News And Commentary
What to expect from an aviation lawyer.
The best aviation lawyers do not approach accident victims after disasters. They are found by family representatives, professionals, who seek not only the needed technical knowledge of aircraft, but the legal experience to protect rights and navigate the world's court systems.
The aviation attorney should be an excellent detective. The first steps are to save wreckage, acquire radar data, interview witnesses, retain consultants, and to ensure that all pertinent FAA Air Traffic Control tape recordings are preserved, etc. The attorney cannot wait for a government accident report to come out; by that time, vital evidence will not be available. Skilled aviation accident lawyers should protect the rights of their clients, find key witnesses, determine the law and jurisdictional issues at work - especially in foreign courts - and then reach a conclusion on the liability of responsible parties.
Because crashes occur anywhere, aviation lawyers handle accidents not only in different states around the country, but in different countries around the world. That is why it is important to work with a knowledgeable aviation lawyer, but one familiar with local courts, people and customs.
The lawyer must deal with four entities. They include:
The Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates the nation's aviation industry; The National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates all serious civilian accidents in the United States Aviation insurers, who provide the money to settle these cases. Experts familiar with aeronautical engineering, materials, accident reconstruction, and air traffic control, aeronautical engineering, among other things.
Where to find additional help: Find NTSB Accident Reports through the NTSB web site at www.NTSB.gov. Seek out the public inquiry section of the NTSB in Washington, D.C.; (202) 382-8735. You need the date and nearest city where the crash occurred, and the name of the owner or operator involved. Alternatively, call General Microfilm, a government contract provider, at (301) 929-8888.