Auto AccidentsBeing injured in a car accident is a frustrating experience. You have likely lost time from work in addition to paying for medical bills and car repairs.
Understandably, you want to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and receive compensation for you for your damages. However, you don’t have an unlimited amount of time to pursue a claim. There is a statute of limitations for suing over a car accident in Alabama.
If you need assistance pursuing a claim for damages resulting from a car accident, let our experienced Birmingham car accident lawyers help.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Alabama for Car Accidents?
In general, you have only two years to file a lawsuit for a car accident claim in Alabama. If you wait until the statute of limitations has passed, the court will likely bar you from recovery. That means you will collect nothing for your injuries, physical damages, or pain and suffering.
It’s not uncommon for the defendant’s insurance company to drag out the claim, hoping you’ll miss the statute of limitations. If you are in negotiations with their insurance company beforehand and miss the deadline, they are not obligated to pay you anything even if you were close to a settlement. That is one reason why it’s essential to contact an attorney at the start of your claim.
At Fob James Law Firm, we will handle all negotiations and ensure a lawsuit has been timely filed.
Alabama Car Accident Settlement Process
The time it takes for a car accident claim to resolve is different from case to case. It depends on a lot of factors, including the facts of the accident and the severity of your injuries. Cases involving relatively minor property damage and injuries could resolve in as quickly as two to three months. Cases involving serious injuries, significant time off work, and even future disability could take a year or longer to resolve.
However, cases with disputed liability or other aggravating circumstances may not settle before the statute of limitations expires. These cases require filing a lawsuit. The time it takes to resolve in litigation will vary. If the defendant’s insurance company doesn’t agree to settle, we will prepare to take your case to trial. That could be another year or more away.
Speaking with one of our Birmingham car accident attorneys can help you understand your specific case’s timeline.
Pitfalls and Things to Look Out for When Suing over a Car Accident in Alabama
When you attempt to handle your own car accident claim, there’s a higher chance of making mistakes along the way. While some of these may be minor, others can jeopardize your entire case. Some potential errors include:
- Not seeking medical treatment quickly after the accident;
- Waiting too long to file a claim or lawsuit;
- Not getting enough documentation of your damages;
- Giving a recorded statement to the defendant’s insurance company;
- Settling your claim for the first offer; and
- Hiring a lawyer that doesn’t specialize in auto accident cases.
When you retain our firm right after the accident, we can help you avoid these pitfalls. Your attorney will explain the importance of seeking medical treatment early on. We can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf so you aren’t coerced into making a statement that can be used against you. We will also make sure the insurance company doesn’t delay your claim or try to get you to resolve it for far less than it’s worth.
Contact a Birmingham Car Accident Attorney
If you need assistance with a Birmingham car accident claim, let Fob James Law Firm help. We have decades of experience assisting clients just like you. We understand the tactics insurance companies use and know all the ways to fight them.
Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation. Our goal is to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.