How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Claim in Alabama?

How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Claim in Alabama? In Alabama, how long you have to file a car accident claim depends on the insurer’s deadlines. Most insurers want to know about collisions as soon as they happen. Some insurance companies even have apps, allowing injured claimants to immediately report these incidents.  However, matters change when it comes to filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Here, you generally have two years to file your case. A car accident lawyer can manage your case’s deadlines and everything they entail. 

The Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident in Alabama

Ala. Code § 6-2-38 notes that you generally have two years to file your injury lawsuit. The same two-year period applies to wrongful death lawsuits. The court system allows for some exceptions when it comes to the statute of limitations.  Yet, you shouldn’t assume anything about your case without consulting a lawyer first. If you miss the deadline, the court will refuse to hear your case. This could mean: 

• The insurer would be free of liability. 
• The other party wouldn’t have to pay you anything. 
• You would be unable to file a lawsuit. 
• Your car accident-related losses could be your obligation. 

Even a seemingly minor car accident can upend your financial stability. That’s why it’s important to protect your rights in the aftermath of an Alabama collision. Doing so could mean the difference between getting financial justice and watching the negligent party get off scot-free. 

Other Reasons to File Your Lawsuit Promptly

The statute of limitations isn’t the only time-sensitive aspect of your case. Time plays an important factor in:  

• Evidence collection. We need as much evidence as possible to support your case. Time-sensitive evidence (or information that could dissipate quickly) includes traffic camera footage and black box data. 
• Testimony gathering. Eyewitnesses can give important information about what happened before, during, and after your accident. However, these individuals won’t remember details for long. It’s important to get their statements as soon as possible to bolster your claim. 
• Insurance company compliance. As noted, insurance companies want to know about car accident cases as soon as possible. The longer you wait to file your case, the more reason the insurer could have to dispute it. 
• Protection against fault-based allegations. If you wait too long to pursue legal action, the other party could accuse you of having something to hide—for instance––causing the accident. These allegations could complicate the legal process and prevent your case from moving forward. 

When you partner with a lawyer, they can explain more about filing your case on time. They can also explain your rights, options, and the legal road ahead. 

You Should Seek Medical Attention Immediately After Your Alabama Collision

There are many technical reasons why you would file your claim or lawsuit as soon as possible. Yet, those aren’t the only things you should consider doing immediately. You should also visit a healthcare provider immediately after your collision. They can diagnose your condition and render treatment. The information they give you can also support your injury case.  In addition to seeking medical attention, you should follow your treatment plan. This will discourage the claims adjuster from denying your case. It’ll also make a firm connection between your injury and the collision itself. 

Consider Legal Help After a Car Accident in Alabama

The aftermath of a car accident can leave you reeling. You deserve support. Our lawyers can manage more than your case’s statutory deadline; they can also manage your other case-related obligations, which may include: 

• Filing your claim/lawsuit
• Investigating your collision
• Evaluating and pursuing your losses 
• Protecting you from insurance company tactics 
• Sending your demand letter to the insurer 
• Following courtroom procedure 

Your lawyer can also abide by your case’s deadlines, including its statute of limitations. 

Prompt Action Protects Your Right to Damages

If you follow all state-regulated deadlines, you could recover compensation for: 

• Medical bills
• Lost income and other job-related losses
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and inconvenience 
• Your vehicle’s repairs  
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Funeral and burial costs (in wrongful death cases) 
• Other related expenses

Recovering damages from an insurance company is already tough. You don’t want to compound matters by failing to act within the prescribed two-year period. 

You Can Sue After a Car Accident in Alabama

Cory Watson Attorneys has almost 40 years of experience advocating for injured claimants in Alabama. With our team on your side, we’ll do more than file your claim on time; we’ll manage everything your case requires to reach a just outcome.  We offer free case reviews where we can discuss your accident and legal options. We also work on contingency, so you don’t pay anything out of pocket for our lawyers’ help. Are you ready to start the claims process? To get started, call now.