How Long Do I Have to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Alabama?

Whether you’ve been hurt in a car crash, slip-and-fall accident, or you’re the victim of a dog bite, you may be overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. At Moore Law Firm, our Alabama personal injury attorneys have helped more than 15,000 clients pursue the compensation they need after an accident. Here, we explain the importance of taking swift action and how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Alabama.

Understanding The Statue of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Alabama

Under Alabama law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident or injury. There are some exceptions to this rule, depending on the circumstances.

Attempting to bring a personal injury lawsuit after the two-year filing deadline will most likely result in it being dismissed by the court. Not only that, but the two-year filing deadline is also relevant in personal injury claims brought against a negligent party’s insurance company. Filing a claim years after an injury occurred can have a negative impact on your case and significantly reduce your negotiating power.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, contacting an Alabama personal injury lawyer as soon as possible helps protect your rights and gives you the best chance of a successful outcome for your case.

Exceptions to the Alabama Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

The two-year personal injury lawsuit deadline may be paused or extended in certain circumstances. If the person injured is under the age of nineteen or legally mentally disabled at the time of the injury, the clock may be paused or “tolled” until they are legally able to file a claim themselves. However, if your child was hurt, you may be able to bring a claim on their behalf. Regardless of what you ultimately decide to do, it’s still a good idea to speak to an Alabama personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Another exception to the two-year time limit is in claims involving medical malpractice. However, a lawsuit cannot be filed more than four years after the date of the malpractice event in most cases, regardless of when it was discovered.

In Alabama, if you’re filing a claim against a government entity, there are strict processes and deadlines to follow. Typically, a notice of claim must be filed within six months for an action against a local municipality and a year for claims brought against a county. Because timelines in these cases are much shorter than two years, contacting an Alabama personal injury attorney in a timely manner is vital.

Wrongful Death Claims in Alabama

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Alabama is also two years from the date of death. It’s important to note that these claims can only be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate and punitive damages are the only type of compensation that can be recovered, so these cases can get complicated. An Alabama personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and options for recovering compensation.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Alabama

There are several reasons why taking action as soon as you can after an injury is the best course of action for recovering the full amount of compensation you deserve.

Evidence Can Be Lost

The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to obtain valuable evidence to support your case. For example, if you’re hurt in an auto accident, any vehicles involved could be repaired, surveillance footage can be erased, dangerous conditions on the road may be fixed, and witnesses may forget details or be unable to reach. We’ve seen personal injury cases that would have been very strong become more challenging to win because evidence wasn’t promptly preserved.

Insurance Companies Act Quickly to Assign Liability

Insurance companies are not on your side and will do everything they can to minimize payouts and downplay injuries. In cases involving big truck accidents, insurers and trucking companies often send investigators to the scene right after a crash happens. They will already be gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and formulating arguments about why their insured client isn’t liable for damages. The longer you wait to seek legal help, the more power insurance companies have.

Accident-Related Expenses Pile Up Quickly

The financial stress of piles of medical bills and lost wages can take a serious toll on you and your family. If you’re unable to work or struggling to pay for medical treatment and other bills, a personal injury attorney can get the claims process rolling so you can get compensation faster. The sooner you contact an Alabama personal injury lawyer, the sooner we can help you get back on your feet.

What If I Didn’t Know I Was Injured Right Away?

It’s common for symptoms of injuries not to show up immediately after an accident. You might walk away from a slip-and-fall accident feeling okay and then start having serious back pain weeks or even months later. It can also take some time to diagnose a traumatic brain injury if you don’t seek medical attention and get vital diagnostic testing right away.

You can still pursue compensation for damages, and it’s possible that the statute of limitations clock won’t start ticking until your injury is discovered, but it’s always best to go to the emergency room or get checked out by a doctor as soon as you can after an accident. That way, you receive the treatment you need and the accident and nature of your injuries are documented. Waiting to seek medical care also gives insurance companies an excuse to claim your injury isn’t as serious as you say.

How Our Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

Even if you’re not 100% sure you want to file a personal injury claim, it doesn’t hurt to have an attorney evaluate your case. Our personal injury lawyers in Mobile, AL offer no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This risk-free investment in your health and financial future is well worth the time and effort, even if you decide not to move forward with a personal injury claim in Alabama.

If you’ve been injured and the personal injury lawsuit deadline is approaching or has already passed, it’s still a good idea to contact our Alabama personal injury attorneys. You may still have options for recovering compensation. We can determine whether you have a case, make sure important deadlines are met, handle negotiations with insurers, and provide voracious legal representation at trial if necessary. Just keep in mind that the earlier you find legal assistance, the more options you’ll have—and the stronger your case will likely be.

Contact our Mobile, Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers to Learn More

If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team at Moore Law Firm is here for you. To learn more about how the statute of limitations in Alabama could affect your personal injury claim or to schedule a consultation, contact us, call 251-445-7602, or use the convenient chat feature on our website. Our Alabama personal injury attorneys serve clients in Mobile, AL and surrounding areas.