Quick Summary:
Living and driving in Texarkana means your legal rights can shift the moment you cross Stateline Avenue. Texas and Arkansas follow different rules for fault, negligence, insurance, and deadlines to file an injury claim. If you’ve been hurt in a cross-border car accident in Texarkana, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed—your case may be handled completely differently depending on where the crash occurred. This guide breaks down the key differences so you know what to expect.
Why State Lines Matter in Texarkana
Texarkana is unique—one city, two states, and two sets of car accident laws. As a result, the laws that apply to your claim depend heavily on where the collision actually happened, even if you live or receive medical care on the other side. This is why many people turn to a Texarkana personal injury lawyer
who understands both state systems.
Fault Rules: Texas vs. Arkansas
Texas
follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the crash.
Arkansas
also uses modified comparative negligence, but its bar is slightly different—50%. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation.
This difference may seem small, but for close-call liability disputes, choosing a car wreck lawyer on the Texas and Arkansas side
can help protect your rights.
Statute of Limitations
Texas:
Most car accident injury claims must be filed within 2 years
from the date of the crash.
Arkansas:
Arkansas also provides a 3-year
window to file a personal injury claim.
Missing your deadline—even by a day—can end your case, making early legal guidance critical.
Insurance Requirements
Both states require drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but the limits differ:
- Texas: 30/60/25 (bodily injury per person / bodily injury per accident / property damage)
- Arkansas: 25/50/25
Texas requires slightly higher bodily injury coverage. In serious crashes—especially those involving 18-wheelers or commercial trucks—looking into additional compensation sources may be necessary. You can learn more about these cases on our Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents
page.
How Injury Claims Work Across State Lines
In most cases, the law of the state where the accident happened
will control your claim. However, medical treatment, insurance issues, and driver residence often cross state borders in Texarkana, making things more confusing.
If your wreck involved an out-of-state driver, a commercial vehicle, or disputes about where the collision legally “occurred,” an experienced Texarkana personal injury lawyer
can help you navigate the right jurisdiction and protect your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the crash started in Texas but the injuries were treated in Arkansas?
Where the collision happened usually determines which state’s laws apply. Medical treatment location does not normally change jurisdiction.
Can I choose which state to file my car accident claim in?
Not usually. The state where the accident occurred typically controls. However, certain insurance or commercial vehicle situations may create exceptions. A car wreck lawyer on the Texas and Arkansas side
can evaluate your options.
What if the other driver lives on the opposite side of Texarkana?
Their residence does not usually affect which state’s laws apply—location of the crash matters most.
Does it matter if the police report was filed in the wrong state?
It can cause complications, but it does not usually block your ability to file the correct type of claim.
Who can help with a cross-border car accident in Texarkana?
A lawyer experienced in both states’ personal injury systems can guide you. Start by reviewing our Personal Injury Law
and Car Accidents
pages.
If you’ve been hurt and need answers, reach out to Anderson Law Firm anytime. You can contact us here: Get Help Now.