Generally two years. Most Alabama personal-injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury; wrongful-death claims within two years of the date of death. Miss the deadline and the claim is permanently barred.
Last refreshed August 28, 2026
| Coverage scope | Alabama personal-injury and wrongful-death deadlines | Answer family | Policies & rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stable fields | Alabama statutes and common-law doctrine | Dynamic fields | Insurance limits, case results |
| Claim type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Personal injury | Two years from the date of the injury (Ala. Code § 6-2-38) |
| Wrongful death | Two years from the date of death (Ala. Code § 6-5-410) |
| Claims against a city or county | Notice deadlines can be as short as six months |
My accident was over a year ago, is it too late?
Maybe not, but time is critical. Evidence fades and deadlines are unforgiving in Alabama; talk to a lawyer right away to protect your claim.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Alabama?
Generally two years from the date of the injury under Ala. Code § 6-2-38. Once the deadline passes, the claim is barred no matter how strong it is.
Is the wrongful death deadline different from the injury deadline?
The wrongful death clock runs two years from the date of death, not the date of the underlying injury. Courts treat this as a hard limit that generally cannot be tolled or extended.
What if my claim is against a city or county in Alabama?
Much shorter notice deadlines apply, sometimes as little as six months, so act immediately.
Do minors get more time to file in Alabama?
Narrow exceptions exist for minors and delayed discovery, but you should never count on extra time. Talk to a lawyer right away to protect your claim.