Being involved in an aviation accident can take a huge emotional and physical toll on a person. In addition, in the days and weeks following the accident, victims often spend a great deal of time in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, racking up a mountain of medical debt.
If you have recently found yourself in this unenviable situation, you might be wondering how you can find a lawyer to help you get your life back on track. This blog article will provide you with all the information you need.
How to Find Personal Injury Attorneys After an Aviation Accident
There are four main methods to find an attorney after your aviation accident. They are:
Use a Search Engine
The quickest and easiest way to find legal help after an airplane or helicopter accident is to type “personal injury lawyers near me” into a search engine.
Of course, not all the attorneys listed on the results page will be able to help you with your case. It is a good idea to read some client reviews to winnow out the unsuitable options.
Ask a Friend or Relative for a Recommendation
Do you have a friend or relative who has recently been through a personal injury case? If so, it’s a good idea to ask them if they would recommend their attorney.
If they speak about their lawyer in glowing terms, you might want to consider working with them.
Ask Another Attorney for Guidance
If you have a good relationship with a divorce lawyer or criminal defense attorney, you can talk to them about your case. Though they will not be able to provide you with adequate assistance personally, they may be able to give you the name of a personal injury lawyer they trust.
Seek a Referral from the Bar Association
If you would like some professional help with your search for a lawyer, you can ask for a referral from your local bar association.
You need to give them a call or send them an email and provide them with some basic info about your case. The association will then put you in touch with someone who can help.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Aviation Accident Lawyer
Once you have worked through the methods outlined above, you can begin to build a shortlist of lawyers who might be able to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. First, however, before you make a hiring decision, you should ask each attorney the following questions:
How Long Have You Been Practicing Personal Injury Law?
In personal injury law, experience matters. Inexperienced attorneys are prone to make mistakes. If they make one during your case, it could cost you thousands of dollars
Experienced lawyers, on the other hand, are generally much more steady. They know how the system works and which strategies are most likely to result in positive outcomes.
If the lawyer you’re speaking to began practicing within the last couple of years, they might not be the best fit for your needs.
What Experience Do You Have with Aviation Accident Cases?
Aviation accident compensation claims tend to be more complex than a standard car crash case. Therefore, it is good to ask prospective attorneys if they have ever worked on an aviation accident compensation claim. You can follow up by asking how the case was resolved. It may be best to hire a new lawyer if they have not.
Are You Willing to Take My Case to Trial?
Airlines and aircraft manufacturers are often unwilling to settle personal injury claims. Therefore, you would be wise to work with an attorney willing to take your case to trial if necessary.
If a prospective lawyer does not commit to taking your case to trial, they may not be a good fit for you.
How Much Time Can You Devote to My Case?
It takes a great deal of work to recover compensation after an airplane or helicopter accident. As such, you should only hire an attorney who is ready, willing, and able to devote hours to your case.
If the lawyer you speak to does not seem keen to work tirelessly on your compensation claim, it is almost certainly best to cross them off your shortlist.
How Will You Keep Me Updated on My Case?
As your aviation accident case proceeds, you will need to communicate with your attorney constantly. So, before you hire a legal representative, you should always ask them how they will communicate with you.
Some lawyers are happy to talk on the phone. Others prefer texts and emails. Choose an attorney whose communication style is a good match with yours.
How Much Do You Believe My Case is Worth?
The amount of compensation available to people who suffer injuries in aviation accidents varies significantly from case to case. Nonetheless, an experienced attorney should have no trouble providing you with an estimate.
If a lawyer refuses to answer this question or gives you an unrealistic answer, you may want to consider other options.
How Much Do You Charge for Your Services?
The vast majority of personal injury lawyers in the United States operate on a contingent fee basis. In other words, you will not need to pay a fee unless you recover compensation
Not all attorneys work this way, however. Some charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. It is always a good idea to ask about pricing before you commit to a lawyer.
Houston’s Trusted Aviation Accident Law Firm
The attorneys at Williams Hart & Boundas Boundas LLP have been helping Houston residents recover the compensation they deserve after plane and helicopter accidents for years. We are well versed in all areas of aviation law, and we are ready to go to battle for you. To discuss your case with a team member, just give us a call or contact us online today.
