Aviation accidents can be serious and often result in fatalities. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an aviation accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire an attorney. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common questions people have about aviation accident attorneys. We will also provide some tips on how to find the right lawyer for your case.
What Is an Aviation Accident?
An aviation accident is any incident involving an aircraft that results in injury or death. Aircraft can vary from commercial airlines to helicopters or freight planes. These accidents can be caused by a number of factors, including pilot error, mechanical failure, and weather conditions.
What Are Common Examples of Aviation Accidents?
From expansive passenger planes to little “puddle jumpers,” flying an airplane takes a lot of skill and practice—and accidents do happen! Here are some of the most common types of aviation accidents:
- Landing and descent: Returning to the ground is by far the most dangerous part of the flight for the pilot, with 37% of all accidents occurring during this phase of the journey.
- Takeoff and Taxiing: The second-most dangerous aspect of flying an airplane occurs during taxiing and takeoff, with 18% of all accidents occurring during this period.
- Mechanical Problems: Airplanes consist of many moving parts, which are not without the risk of mechanical failure. While aviation standards for producing these moving parts are exceptionally high, mechanical problems do still occur, accounting for 17% of all aviation accidents.
Other aviation accidents can typically be chalked up to weather, fuel mismanagement, or risky flight maneuvers. Whatever the cause of your airplane-related accident, it may be worth touching base with an aviation accident attorney for legal counsel and to see what your rights are.
When Do I Need to Hire an Aviation Accident Attorney?
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an aviation accident, you should consult with an aviation accident attorney as soon as possible. It is important to have legal representation as soon as possible after an aviation accident because there may be time-sensitive evidence that needs to be collected. Additionally, the airline or other party responsible for the accident may try to contact you and try to get you to sign a waiver or release form. You should talk to a lawyer first.
What Should I Look for in an Aviation Accident Attorney?
There are several things to consider when hiring an aviation accident attorney. First, make sure the lawyer has experience handling aviation accident cases. The lawyer should also have access to experts who can help investigate the accident and determine what caused it. The lawyer should also be able to provide you with a realistic estimate of how much your case is worth.
How Do I Pay for an Aviation Accident Attorney?
Most aviation accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you will not have to pay any money upfront. The lawyer will only get paid if you win your case. This can be helpful because it allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries without worrying about how you will pay for legal representation—so check with your lawyer during your initial conversation to see if they work on a contingency basis.
Aviation Accident Attorney Houston, TX
If you or a loved one was involved in some kind of aviation accident, you may be entitled to damages. There are several primary reasons to get in touch with a reputable lawyer right away to learn what your rights are–and perhaps the first of these reasons is that aviation accident cases are complex and require extensive knowledge.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an airplane accident, contact Welsh Law Firm today for a legal consultation.