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In 2025, there have been 87 aviation accidents in the U.S., according to data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). There were 62 aviation incidents in January and 25 so far in February. 

An aviation accident involving a small private plane or a large commercial flight can leave you or your loved ones with serious injuries or emotional trauma. What should you do after an accident?

According to https://www.stevensonmurray.com/, victims of airplane and helicopter accidents are best served by seeking legal advice and representation from a capable attorney who has substantial experience and a thorough knowledge of aviation law.

This article will show how a personal injury lawyer protects your rights and seeks justice for your injury.

Assessing Your Immediate Safety and Health

Give priority to your safety and the health of others if an aviation accident occurs. Check if you have injuries. If you do, remain calm and avoid moving around.

If you can, safely exit the aircraft, but only if everything is clear and safe. Look for others so that you may provide assistance if needed, but not at your peril.

Be still, conserve energy, and wait for rescue if trapped. When safe, focus on your breathing and become aware of your surroundings.

Gathering Evidence and Documentation

Keep copies of accident reports and evidence after you have assessed your safety and condition.

Photograph airplane damage and the accident location in clear detail. Record the time, date, and weather in case they’re needed later. Collect witness and passenger statements to support your case. Get the airline incident report if possible.

Keep medical records from all treatments related to your injuries, and keep receipts and bills. Write down your version of events while you still remember them. These will be necessary pieces of evidence when you file the claim with your personal injury attorney.

Personal injury lawyers from Corrales Law Group, Inc., say that if your attorney can prove that you are enduring certain bodily injuries, psychological anguish, and interpersonal or social consequences, the jury or presiding judge will assign a fair monetary value for these damages as a result of your sustained pain and suffering.

Notifying Authorities and Reporting the Incident

Once you have confirmed that everyone is safe, you must turn to reporting the aviation accident to the proper authority. These are usually local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and aviation safety boards.

Provide detailed and clear information about the incident during your report. Give details of the location, time, and nature of the incident. Cooperate in full with the investigation since the authorities will be gathering evidence and testimonies to help determine what happened.

Be prepared to provide answers during questioning and submit any documentation you collected. Prompt reporting often bears greatly upon the direction of investigations and claims.

Thoroughly document the incident for future reference. Your documentation can be later used for potential insurance claims and future legal action. 

Understanding Your Legal Rights and Options

A sufficient understanding of legal rights and options is important after an aviation accident. You may feel overwhelmed, but knowing what you can pursue may be part of the healing process.

The first step is looking at the claims involved, be it personal injuries, damage to property, or wrongful death. Know the laws and regulations concerning the issue, since the jurisdictional setting may affect your case. 

See if the deadline for filing has passed. If so, you would have lost the opportunity to receive compensation. Gather all medical records, accident reports, and statements from witnesses. These relevant records are beneficial for backing up your claims.

No one should ever hesitate in seeking assistance. Knowing your rights empowers you to take actions based on informed judgments.

The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Aviation Accidents

Investing in a lawyer greatly influences your recovery from injuries sustained from an aviation mishap. Look for a legal representative who is knowledgeable in aviation accident cases.

As clients, you can ask your lawyers any concerns or clarifications you have with your rights and options. Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and hiring experts are some of the tasks that a lawyer is prepared to do. These steps will help lawyers build a strong case to present in court.

They deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf. Lawyers aim to seek compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

An attorney is prepared to take your case to court and represent you.