Overview
Alabama law generally gives you two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to most car accident, slip and fall, and other negligence claims, and Alabama courts enforce it strictly. There are some exceptions, such as claims involving minors or government entities, that can shorten or extend the timeline. Injury Case Pro can connect injured Alabama residents with attorneys who can pin down your exact deadline before it's too late.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Alabama?
Alabama law generally requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within two years of the date of the injury. This two-year window applies to most car accidents, slip and falls, and similar negligence claims. If your lawsuit isn't filed within that time, the court will almost certainly dismiss it, regardless of how strong your case is.
Are there shorter deadlines for claims against a city or county in Alabama?
Yes, and these are much shorter than the general two-year deadline. Claims against a city generally require written notice within six months of the injury, and claims against a county generally require notice within twelve months. Missing these notice deadlines can end your claim before the two-year lawsuit window would otherwise run out, so it's important to act quickly if a government entity may be involved.
Does the deadline change if the injured person is a child?
Alabama gives minors additional time, generally allowing a claim to be filed within two years after the child turns 19, even if that's well beyond two years after the original accident. This exception exists because children generally can't file lawsuits on their own behalf. A parent or guardian may still be able to pursue certain claims sooner, so it's worth discussing timing with an attorney rather than assuming you have to wait.
What if I don't discover my injury until sometime after the accident?
Alabama generally starts the clock on the date of the incident itself, rather than the date you realize you were hurt, though there are narrow exceptions for certain situations like some medical negligence cases. This makes Alabama's rule less forgiving than some other states, so it's important not to assume a delayed-discovery exception will save a late claim. When in doubt, treat the date of the accident as your deadline trigger.
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Get A Free Case Review →This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and every case is different. Contact us to discuss the specific facts of your situation.
