What to Do After an Aviation Accident
In the aftermath of an aircraft crash, a few steps protect your family and your claim — including technical evidence that others control and can lose. Here is a simple checklist.
Get medical and personal support
Care for the injured and the family first. These are traumatic events, and prompt medical care also documents the harm.
Preserve what you can
Save photographs, the names of everyone involved, and any documents, tickets, or communications about the flight. Do not assume the official investigation will preserve everything you need.
Do not rely on early conclusions
Early public statements about a crash are often incomplete or wrong. Wait for the real investigation, and do not let an insurer's early account stand as the last word.
Be careful what you sign or say
Do not give recorded statements or sign anything from an airline, operator, or insurer before you have advice. Early offers come before the cause and full harm are known.
Get a lawyer involved early
Because the wreckage, parts, and records are controlled by others and can be lost, early legal help to preserve them is critical in aviation cases.
The deadlines and rules depend on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to aviation accidents.
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This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the law differs by state.