Homepage Blank Alabama Sr 58 Form
Outline

The Alabama Sr 58 form is a critical document in the realm of accident liability and insurance claims. This form serves as a general release, allowing individuals involved in an accident to formally discharge another party from any claims related to that incident. The process begins with the completion of essential details such as the accident case number, date, and county of the accident. Importantly, this release is irrevocable, meaning once it is signed, it cannot be undone. If a notarized release is obtained from the claimant's insurance company, it is necessary to provide subrogation or proof of loss documentation. Alternatively, if the release is witnessed by two individuals over the age of eighteen, notarization is not required, although their addresses must be included. The form also stipulates that the release can be utilized by the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Unit for administrative purposes under the Alabama Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act of 1951. Ensuring all details are accurately filled out and that witnesses are properly documented is vital for the release to be valid.

Sample - Alabama Sr 58 Form

SR-58
General Release
Rev. 03/06
Alabama Department of
Public Safety
Return to:
DRIVER LICENSE DIVISION
SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY UNIT
PO BOX 1471
MONTGOMERY AL 36102-1471
To be executed only when a full release from liability has occurred. THIS RELEASE CANNOT
BE CANCELED. If the notarized release is obtained from the insurance company of the
claimant, a subrogation or proof of loss must be furnished. Release need not be notarized if
properly witnessed by two persons over eighteen years of age and other than the two parties
negotiating the release. Witnesses' address must be furnished.
ACCIDENT CASE NUMBER:
DATE OF ACCIDENT:
COUNTY OF ACCIDENT:
ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
GENERAL RELEASE
For good and valuable consideration the undersigned does hereby release and forever discharge
the said _____________________________________________ from all claims and causes of
action the undersigned now has or hereafter may have on account of damages resulting from an
accident which occurred at _________________ on or about __________ 20____.
By the execution of this release, the party agrees that the same may be used The Motor Vehicle
Safety Responsibility Unit in the administration of any provision of the Alabama Motor Vehicle
Safety Responsibility Act 704, of 1951.
____________________________________
Signature of Party Giving Release
Sworn to and subscribed before
me this _______________ day
of ______________________
________________________
Notary Public
________________________
My Commission Expires
WITNESS 1:
________________________________
Name
________________________________
Address
________________________________
City, State, Zip Code
________________________________
Name
________________________________
Address
________________________________
City, State, Zip Code
WITNESS 2:
Dated: ___________________, 20________

Form Information

Fact Name Description
Purpose The Alabama SR 58 form serves as a general release of liability following an accident.
Non-Cancelable This release cannot be canceled once executed, ensuring finality in the agreement.
Witness Requirements The release must be witnessed by two individuals over eighteen years old, who are not involved in the release.
Notarization If the release is obtained from the claimant's insurance company, it requires notarization or proof of loss.
Governing Law This form is governed by the Alabama Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act of 1951.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out Alabama Sr 58

Completing the Alabama SR 58 form is an important step in formalizing the release from liability after an accident. This form requires careful attention to detail, ensuring that all necessary information is accurately provided. Below are the steps to guide you through the process of filling out the form correctly.

  1. Begin by entering the Accident Case Number at the top of the form.
  2. Next, fill in the Date of Accident in the designated space.
  3. Specify the County of Accident where the incident occurred.
  4. In the section labeled "For good and valuable consideration," write the name of the party being released from liability.
  5. Indicate the location of the accident by filling in the blank for the place where it occurred.
  6. Enter the date of the accident in the format provided (on or about __________ 20____).
  7. Provide the names and addresses of two witnesses. Ensure that both witnesses are over eighteen years old and not involved in the release.
  8. Each witness should fill in their Name, Address, and City, State, Zip Code.
  9. Sign the form in the space marked for the Signature of Party Giving Release.
  10. Finally, have the form notarized. The notary public will fill in the date and their information, including the expiration of their commission.

