Why Hire an Attorney Experienced in Aviation Accidents?

If you have been involved in an aviation accident of any type, it’s in your best interests to look for legal counsel. However, the process of finding an attorney can be overwhelming. Where do you start?

When it comes to aviation accidents, you need to find an attorney with a strong background in injury law as well as knowledge in aviation. Your best bet? An aviation accident attorney with experience as a pilot.

Why are Aviation Lawsuits Complicated?

Airplane collisions, helicopter crashes, and other aviation accidents lead to extremely complex lawsuits for a variety of reasons. Specifically, the number of possible responsible parties, state and national laws, and a strict window of time create a situation that you need an experienced aviation attorney to navigate.

Several Parties at Play

Determining who was at fault for an airplane crash takes an attorney with a strong background in aviation. A variety of parties could be involved: the pilot, maintenance personnel, the airplane manufacturer, air traffic control, or even weather briefers.

Interstate and International Laws

Where did the plane depart, and where did it crash? If you were a passenger on a plane that left one state and ended up in another, how do you determine which state’s laws apply? What if one of your fellow passengers is from a different country? Even further, where are the manufacturers of the plane parts located?

An experienced aviation attorney can parse through these questions and determine which laws apply to your case.

Timing Is Key

Although the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Indiana is strictly set at two years, exceptions could apply to an aviation accident case. For example, different states have different requirements, and international law complicates things even further.

Additionally, evidence from airplane wreckage needs to be gathered and documented as soon as possible after the crash—before it’s moved or tampered with. Air traffic control and weather data needs to be collected, too.

With such a strict timeline, it’s important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible after an aviation accident.

Why you should look for an Experienced Attorney?

Seek a lawyer who has a substantial background in successfully handling aviation accident cases like yours. If you can find an attorney with experience as a pilot, you will be at a strong advantage.

Pilot attorneys are familiar with federal aviation regulations and can interpret them for you. They understand the lingo as well as how air traffic controllers communicate with pilots in the sky. Also, most importantly, pilot attorneys know how planes work. Aerodynamics and the physics of aircraft flight are second nature to them because of their time in the air.

How does WKW Check All the Boxes?

Two of the attorneys at WKW are licensed pilots with a wide range of ratings and experience. Both pilots hold a commercial license, flight engineer certificate, and instrument and multi-engine aircraft ratings. Additionally, they have flight experience in Boeing 727s and many private aircraft.

The experience our WKW pilot attorneys will bring to your aviation accident case is exactly what you need to successfully fight for your rights.

Contact an Aviation Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been in an aviation accident, you are urged to contact the Indianapolis Aviation Accident Attorneys of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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