Phenix City Bus Accident Statute of Limitations

If you were recently in a bus crash, you are probably focusing on healing from your injuries. However, while your physical and mental health recovery should be your priority, you cannot wait too long to pursue legal action due to the Phenix City bus accident statute of limitations. Our knowledgeable bus collision attorney at Bence Law Firm, LLC, could help guide you through the legal process while ensuring you meet every statutory time deadline.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

Statutes of limitations are deadlines lawmakers set for filing lawsuits. While different types of claims have different statutory deadlines, generally, you have two years from the date of your bus accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, as outlined in Alabama Code § 6-2-38. However, if you did not discover your injuries right away, the two-year period would not start until the date you discovered or should have discovered your injuries. For instance, if you developed a brain injury in a bus collision, you might not have been aware of it because it may not have caused immediate symptoms. If the bus crash resulted in the untimely loss of a loved one, state law allows you two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Claims Against Governmental or Municipal Authorities

If the bus crash involves a municipality or other governmental authority, your claim may adhere to a shorter timeline. For example, if the crash involved a city or town bus, you would need to file notice within six months, as stated in Alabama Code § 11-47-23. If your claim is against a county, you must file notice within 12 months, as explained in Alabama Code § 11-12-8.

If you try to file after the relevant statute of limitations has expired for your claim, a court would likely throw your case out. Even if you had developed a strong claim and had proof of liability against a defendant, you would not be able to pursue it. David Bence, who comes from a long line of attorneys, could explain what statutory filing deadlines might apply to your Phenix City bus wreck case.

The Importance of Taking Action Early

In addition to statutory deadlines, certain factors make it essential to start your claim as soon as possible after a Phenix City bus crash. If you wait too long, it could be harder to build a strong case. Evidence may disappear, such as if the company that towed your damaged vehicle misplaces a piece of your car’s wreckage or if a third-party driver gets their car repainted and detailed to hide signs of the crash.

People’s memories also become much less reliable as time passes. An eyewitness to the accident might not be able to recall what happened with as much clarity if you wait too long to question them. Some witnesses could also move away and become difficult to locate. Contacting a knowledgeable attorney promptly after your bus crash increases your chances of developing a strong claim.

Contact a Phenix City Lawyer About Bus Crash Filing Deadlines

If you are considering pursuing a claim, complying with the Phenix City bus accident statute of limitations is essential. You deserve to be compensated for the injuries you suffered due to the bus accident, and missing this important deadline could bar you from receiving that compensation. David Bence is a skilled and experienced attorney who could help you ensure you stay within the deadline and avoid any mistakes that could cost you both time and money. Contact Bence Law Firm, LLC, and let us handle your legal claim while you focus on getting better.