The aftermath of an auto accident is crucial but often overlooked in the chaos of paramedics and police. Which is generally justified: injuries should be tended to immediately. The scene has to be preserved while stories are shared fresh off the minds of witnesses and others. All of that said: victims need to look out for their best interests and take care of their injuries before they even receive treatment.
It should be noted that the victim may not understand that there are legal options after an accident. Even if he or she knows about the options, time may cause the victim to forget about them, especially if the victim becomes overwhelmed with repair and medical expenses.
How Does Alabama Fit Into All This?
Alabama has a statute of limitation that stops you from suing for personal injury or wrongful death after a certain period of time. After the specified time period, you may be unable to get compensation. It’s important to be fully informed and work with a personal injury lawyer who’s familiar with the state’s ins and outs.
Contrary to popular belief, even the most “obvious” or “easy” cases can have underlying issues. It’s important to make informed decisions all around.
Simplifying the Statute of Limitations of Alabama
Every state in the United States has a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, restricting the time window during which you can file a claim. The timeline is strict when it comes to filing a lawsuit for personal injury. If you wait too long to file, a judge could dismiss your case and deprive you of any chance of compensation.
The laws are all about order and staying consistent. There’s a specific need for the courts in Alabama to have their disputes resolved properly. Evidence can be hard to come by for years and decades to come. Memories of witnesses can also be entirely fickle.
Here is important information:
Most Personal Injury Claims Have a Two-Year Filing Window
Compensation can be demanded for injuries coming from a slip and fall, truck wreck, car accident, or other similar incidents. Payments can include lost wages, medical bills, emotional distress as well as pain and suffering.
For Alabama, a personal injury lawsuit should be filed within a two-year window. If a negligent driver ran a stop sign on July 31, 2021, which led to your vehicle getting t-boned, it means the car accident lawsuit can only be filed until July 31, 2023.
If the claim is against Alabama’s town or city government for situations like improper intersection markings, however, there’s a much tighter statute of limitations. For these cases, there has to be a written notice of the claim but you will only have six months from the injury date to provide it.
Conclusion
Victims of any auto accident tend to miss the aftermath given the medical and legal things that need immediate attention. Each state has a strict statute of limitations when it comes to filing. For Alabama, personal injury claims generally have two years to file.
Looking for a personal injury lawyer in Birmingham, AL? Reach out to Swiney & Bellenger! Our law firm offers services representing personal injury and worker’s compensation leave issues. Schedule your free consultation today!