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How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?

If you were hurt in an accident, you may be wondering: Do I actually have a case? In Alabama, if another party’s careless or reckless actions caused your injuries, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim for financial compensation. Because personal injury law is complex, many people are unsure whether their situation qualifies. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Below, our Mobile, AL personal injury attorney explains what makes a claim valid under Alabama law.

Two Key Requirements for a Valid Personal Injury Case

Every case is unique, but to move forward with a personal injury claim in Alabama, two things generally must be proven:

1. Liability (Who Is at Fault)

You must show that another party’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful conduct caused your injuries. This means proving:

  • The at-fault party owed you a duty of care,
  • They breached that duty (for example, by driving drunk, running a red light, or failing to maintain safe property), and
  • Their actions directly caused your accident and resulting injuries.

Without proof of fault, there is no valid personal injury claim.

2. Damages (Your Losses)

 Even if you can prove fault, you must also demonstrate that you suffered actual damages. These may include:

  • Economic losses such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, or rehabilitation costs.
  • Non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or diminished quality of life.

Alabama law requires solid evidence—like medical records, pay stubs, or expert testimony—to back up your damages.

Don’t Assume You Don’t Have a Claim

Far too many people walk away from potential compensation because they assume their case is “too minor” or because the facts seem unclear. In reality, even seemingly small injuries can develop into serious conditions, and liability is not always obvious. An experienced Mobile personal injury lawyer can:

  • Review your accident and evidence,
  • Identify possible legal claims, and
  • Determine who may be held financially accountable.

Our firm offers free case evaluations, so there is no risk in finding out where you stand.

Act Quickly: Alabama’s Two-Year Statute of Limitations

Time is not on your side. Under Alabama law (Code of Alabama § 6-2-38), you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long, the court will likely dismiss your case—no matter how strong it is. The sooner you take action, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your rights and build a strong claim.

Contact Our Mobile, AL Personal Injury Lawyer Today

At Roger Varner Injury Law, we are dedicated to helping accident victims get justice and full compensation. If you’re unsure whether you have a valid claim, we can give you clear answers and a strategy tailored to your situation. Call us today at (833) 482-7637 or reach out online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. From our office in Mobile, we proudly serve clients across South Alabama.