Aviation accidents are devastating. Flying is relatively safe, but that doesn’t erase the pain, stress, and anguish that result when an aviation crash happens. If you or a loved one has been impacted by an aviation accident, talk to an aviation accident lawyer in Sandy Springs.
Our team of aviation accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates is here to help. We have been helping accident victims get the financial recovery they need and deserve for over 20 years. Our attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of aviation law, so we can look at your case and how to win.
What an Aviation Accident Means in Sandy Springs
According to the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR section 830.2), an aircraft accident is defined as an incident that involves:
- Operation of an aircraft between the time people get onto the aircraft (with the intention of flight) and the time they disembark and
- Death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to the aircraft
Aircraft accidents, or aviation accidents, can occur with any type of aircraft. Aviation accidents may involve:
- Major commercial airline crafts
- Private or corporate aircrafts
- Military aircrafts
- Helicopters
- Small planes
The first fatal aviation accident on record happened in 1785 when a balloon crashed near Wimereux, France.
If you were injured or a loved one lost their life in an aviation accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. An experienced Sandy Springs aviation accident attorney can help you seek that financial recovery.
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Two Ways Aviation Accidents Are Different Than Other Accidents
The distinctions between aviation accidents and other types of crashes, such as car accidents, are important to know—especially when looking for legal help. Here are the two main ways aviation accidents stand out from other collisions.
Aviation Accidents Are Usually Serious
While other types of accidents can range widely in severity, aviation accidents are often very serious. It’s common for an aircraft accident to result in catastrophic injuries or death. When a client comes to John Foy & Associates regarding an aviation accident, we know that they have suffered significant damages of physical, psychological, and financial nature.
Aviation Law is Complex
The legal details of aviation accident cases are complicated. They can involve both state and federal laws and regulations. Aviation claims are by nature often more complex than other types of injury claims.
As an aviation accident victim, you should be careful to work with a lawyer who has experience working on similar cases. They will need to understand how to best investigate an aircraft crash, determine who was at fault, and fight for your rights to recovery. Sometimes, that might involve accidents across the continent, which can involve more than one jurisdiction.
Aviation accident cases may involve:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing radar readings
- Air traffic control readings
- Instrument readings
Our team will look over the details of your accident and establish how we can help you fight for your rights.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents
There are many ways aviation accidents can happen, and each case will vary depending on the details. However, here are some of the most common causes of aircraft accidents we see:
- Aircraft maintenance issues
- Pilot or crew errors error
- Design and manufacturing defects
- Errors with air traffic control
- Mistakes from the ground crew
- Adverse weather conditions
Determining the cause of the aviation accident is key to any case. You’ll need to know who is legally liable for the costs of the accident. To have a valid aviation accident case for compensation, there must be an at-fault party whose negligence led to your crash and damages.
Damages That Can Be Claimed After an Aviation Accident in Sandy Springs
In Sandy Springs and the rest of Georgia, the negligent party in an injury accident is responsible for all the costs. As an injured victim, it’s your legal right to seek compensation for the costs of an accident you did not cause. Whether you were personally injured in an aviation accident or lost a family member in one, you may be entitled to recovery.
Losses that you experience because of your injuries from an aviation accident are known as damages. Here are some damages you may be able to claim:
- Doctor and hospital bills from tests, surgeries, and treatment
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages, such as mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and anxiety or depression
Wrongful Death Damages From an Aviation Accident
If a family member was killed in an aviation accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. That claim can include:
- Medical costs from the loved one’s last injury or illness
- Pain and suffering they experienced before they died
- Funeral and burial costs
No matter how the aviation accident happened or what you suffered, it’s best to speak with a lawyer in Sandy Springs who can look at your case. A consultation can give you an idea of the strength of your case and your legal options.
Can You Sue an Airline if Your Plane Crashes?
With a few exceptions, you may be able to take legal action against an airline after a plane crash. People who can sue an airline after a plane crash include:
- Passengers who were injured in an aviation crash
- Spouses or immediate family of a passenger who died in the accident
It’s important to note that you may not qualify for a personal injury lawsuit if you were injured as an airline employee. For example, if you were hurt as a Delta Airlines employee, you will generally use the workers’ compensation laws in the state where you live.
Should You Join a Class Action Lawsuit or Do You Have to Go It Alone?
If you were involved in a commercial flight, an accident may have injured numerous people. A class action lawsuit allows several plaintiffs to take legal action against a big corporation together.
The airline may offer you compensation if you sign a liability waiver or compensation agreement stating you agree not to take part in a class action lawsuit. While this may seem tempting, they will likely not pay you the full amount you need for your injuries.
Consult with an attorney before you join a class action lawsuit or give up your right to do so. Our law firm can review any offers you receive and help you decide your best course of action.
When Should You Get a Lawyer for an Aviation Accident?
Discuss your aviation accident with a lawyer at your earliest convenience. In Georgia, you will typically have up to two years from the date of your accident to pursue compensation. If you wait too long to act, you will be time barred from seeking damages.
Don’t risk losing your chance to be reimbursed for your injuries and other losses. Our aviation accident lawyers in Sandy Springs can review your situation to determine if other deadlines apply.
Speak With a Sandy Springs Aviation Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Aviation accidents are often incredibly serious, and you should not have to pay for damages that were not your fault. The Sandy Springs aviation accident attorneys at John Foy & Associates can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
You can call us 24/7 or contact us online to get started on your aviation accident case. Our team has decades of experience helping injury victims, and we offer free consultations. Learn more about how our law firm can help you after your Sandy Springs aviation accident.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
