Tampa Aviation Accident Lawyer
There is nothing quite like the thrill of flying through the air in an airplane. Whether small or large, getting a bird’s eye view can bring exhilaration and inspire awe. Sometimes, though, that joy can be crushed when you’re involved in an aviation accident. Aside from physical injuries, the mental distress that comes with such a traumatic event can last a lifetime.
If you’ve been involved in an aviation accident, you need a strong Florida aviation accident lawyer. You’ve probably got a lot of questions and we want to help you find the answers and some peace of mind. Here are the most frequently asked questions about aviation accidents and incidents and what they mean for you.
What are the Top Causes of General Aviation Accidents?
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the top causes of general aviation accidents include:
- Inflight loss of control due to mechanical failure
- The plane crashed into terrain such as mountains or the ground
- Failure of system components
- Fuel issues whether from being overweight, under fueled, or mechanical issues
- Midair collisions
- Low-altitude operations
I was injured in an aviation accident. What should I do?
After immediately seeking appropriate medical attention, you should consider your options for legal action, bearing in mind that the airline or small-craft pilot responsible will be seeking its own legal protection. It is likely that the responsible airline’s insurer and legal team will take advantage of the victims of the aviation accident, hoping to minimize their financial damages and potential liabilities.
Settling on the terms of the airline’s legal counsel might seem like the easiest option in a moment of incredible stress, grief, and loss, but this is not the option that will keep your best interest in mind. Generally, you are entitled to more than the airline representatives will suggest that you accept; this will come in the form of a settlement reached in mediation, with the intention of avoiding trial.
Who Can be Held Liable for an Aviation Accident?
In the case of an aviation accident, there are many parties who may be deemed negligent, entitling you to legal remedy. These parties could include:
- Pilots
- Airlines
- Aircraft distributors, manufacturers, and workers
- Airports
- The federal government, for its supervision of air traffic control centers
What Time Constraints Exist for Aviation Accidents?
There are time constraints on your ability to take legal action; these limits vary depending on the case, so you should reach out to an aviation accident law firm as soon as you can in order to gauge your options. Hiring an attorney will be your best path to legal recovery in holding any potential third parties responsible for their negligence and assuring that your settlement appropriately reflects the extent of that negligence.
How Much is my Aviation Accident Case Worth?
It depends, of course, on the nature of the accident. In order to get an accurate sense of the worth of your case, you must also make a case for the damages personally suffered after your accident. These damages can include medical costs, time spent in the hospital, physical and emotional trauma, time off of work, and any other ongoing difficulties.
Once you have given as much clarifying detail as can be provided, your attorney can assess how much you may be entitled to in compensation. If you choose to pursue legal recovery, settlement out of court is the likeliest option; in the event that your case moves to trial, it is still likelier than not that the case will settle at some point in the process of trial.
Who can Bring Legal Action in the Case of Wrongful Death After an Aviation Accident?
In the case of wrongful death, the next of kin are entitled to legal action. In most states, this will mean that the spouse of the deceased party can sue the negligent party. If there is no spouse, the next in line are children; if there are no children, the next in line are parents; if there are no parents, the next in line are siblings. The extent of legal recovery in wrongful death suits varies across states, and, in cases of accidents on international flights, across countries.
How Much Will it Cost to Hire a Florida Aviation Accident Lawyer?
We offer free initial consultations; we also work on a contingency basis, meaning that you will not incur any legal fees unless and until we are able to secure a legal victory for your case. These terms will appear in writing in a contract signed by you and your attorney. In the event that a settlement is reached, your legal fees will be folded into your recovery.
An aviation accident can be a traumatic experience, almost guaranteeing far-reaching, life-altering damages. If you or a loved one was a victim of an aviation accident, we hope you consider and assess your available routes of legal remedy. We know you have questions and we want to help you find the answers. Call us at (813) 774-3341 for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation right over the phone or contact us to find the best time to schedule a convenient Zoom meeting.
