts a written Open Records Request; a specific crash-report request form may be provided by the Police Records Division. If no official form is published, submit a clear written request including incident details and contact information. Fees or a published form number are not specified on the cited page.[2]

Practical steps for insurers and claimants

  • Gather incident details: date, time, location, report number (if available), and parties involved.
  • Submit a written request to the City Secretary or Police Records Division and indicate the request is for insurance claim processing.[2]
  • Pay any applicable fees and track receipt dates to meet insurer deadlines.
  • If denied, request an AG opinion or consult the City Secretary for internal review; note any appeal time limits.
If records appear redacted, ask the records officer for the rationale and the exemption cited.

FAQ

Who can request a Dallas police crash report?
Any member of the public, including insurers and attorneys, may request crash reports under the Texas Public Information Act; some sensitive investigative details may be redacted.
How long does the city have to respond?
The City of Dallas must process open records requests promptly; if the records are denied, requesters may seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General—specific statutory response times or deadlines are not specified on the cited pages.
Are there fees?
The city may charge reasonable reproduction or processing fees; exact fee schedules should be requested from the Police Records Division or City Secretary.

How-To

  1. Identify the crash: collect date, location, officer report number, and names.
  2. Draft a written Open Records Request describing the records and purpose (insurance claim).
  3. Submit the request to the City Secretary or Police Records Division by email or certified mail; retain proof.
  4. Pay any published fees and follow up if you do not receive a timely response.
  5. If denied, file a request for decision with the Texas Attorney General or seek legal advice to pursue judicial remedies.

Key Takeaways

  • Dallas crash reports are public records but may be redacted for privacy or investigative reasons.
  • Submit a clear written Open Records Request to the City Secretary or Police Records Division and keep proof of submission.
  • If access is denied, the Texas Attorney General handles contested rulings and potential court remedies.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Texas Attorney General - Open Government and the Public Information Act
  2. [2] City of Dallas - Open Records / City Secretary
  3. [3] Texas Department of Transportation - Crash Records (CRIS)

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