Obtain Answers on Alabama Sr 58

  1. What is the purpose of the Alabama SR 58 form?

    The Alabama SR 58 form serves as a legal document that releases one party from liability following an accident. It is utilized when a full release from liability has been agreed upon by the involved parties. This form ensures that the party giving the release cannot later claim damages related to the incident.

  2. How should the Alabama SR 58 form be completed?

    To complete the form, the following information is required:

    • The accident case number.
    • The date of the accident.
    • The county where the accident occurred.
    • The names and addresses of two witnesses who are over eighteen years old and not involved in the release.
    • The signature of the party giving the release.

    It is important to ensure that all fields are filled out accurately to avoid any complications.

  3. Is notarization required for the Alabama SR 58 form?

    Notarization is not required if the form is properly witnessed by two individuals who meet the age requirement and are not parties to the release. However, if a notarized release is obtained from the insurance company of the claimant, a subrogation or proof of loss must be provided.

  4. What happens if the release is not properly executed?

    If the Alabama SR 58 form is not completed correctly or lacks the necessary signatures and witness information, it may not be considered valid. This could lead to complications in the claims process and may result in the inability to enforce the release.

  5. Where should the completed Alabama SR 58 form be sent?

    The completed form should be mailed to the following address:

    DRIVER LICENSE DIVISION
    SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY UNIT
    PO BOX 1471
    MONTGOMERY, AL 36102-1471

    Ensure that the form is sent promptly to avoid delays in processing.

Common mistakes

Completing the Alabama SR-58 form can be straightforward, but many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to delays or complications. One frequent error is failing to include the accident case number. This number is crucial for the processing of the form and without it, the release may not be valid.

Another common mistake is neglecting to provide the date of the accident. This information is essential for establishing the context of the release. If the date is missing, it can cause confusion and potentially invalidate the release.

Many people also forget to specify the county of the accident. This detail is necessary for the form to be properly filed and processed. Omitting this information can lead to administrative issues and delays in resolution.

When it comes to signatures, individuals often overlook the requirement for witnesses. If the release is not notarized, it must be witnessed by two individuals over the age of eighteen. Failing to include this step can result in the release being deemed invalid.

Another mistake involves the addresses of the witnesses. Many people forget to provide the complete addresses, which are required for the form to be accepted. Incomplete witness information can lead to complications during processing.

People sometimes also fail to sign the form in the appropriate section. The signature of the party giving the release is essential. Without it, the document lacks authenticity and cannot be processed.

Additionally, individuals may not date the form correctly. The date of execution must be clearly indicated. A missing or incorrect date can lead to questions about the timing of the release.

Some individuals do not understand that the release cannot be canceled once executed. This misunderstanding can lead to significant issues if a party changes their mind after signing.

It is also important to ensure that the notary public section is completed correctly if notarization is chosen. Many forget to include the notary's commission expiration date, which is necessary for the validity of the notarization.

Finally, individuals often fail to keep a copy of the completed form for their records. Retaining a copy is important for future reference and can help resolve any disputes that may arise later.

Documents used along the form

The Alabama SR 58 form is a general release used in accident cases to discharge liability. It is important to have other related documents when dealing with such cases. Below is a list of forms and documents commonly associated with the Alabama SR 58 form.

  • Accident Report: This document provides details about the accident, including the date, time, location, and parties involved. It is often filed with law enforcement and can serve as a record for insurance claims.
  • Insurance Claim Form: This form is submitted to the insurance company to initiate a claim for damages resulting from the accident. It typically requires information about the accident and the parties involved.
  • Release of Liability Waiver: This document is signed by the parties to release one another from future claims related to the accident. It is crucial for protecting against additional lawsuits.
  • Proof of Loss Statement: This statement outlines the losses incurred due to the accident and is often required by insurance companies to process claims effectively.
  • Subrogation Agreement: This agreement allows an insurance company to pursue recovery of costs from the party responsible for the accident after they have paid the insured party's claim.
  • Settlement Agreement: This document outlines the terms of a settlement reached between the parties involved in the accident, including any compensation agreed upon.
  • Witness Statements: These are written accounts from individuals who witnessed the accident. They can provide additional context and support for claims made by the parties involved.

