Aviation Accidents
According to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), commercial air travel should double over the next
20 years. This will likely lead to an increase in the number of
airplane accidents. While air travel is generally a safe means of
transportation, accidents do occur and often result in fatalities.
Aviation law is complex and involves various federal agencies,
including the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The
goal of these agencies is to promote aviation safety and prevent
aircraft accidents.
What Happens After and
Accident?
After an airplane accident, the NTSB is called to the scene and begins
an investigation. The goal of the NTSB is not necessarily to determine
civil fault for the accident, but to understand the cause of the crash
and to issue safety recommendations as appropriate. The FAA
participates in the NTSB investigation as well. These government
agencies usually
maintain possession of the aircraft wreckage until their investigation
is concluded, which can be many months after a crash.
What To Do After An
Accident...
After an aviation accident you must do what is necessary to protect
yourself and
your legal rights. We suggest the following:
-
Call the police and paramedics if
necessary.
- Obtain the names and addresses of all
witnesses right away. They may need to leave the scene and go about
their business.
-
Retain an attorney right away. An
attorney will take the necessary steps to ensure that the evidence is
preserved and can interact with the various governmental agencies
involved.
-
Make a notation for your records of how
the incident occurred, the date and time of the incident, location of
the incident, names of all witnesses, the owner of the aircraft or
airline, and weather conditions. Keep any clothing or other evidence of
the crash.
-
If you were a passenger on a commercial
airline, report any complaints to the appropriate personnel. Also, keep
your airline ticket and receipt.
If You
Are Injured...
If you have any physical complaints after the accident, you should seek
medical attention right away. Any delay in seeking medical care can
negatively effect your case. An emergency room can provide an
immediate evaluation and diagnostic tests such as x-rays.
Alternatively, see your family doctor. Either way, be sure to
tell any medical personnel all
of the physical complaints you are
having. Don't leave any complaints unmentioned, even if they are
minor! Also be sure to photograph any visible injuries
immediately, such as bruises, scrapes, broken bones, etc. Always
remember that a picture is worth a thousand words!
Remember That Time Is
Of
The Essence...
You should not delay in speaking with a lawyer after an accident, no
matter how minor the accident may be. A successful case must be
investigated immediately. Evidence must be preserved. Additionally, the
law provides certain time limitations in which action must be taken. If
the required action is not taken within that time, your case will be
lost forever!
Contact Us Today at (310)
578-9777
for a Free Consultation!
Don't Delay!
Any delay in contacting a lawyer can damage your case!
Contact
us
for more info
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