# Admissibility of Police Officers’ Opinions in a Crash Report | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Does an Accident Report Include? 2. Hearsay and Accident Reports in Texas 3. Testimony by Police Officers 4. How Can I Protect Myself After a Car Accident in Texas? 5. Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Houston Texas Lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Police-car-on-the-street-900894072_1258x838-300x200.jpeg) It can be confusing and frustrating when a crash report states that the other driver caused the [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), but the insurance company disputes[liability](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/whats-liability/) for an [insurance claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/do-i-need-a-personal-injury-lawyer-if-im-submitting-a-claim-to-insurance/). If the police officer who responded to the accident said the other driver was at fault for causing the crash, isn’t that enough [evidence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-evidence-in-a-personal-injury-case/)? Not always. Accident reports are not always admissible in court. In some cases, only a portion of the [crash report](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/filling-out-a-drivers-crash-report-in-texas-how-its-done/) might be admissible as evidence. In [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/), trial courts have discretion when admitting crash reports as evidence. The party opposing the admission of the report must object immediately to preserve their right to [appeal](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/appeals-in-personal-injury-cases/) the decision if the court rules against them. ## What Does an Accident Report Include? Accident reports include a variety of general information about the accident. In most cases, the crash report includes: - Names and addresses of all parties involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, [pedestrians](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/pedestrian-accident-lawyer/), and [bicyclists ](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/bicycle-accident-lawyer/) - The time, date, and location of the accident - The general road, weather, and lighting conditions at the time of the car wreck - A description of the vehicles involved in the accident - The name and badge number of the [police officer completing the report](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/can-you-file-a-car-accident-claim-without-a-police-report/) - Insurance information for each vehicle In addition to general information, the police officer might include a description of the accident and a diagram of the accident. The accident description is based on the information and statements gathered by the police officer at the accident scene. If the police officer determines there is enough evidence to charge one or both drivers with a [traffic violation](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-you-should-know-about-traffic-violations-in-texas/), that information might also be included in the report. The police officer might also include a determination about which driver contributed to the cause of the collision. Make sure you [obtain a copy of the accident report](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-obtain-a-car-accident-report-in-houston/) as soon as possible. Review the report to ensure the information is correct. If the police officer made a factual error, such as the accident’s location or the crash date, contact the police officer to request a correction. If you disagree with the information in the accident report, the officer is not likely to change the report. When you meet with a lawyer about your case, tell the attorney what information in the accident report you believe is incorrect and why. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Hearsay and Accident Reports in Texas Under [Texas Rules of Evidence](https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1456691/texas-rules-of-evidence-effective-912025.pdf) §803(8), there is an exception to the hearsay rule for public records, including accident reports. Some trial courts have admitted crash reports under the business records exception contained in §803(6). [Hearsay](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/hearsay) is a statement made outside of court to someone. Generally, hearsay is not admissible in court. The person who made the statement must appear in court and testify as to the validity of the statement.  However, if an accident report is admitted as evidence at trial, the party objecting to the report has the burden of raising the hearsay objection or showing that the report is not trustworthy.  ## Testimony by Police Officers Typically, the responding officer does not witness the [traffic accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/5-things-to-never-mention-to-insurance-companies-after-traffic-accidents/). The officer can only testify about factual observations. The court might allow an officer to testify about traffic laws that could apply in the case. Whether a police officer can testify about opinions related to causation depends on several factors. The court might allow the police officer to testify about the evidence presented by experts, such as accident reconstructionists. However, the court would carefully review the officer’s experience and training to determine if the officer’s testimony could be admissible.  [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## How Can I Protect Myself After a Car Accident in Texas? Whether or not a crash report or police officer testimony may be allowed in court depends on numerous factors. It would be best if you did not rely on a crash report as your only evidence to prove fault for a car accident. Instead, protect yourself by not discussing the crash with anyone other than the police officer and your attorney. Anything you say could be used against you if your testimony in court does not agree with the statements you made outside of court.  If it is safe to do so, take pictures, and make a video of the accident scene before the vehicles are moved. Capturing the vehicles’ positions, damage to each vehicle, skid marks, debris, and the surrounding area can help experts reconstruct how the accident occurred. Video and photographic [evidence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-evidence-in-a-personal-injury-case/) is also difficult to dispute when the other driver tries to change how the collision occurred. If there are [witnesses](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-importance-of-collecting-witness-statements-after-an-auto-accident/) at the accident scene, try to get their names and contact information. They could leave before the police officer arrives, or the officer might not take their statement. Testimony from an eyewitness could be the evidence needed to prove you did not cause the car accident.  Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![Back Injuries After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Back-Injuries-After-a-Car-Accident-2-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/back-injuries-after-a-car-accident/) [Back Injuries After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/back-injuries-after-a-car-accident/) Back injuries after a car accident can manifest in many ways. Back injuries can even cause pain or numbness that seem [![The 12 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/The-12-Most-Common-Causes-of-Car-Accidents-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-12-most-common-causes-of-car-accidents/) [The 12 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-12-most-common-causes-of-car-accidents/) Texas provides detailed information about the causes of car accidents. These reports reveal some interesting insights [![Right of Way Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Right-of-Way-Laws-in-Texas-300x175.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/right-of-way-laws-in-texas/) [Right-of-Way Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/right-of-way-laws-in-texas/) It’s high noon in Texas, and you’re driving down a dusty dirt road. You pull up to a four-way stop at the same [![Houston Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Who-is-Responsible-in-an-Accident-Involving-a-Rental-Car-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-you-should-and-should-not-do-after-a-car-accident-in-houston-tx/) [What You Should and Should Not Do After a Car Accident in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-you-should-and-should-not-do-after-a-car-accident-in-houston-tx/) Do you know what to do after a car accident in Houston? Are you familiar with insurance laws and personal injury laws --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/admissibility-of-police-officers-opinions-in-a-crash-report/