Having these forms and documents organized and ready can facilitate a smoother process when handling accident-related claims and releases. Each document plays a vital role in ensuring that all parties understand their rights and responsibilities.

Similar forms

  • General Release Form: Similar to the Alabama Sr 58 form, a general release form is used to relinquish all claims against another party. It serves to confirm that one party has received compensation and agrees not to pursue further legal action regarding the matter.
  • Release of Liability Waiver: This document protects a party from future claims by releasing them from liability for any injuries or damages that may occur. Like the Sr 58, it requires the signature of the party relinquishing their rights.
  • Settlement Agreement: A settlement agreement outlines the terms under which parties resolve their disputes. It often includes a release of claims similar to the Alabama Sr 58 form, ensuring that once settled, no further claims can arise from the same incident.
  • Confidentiality Agreement: While primarily focused on confidentiality, this document often contains a release clause. It ensures that parties cannot disclose information about the settlement or agreement, paralleling the irrevocable nature of the Sr 58.
  • Subrogation Agreement: This document allows one party to pursue claims against a third party after compensating the injured party. It shares similarities with the Sr 58 in that it often requires proof of loss and may involve a release from further claims.
  • Mutual Release Agreement: This agreement is signed by both parties to release each other from any claims arising from a specific incident. Like the Sr 58, it is binding and cannot be canceled once executed, ensuring that both parties move forward without the threat of future litigation.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Alabama SR 58 form, there are important guidelines to follow. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn’t do:

  • Do ensure that you have all the necessary information ready, such as the accident case number and date of the accident.
  • Do provide accurate details about the accident location.
  • Do have the release notarized or witnessed by two people over eighteen years old, if applicable.
  • Do include the addresses of the witnesses in the appropriate sections.
  • Do read the entire form carefully before signing to understand your rights.
  • Don’t leave any sections blank; fill out all required fields completely.
  • Don’t sign the form until you are ready to release all claims related to the accident.
  • Don’t forget to provide your signature and the date on the form.
  • Don’t use white-out or make alterations to the form after it has been signed.
  • Don’t submit the form without making a copy for your records.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions can often lead to confusion, especially when dealing with legal forms like the Alabama Sr 58. Here are five common misunderstandings about this form:

  • It can be canceled after signing. Many people believe that once they sign the Sr 58 form, they can change their mind later. This is not true. The form states clearly that the release cannot be canceled once executed.
  • Notarization is always required. While notarization is a common practice, it is not always necessary for the Sr 58. If two witnesses, who are over eighteen and not involved in the release, properly witness the signing, notarization can be skipped.
  • The form is only for accidents involving vehicles. Some think that the Sr 58 is exclusively for motor vehicle accidents. However, it can apply to any accident case where a release from liability is needed.
  • It only protects the person giving the release. A common belief is that the release only benefits the party giving it. In reality, it protects both parties by preventing future claims related to the accident.
  • Witnesses do not need to provide their addresses. Many assume that witnesses can simply sign without providing their addresses. However, the form requires that the addresses of both witnesses be included to ensure validity.

Understanding these misconceptions can help you navigate the legal landscape more effectively and avoid potential pitfalls.

Key takeaways

When dealing with the Alabama SR-58 form, it is essential to understand its purpose and requirements. Here are some key takeaways to consider:

  • Purpose of the Form: The SR-58 form serves as a general release from liability in the context of an accident.
  • Irrevocability: Once executed, this release cannot be canceled. It is crucial to ensure that all parties are in agreement before signing.
  • Notarization and Witnessing: The release must be notarized unless it is properly witnessed by two individuals over eighteen years of age, who are not involved in the negotiation.
  • Accident Details: The form requires specific information such as the accident case number, date, and county of the accident.
  • Submission Address: Completed forms should be returned to the Driver License Division, Safety Responsibility Unit, at the specified address in Montgomery, Alabama.
  • Legal Use: The release may be used by the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Unit for administrative purposes related to the Alabama Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act.