{"id":371289,"date":"2016-12-05T18:56:41","date_gmt":"2016-12-05T23:56:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2025-07-28T08:40:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T13:40:50","slug":"alabama-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"Alabama Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Alabama Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Alabama follows the pure contributory negligence rule in its car accident settlement process. This means that if you contributed to the car accident in any way, you may not be able to recover compensation for damages. The state requires police officers to immediately report injuries and damages. Parties involved have two years to file a car accident case.<\/p>\r\n

Alabama’s car accident laws are among the harshest in the country for injury victims, due to the pure contributory negligence<\/a> rule. If you have been involved in a car accident, consider contacting an experienced car accident attorney in Alabama<\/a>. They can help protect your rights and ensure that you do not lose your chance at fair compensation.<\/p>\r\n

Reporting a Car Accident in Alabama<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The Alabama Code<\/a> mandates drivers to immediately file a report when an accident involves personal injuries or wrongful death. Regardless of how minor the injuries may appear, the Code requires drivers to file a report.<\/p>\r\n

The law does not mandate contacting the police for accidents that only involve damage to the vehicle. Despite that, it’s highly recommended that you do so after an auto accident. Having a police report can be valuable when filing insurance claims and determining the at-fault driver.<\/p>\r\n

Alabama Car Accident Reporting Requirements<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The Code of Alabama<\/a> requires you to file a written report with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency within 30 days if either of the following applies:<\/p>\r\n