Airplane and Helicopter Accident Lawyers
When Do I Need an Airplane and Helicopter Accident Lawyer?
If you were in an aircraft accident, talk to a lawyer with expertise in these kinds of cases. They can help you decide if you have a reason to file a lawsuit, estimate what you may be able to recover in damages and give you a good idea of whether or not you’ll win.
You can always talk to a lawyer offering free case evaluations at no risk. In general, you need to consult with someone in the following situations:
- You suffered injuries because of an accident involving an airplane or helicopter.
- Your injuries have resulted in significant medical bills.
- You have been unable to work or earn the same income after an accident.
- An aviation accident has triggered a traumatic mental illness, such as PTSD.
- You lost a spouse, parent, or child to an aviation accident.
- You were in an accident, and an airline representative or insurance agent has contacted you about a settlement.
What Can an Airplane and Helicopter Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
Being injured or having lost a loved one after a traumatic accident is tough. It would help if you had someone with expertise in the law and aviation to provide guidance and advice. Here’s what the right aviation lawyer can do to help you during this difficult time:
- Provide peace of mind.
This is a confusing time. As you try to cope with a loss or with physical injuries, it can be very stressful to figure out what to do legally. Hiring the right lawyer allows you to focus on your health and your family while handling your case. - Honest advice.
Good lawyers offer free initial consultations and advice. They will tell you if you have a case that is worth pursuing. They will not take you on as a client unless they believe they have a good chance of winning. - Maximum damages.
Personal injury lawyers understand the complex laws governing what you can and cannot recover after an accident. There are likely to be expenses you never considered, so they will find everything the liable party owes you and take steps to recover it fully. - A monetary settlement.
Most personal injury cases never go to trial and end in settlements. The airline operator or owner is likely to negotiate with your lawyer. With their experience helping other clients, the right lawyer stands a good chance of getting you fair compensation. - Litigation.
The right lawyer will also have experience going to court. If your lawsuit stalls in the settlement phase, they can take this next step. They will present expert evidence and testimony to a jury to help win you a verdict.
How to Find an Airplane and Helicopter Accident Lawyer
This is a highly specialized area of the law and civil lawsuits, so it may take some digging to find a true expert. Many personal injury law firms claim to handle any kind of case, but with the many laws and complicating factors involved with aviation, find someone who has experience with clients in similar situations.[1]
Your state bar association may be able to point you in the right direction, but you may also want to interview personal injury law firms claiming to have experience with aviation cases. Ask lawyers important questions before you hire any individual or firm:
- How many aviation cases have you handled?
- What were the outcomes of these cases?
- Were any of the cases similar to mine?
- Can you provide references and actual damages amounts from those clients?
- Do you offer a contingency payment plan?
- How will you investigate the incident and prove negligence?
- How strong is my case, and what do you think I can recover in damages?
- How long do you expect my case to take to resolve?
Do not work with a lawyer who contacts you immediately after an aviation accident. The Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act, a federal law, includes a provision barring lawyers from unsolicited communications with victims and their families within 45 days of an accident. If a lawyer or their agent contacts you during that period, they are breaking the law.
How to Work with Your Lawyer
The best way to work with the lawyer you hire to represent you is to be open, honest, and informative. Tell them everything you can remember about the incident. It may be difficult to recall the details and talk about the traumatic accident, but the more details your lawyer has, the better they are to help you.
Provide your lawyer with answers and descriptions, and any documentation you can. This includes medical bills and reports, accident or police reports, witness testimony and contact information, and information about the airline, pilot, and others involved.
An airplane and helicopter accident lawyer, someone with relevant experience in these unusual cases, is your best advocate after a devastating accident. They will provide expert advice and give you peace of mind as you seek damages while putting your life back together.