A car accident can change your life in the blink of an eye, leaving you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a great deal of stress and uncertainty. If you've been injured in a car accident in Alabama, you might be considering filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover damages. One question on your mind may be: "How long does it take to settle a car accident lawsuit in Alabama?"
Being an experienced Personal Injury Lawyer and Auto Accident Attorney in Alabama, Stephen Thompson is here to familiarize you with this process. To put it simply, the duration varies widely depending on various factors. We will cover these points in this comprehensive guide to ensure you are armed with essential knowledge while pursuing your case.
Once you decide to proceed with a lawsuit after a car accident in Alabama, your attorney will begin by filing a complaint against the at-fault party in the local court, and the defendant will be served with the lawsuit. The defendant usually has 30 days to respond. Preparing the case for filing, including gathering evidence and drafting the complaint, might take several months, dependent on the complexity of the case.
Following the filing and response, your case will move into the discovery phase. During this time, both parties exchange information relevant to the lawsuit. This process might involve depositions, interrogatories, and document requests. Typically, depending on the complexity of the case, the discovery phase could take six months to a year.
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Once the discovery phase wraps up, settlement negotiations usually begin. The vast majority of car accident lawsuits in Alabama are settled out of court during this phrase. The length of settlement negotiations is dependent on various factors, including willingness of both parties to compromise. It might take few weeks to several months.
If a settlement is not reached during negotiations, the case proceeds to trial. This might involve waiting for court dates, which can take a few months to over a year, depending on the court's docket. Once the trial begins, it can last from a single day up to several weeks, dependent on the complexity of the case.
In short, estimating the exact duration for a car accident lawsuit resolution in Alabama is challenging due to case-specific factors. However, it can usually take anywhere between one to two years, even longer in some cases.
It's crucial to remember that Alabama has a statute of limitations that requires you to file any car accident lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident. Hence, shouldn't wait too long before seeking legal help and beginning this process.
Though a lawsuit can be a lengthy process, choosing an experienced personal injury attorney in Alabama can potentially expedite the process. Our law office, lead by Stephen Thompson, stands ready to help you navigate the legal complexities arising from a car accident and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our deep understanding of Alabama's car accident laws and commitment to our clients has proven invaluable in securing favorable outcomes.
If you've been injured in an auto accident in Alabama, reach out to us today. Your initial consultation is free, and since we work on a contingency basis, you will not pay any fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Please don’t allow the length of the lawsuit to deter you from seeking justice and compensation you deserve. Let Stephen Thompson, your trusted Alabama personal injury lawyer and auto accident attorney, guide you through this journey. Our goal is to make it as quick and smooth as possible for you, so you can focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life.
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During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:
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