If you were injured in a car accident in Foley, Gulf Shores, Fairhope, Mobile, or anywhere in South Alabama, one of the most important legal questions is:
How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Alabama?
Under Alabama law, there is a strict deadline — known as the Alabama personal injury statute of limitations — that limits how long injury victims have to file a lawsuit.
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Alabama.
Missing that deadline can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation.
What Is the Alabama Personal Injury Statute of Limitations?
The Alabama personal injury statute of limitations is generally two years.
This two-year deadline applies to most injury cases throughout South Alabama, including Baldwin County and Mobile County.
Common cases include:
- Car accidents in Foley and Fairhope
- Truck accidents on Highway 98 or I-10
- Motorcycle crashes in Baldwin County
- Slip and fall injuries
- Workplace injury claims
- Many wrongful death cases
If you fail to file a personal injury lawsuit within that two-year window, Alabama courts will typically dismiss the case — regardless of how serious the injury may be.
That is why speaking with a South Alabama personal injury lawyer early is critical.
Does the Two-Year Deadline Apply in Foley and Baldwin County?
Yes.
If you were injured in Foley, Gulf Shores, Fairhope, Orange Beach, Daphne, Mobile, or anywhere in Baldwin or Mobile County, the same Alabama personal injury statute of limitations typically applies.
However, certain factors may affect your filing deadline, including:
- Whether a government entity is involved
- Whether the injury was immediately discovered
- Whether the injured person is a minor
Claims involving municipalities or government agencies in South Alabama may have shorter notice requirements before a lawsuit can even be filed.
This is especially important in Baldwin County accident cases.
What Happens If You Miss the Filing Deadline in Alabama?
If the statute of limitations expires:
- You may lose your legal right to file a lawsuit.
- Insurance companies may refuse to negotiate fairly.
- You may permanently lose compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Insurance carriers understand Alabama’s deadlines. Waiting too long weakens your position and reduces your leverage.
Time matters.
Why You Should Speak With a South Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer Early
Many injury victims assume they should wait until:
- Medical treatment is complete
- Insurance negotiations are finished
- They “see how things go”
This approach can be risky.
An experienced South Alabama personal injury attorney can:
- Preserve critical evidence early
- Handle communication with insurance adjusters
- Accurately evaluate long-term damages
- Ensure your lawsuit is filed before the legal deadline
Even though two years may seem like a long time, building a strong personal injury case takes preparation.
Exceptions to Alabama’s 2-Year Personal Injury Deadline
While most personal injury claims in South Alabama follow the two-year rule, limited exceptions may apply under Alabama law.
These include:
Injuries Involving Minors
If the injured person is under the age of 19 (Alabama’s age of majority), the statute of limitations may be extended in certain cases. However, these rules are specific and depend on the type of claim involved.
Delayed Discovery of Certain Injuries
In rare situations, the statute of limitations may begin when the injury is discovered rather than when the accident occurred. Alabama courts interpret this exception narrowly.
Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death cases in Alabama follow specific statutory rules. In most situations, the personal representative of the estate must file within two years of the date of death.
Claims Against Government Entities
If your injury involves a city, county, or government agency in Baldwin County or Mobile County, additional notice requirements may apply — and deadlines can be shorter than the standard two-year statute of limitations.
These exceptions are highly fact-specific.
Alabama courts strictly enforce filing deadlines. Misunderstanding the statute of limitations can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Deadlines in South Alabama
How long do you have to file a car accident lawsuit in Alabama?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Alabama.
Does the statute of limitations apply in Foley and Baldwin County?
Yes. The Alabama personal injury statute of limitations applies throughout South Alabama, including Foley, Fairhope, Gulf Shores, Baldwin County, and Mobile County.
Can the deadline be extended in Alabama?
Extensions are rare and depend on specific legal exceptions, such as cases involving minors or government-related claims. It is important to speak with a South Alabama personal injury lawyer to confirm your timeline.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident in South Alabama
If you were injured in Foley, Baldwin County, Mobile County, or anywhere in South Alabama, understanding the Alabama personal injury statute of limitations is essential to protecting your claim.
The two-year deadline can pass quickly — especially while you are focused on medical recovery and insurance matters.
At The Law Offices of Brian A. Dasinger, we help injured individuals throughout South Alabama protect their legal rights and pursue full compensation.
Local. Fearless. Trusted.
📞 Request a Free Case Evaluation: (251) 928-5588
🌐 https://dasingerdefense.com/personal-injury/
Content checked by Brian A. Dasinger, Attorney at Law.
Brian Dasinger is the founder of The Law Offices of Brian A. Dasinger, a trusted law firm serving clients throughout Baldwin and Mobile Counties in Alabama. Since 2005, Brian has built a practice known for compassion, courtroom strength, and relentless advocacy.