What to do After a Plane Crash

Posted by copeland on March 17, 2015

Statistics show that the odds of being killed in a plane crash are one in 29.4 million. But when it happens, it can devastate victims and their families, physically, psychologically and financially. The steps taken in the days and weeks following an aviation accident are critical, as they can significantly affect your legal case for compensation.

To help assure you get the financial compensation you're due, Todd E. Copeland & Associates offer these tips:

• After getting medical treatment, contact an experienced aviation attorney as soon as possible. Your legal representative will help you to gather and preserve all information needed to build your case. 
• Refrain from talking to anyone, including airline officials and the media without first speaking with your lawyer. Even seemingly simple or obvious comments can have significant legal consequences for your case.
• The National Travel Safety Board investigates all civilian aviation accidents occurring in the US. Stay in contact with the NTSB's communications department for information as their investigation progresses, but understand that the agency is not your advocate. Its officials simply investigate and report. 
• It is unlawful for an attorney or an insurance company representing the airline to contact a victim's family in the first 30 days following an aviation accident. If someone does attempt to contact you, let your attorney know immediately.
• Certain services are available or even required. For instance, the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996 requires affected airlines to help family members travel to the accident site and provide them food and shelter. 
• Above all, be patient. Multiple state, federal and international laws may be in play, so your legal case could take months or even years before it's resolved.

Todd E. Copeland & Associates specialize in representing victims of aviation accidents. Call 407-999-8995.