Different states operate under their own set of traffic collision laws,some stricter than others. As being involved in a car accident can be an extremely stressful time,in the event that an individual suffers an injury or property damage due to the negligence of another,it is prudent to be aware of some of the stricter traffic collision laws. When it comes to important Alabama traffic collision laws to keep in mind,the state’s statute of limitations and contributory negligence laws are of paramount importance.
Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations refers to a specific timeframe in which a claim or lawsuit can be filed. The statute clock begins on the day the incident in question occurred. Alabama’s statute of limitations on car accident claims is the same as the larger statute that governs all personal injury claims: two years. If you attempt to start your claim after the timeframe has passed,you can expect that the court will dismiss your case completely. For claims on vehicle or property damage,the statute is extended to six years.
Contributory Negligence
The doctrine of contributory negligence is a strict one that only a few states enforce,and Alabama is one of them. Under the contributory negligence law,if an individual is found even slightly negligent in an accident,they lose their eligibility to any kind of financial compensation. While most states follow the milder ‘contributory negligence’ law that apportions negligence amongst all involved parties and adjusts their recovery amount accordingly,the state of Alabama’s negligence laws are far stricter.
Despite the strictness of Alabama’s traffic collision laws,personal injury claims can still be won. Enlisting the help of an Alabama attorney skilled in working within the state’s strict traffic collision laws can help ensure you receive the maximum compensation amount you are entitled to.
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