Personal Injury Guide for Arlington, Texas Victims

Introduction: Why This Guide Matters to Arlington Residents

Arlington, Texas is a vibrant city anchored by AT&T Stadium, the University of Texas at Arlington, and two interstate corridors (I-20 and I-30) that see tens of thousands of motorists daily. While these assets bring jobs and entertainment, they also create a steady volume of traffic crashes, construction injuries, and property-related accidents. According to annual TxDOT crash statistics, Tarrant County—home to Arlington—records more than 30,000 reportable collisions each year. If you became part of those statistics, you deserve clarity on your rights under Texas personal injury law.

This 2,500-word guide distills authoritative Texas statutes, procedural rules, and local resources so Arlington injury victims (and their families) can make informed decisions. While we slightly favor claimants, every statement is carefully sourced from the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code (TCPRC), Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and other official agencies. Let’s walk through what you need to know, step by step.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Texas

1. Statute of Limitations

Under TCPRC §16.003(a), you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit for negligence, product liability, or wrongful death. Missing that deadline will almost always bar your claim in court, so mark it in bold on your calendar.

2. Comparative Fault: The 51% Rule

Texas follows proportionate responsibility—often called modified comparative fault—under TCPRC Chapter 33. If you are 51% or more responsible for the incident, you recover nothing. If your share is 0–50%, your damages are reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. For example, an Arlington jury that finds you 20% at fault for a dog-bite incident will award you 80% of the proven damages.

3. Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages

• Economic: Medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation, property repair.

• Non-Economic: Pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement.

Texas caps non-economic damages only in medical malpractice cases (TCPRC §74.301), not in standard automobile or premises cases.

4. Punitive Damages (Exemplary)

Exemplary—or punitive—damages punish egregious misconduct (TCPRC §41.003). The cap: the greater of (a) $200,000 or (b) twice economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000 (TCPRC §41.008).

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Arlington

Motor Vehicle Collisions

Interstates 20, 30, SH 360, and Collins Street are frequent crash zones. Arlington’s location between Dallas and Fort Worth means heavy commuter and 18-wheeler traffic. Rear-end, side-impact, and commercial truck collisions top local injury claims.

Premises Liability (Slip & Fall)

With attractions like Six Flags Over Texas and massive retail hubs (The Parks Mall at Arlington), property owners must remedy hazards quickly. Under Texas premises law, invitees are owed ordinary care—such as spill clean-up or adequate lighting—to prevent injuries.

Workplace & Construction Accidents

Arlington’s booming housing and commercial projects increase fall, electrocution, and caught-between hazards. Although Texas does not mandate private employers to subscribe to workers’ compensation, many do. Non-subscribing employers may face direct negligence suits in state court.

Dog Bites & Animal Attacks

Texas applies a modified “one-bite” rule via Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974). If the dog previously showed vicious propensity, owners may be strictly liable. Otherwise, negligence must be proven.

Oil & Gas–Related Injuries

While Arlington is mostly urban, natural gas wells dot the Barnett Shale. Fracking or pipeline incidents can cause toxic exposure and equipment accidents governed by Texas Railroad Commission regulations.

Texas Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Notice Requirements for Government Claims

Suing the City of Arlington or the University of Texas at Arlington? Follow the Texas Tort Claims Act (TCPRC Chapter 101) and provide notice within six months of the incident. Arlington’s city charter shortens the window to 90 days; serve notice on the City Secretary to preserve the claim.

Insurance Obligations

Texas drivers must carry minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25 ($30k per person, $60k per accident, $25k property) under the Texas Department of Insurance.

• Property owners often maintain commercial general liability (CGL) policies covering slip-and-fall claims.

Discovery & Pleading Rules

Under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 47(c), plaintiffs must state the monetary range in their pleading (e.g., less than $250,000 or over $1,000,000). Early disclosure of medical records and bills is required by TRCP 194.

Evidence of Medical Expenses

Per Haygood v. De Escabedo, 356 S.W.3d 390 (Tex. 2011), plaintiffs may recover only the amount actually paid or owed for medical care, not the original billed charges.

Seat Belt Defense

As of 2015, TCPRC §33.012 allows evidence that a claimant failed to wear a seat belt, reducing recoverable damages proportionally.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Texas

• Seek Immediate Medical Care. Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital and Medical City Arlington provide 24/7 trauma services. Prompt evaluation documents causation and damages.

• Preserve Evidence. Photograph the scene, vehicles, or hazard. Secure eyewitness names. Under Rule 192.3, parties must disclose such evidence in litigation.

• Notify Insurance. Promptly report the claim to avoid policy-based denials for late notice. Keep communication factual; do not speculate on fault.

• Track Expenses. Maintain a ledger of copays, prescription costs, mileage to therapy, and lost wages. These numbers support “economic damages.”

• Request Crash Report. For motor vehicle accidents, obtain the CR-3 Police Crash Report from Arlington Police or TxDOT’s CRIS database.

• Consult an Attorney. A personal injury lawyer Arlington Texas can analyze liability, insurance limits, and file suit before the two-year deadline.

Discover more about our services on the Louis Law Group website.

When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

Minor fender-benders with no injuries may not warrant an attorney. However, consult counsel promptly if any of these apply:

• Severe or permanent injuries (fractures, surgeries, brain trauma).

• Multiple at-fault parties (e.g., multi-car pile-up on I-30).

• Commercial defendants (trucking companies, retail giants).

• Non-subscriber employer cases without workers’ compensation coverage.

• Denial or delay by the insurer in paying medical bills or lost wages.

Texas attorneys must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas. You can verify an attorney’s disciplinary history on its public website before signing any representation agreement.

Local Resources & Next Steps in Arlington

Courthouses Handling Personal Injury Cases

• Tarrant County District Courts – 100 N. Calhoun St., Fort Worth, TX 76196 (jurisdiction over claims > $250,000).

• Tarrant County Courts at Law – same complex, civil jurisdiction up to $250,000.

• Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 – 700 E. Abram St., Arlington, TX 76010 (small injury claims ≤ $20,000).

Common Arlington Defendant Entities

• City of Arlington – pothole or sidewalk injuries.

• Six Flags Over Texas – ride malfunctions or premises hazards.

• Large trucking carriers on I-20/I-30 corridors.

Free & Low-Cost Support

• TexasLawHelp.org – self-help forms, small-claims guides.

• Tarrant County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service – 30-minute consultations for a nominal fee.

• Tarrant County Victim Assistance – counseling and crime-related expense support.

Your Next Move

Document everything, follow medical advice, and remember the two-year clock. An arlington accident attorney familiar with Texas injury compensation rules can navigate settlement negotiations or trial on your behalf.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and each case is unique. Consult a licensed Texas attorney regarding your specific situation.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and legal consultation.