Airplane Crash Lawyers and Insurance Companies: How to Maximize Your Settlement

In the aftermath of an airplane crash, victims and their families often face overwhelming emotional and financial stress. The complexities of aviation law, dealing with insurance companies, and securing compensation make the process even more daunting. If you're navigating this difficult journey, understanding how to maximize your settlement is crucial. Working with an experienced airplane crash lawyer can make a significant difference, especially when handling insurance companies that are often looking to minimize payouts.

In this article, we will discuss how to maximize your settlement from an airplane crash and why having a skilled airplane crash lawyer is key to achieving fair compensation. We’ll break down the process step-by-step, highlighting critical considerations that can impact your settlement outcome.

Understanding Airplane Crash Claims

An airplane crash is a catastrophic event, leading to devastating consequences, including loss of life, severe injuries, and extensive property damage. Compensation for victims typically comes from several sources, including insurance policies, the airline's liability coverage, and possibly other third parties. However, pursuing these claims can be highly complex due to the numerous parties involved, legal technicalities, and various jurisdictions that may come into play.

To maximize your settlement, you must have a clear understanding of how airplane crash claims work and how they differ from other personal injury cases. Here are a few essential factors to consider:

  • Federal and International Laws: Airplane crashes are subject to both federal regulations (like those enforced by the FAA) and international treaties, which add a layer of complexity to legal proceedings.
  • Multiple Defendants: An airplane crash may involve claims against several parties, including the airline, aircraft manufacturer, maintenance companies, and even government entities.
  • Specialized Knowledge: Aviation law requires a deep understanding of regulations, technical details of airplane operations, and experience in handling large-scale litigation.

These aspects highlight the need for specialized legal expertise. Working with a seasoned airplane crash lawyer can provide you with an advantage, ensuring that your case is handled properly and your rights are protected.

The Role of Insurance Companies in Airplane Crash Cases

When a plane crash occurs, one of the first challenges victims face is dealing with insurance companies. Both the airline's insurance provider and possibly your own (if you held travel insurance) will come into play. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and while they may appear sympathetic to your plight, their primary goal is to minimize payouts.

Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, and they often employ various strategies to limit the compensation victims receive. Some common tactics include:

  1. Offering a Quick Settlement: Insurers may attempt to settle the claim quickly, hoping victims will accept a lowball offer before they understand the full extent of their damages or have consulted with an attorney.
  2. Disputing Liability: Insurance companies may challenge who is at fault for the crash, attempting to shift blame to reduce their financial responsibility.
  3. Delaying Claims: Some insurers will intentionally delay the claims process, knowing that victims may be in urgent need of funds and more willing to settle for less under financial pressure.
  4. Denying Coverage: In some cases, the insurance company may outright deny the claim, citing technical reasons or claiming the event is not covered under the policy terms.

These tactics can be intimidating, especially when victims are already under immense emotional and physical strain. An experienced airplane crash lawyer can shield you from these tactics and ensure you aren’t taken advantage of during negotiations.

Steps to Maximize Your Settlement

Securing the highest possible settlement after an airplane crash requires a combination of legal strategy, evidence gathering, and negotiations with insurance companies. Here are the critical steps you should follow to maximize your settlement.

1. Seek Legal Representation Immediately

One of the most important steps you can take after an airplane crash is to hire an experienced lawyer. Airplane crash lawyer Bruce Lampert has extensive experience in aviation law, offering valuable insights and knowledge that can be critical in securing a favorable outcome.

A skilled attorney will investigate the crash, gather evidence, work with aviation experts, and negotiate on your behalf. They will also be aware of any filing deadlines, such as the statute of limitations, which vary depending on the jurisdiction and nature of the case.

2. Preserve Evidence

Gathering and preserving evidence is crucial to building a strong case. This evidence can include:

  • Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from other passengers, ground crew, or anyone who witnessed the crash can provide crucial details about what happened.
  • Flight Data and Black Box Records: These records can provide detailed information about the airplane’s performance and any technical issues that may have contributed to the crash.
  • Medical Records: Your medical records will be necessary to document the extent of your injuries and the long-term impact on your life.

Your attorney will help ensure that all relevant evidence is obtained and preserved, even if some of it is held by the airline or other third parties.

3. Calculate the Full Extent of Damages

To maximize your settlement, it’s critical to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, which can include:

  • Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills related to treating your injuries.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injuries and any future lost earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as emotional distress, mental anguish, and physical pain.
  • Loss of Consortium: In wrongful death cases, family members may be entitled to damages for the loss of companionship and support.
  • Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party for egregious negligence or misconduct.

An experienced attorney can help you calculate these damages and ensure that all potential sources of compensation are explored.

4. Negotiate with Insurance Companies

One of the most critical roles your lawyer will play is negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters are well-trained in negotiating down claims, but having an attorney with experience in aviation accidents can level the playing field.

Your lawyer understands the tactics insurance companies use and can counter them effectively. They will handle all communication with the insurers and push for a settlement that truly reflects the full extent of your losses. If necessary, your lawyer can take the case to court to ensure a fair outcome.

5. Consider All Potential Defendants

A key factor in maximizing your settlement is identifying all potentially liable parties. Depending on the cause of the crash, there may be multiple defendants, such as:

  • The Airline: For pilot error, crew negligence, or operational failures.
  • Aircraft Manufacturers: For defective parts or design flaws.
  • Maintenance Companies: For failure to properly maintain the aircraft.
  • Government Entities: If air traffic control or other regulatory bodies played a role in the crash.

Each of these entities may have separate insurance policies and legal liabilities, so it's important to explore all possible avenues for compensation.

Why You Need an Experienced Airplane Crash Lawyer

Given the complex legal landscape of aviation accidents, victims should never attempt to navigate the process alone. Airplane crash lawyer Bruce Lampert has the expertise to handle such intricate cases and to maximize the potential settlement for his clients.

With decades of experience in aviation law, Bruce Lampert and his firm are adept at dealing with the various aspects of airplane crash claims, from investigating the cause of the accident to negotiating with insurance companies. His approach is thorough, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of justice and fair compensation.

Preparing for Trial: Why Litigation Might Be Necessary

While many airplane crash claims are settled out of court, there are times when litigation is the best course of action. Insurance companies may refuse to offer a fair settlement, or there may be disputes over who is liable for the crash. In such cases, going to trial can result in a larger payout.

Your attorney will prepare your case for trial by:

  • Conducting thorough investigations.
  • Hiring expert witnesses, such as aviation experts or engineers, to testify on your behalf.
  • Presenting compelling evidence to the court.

Having an attorney experienced in aviation litigation ensures that your case is in capable hands throughout the entire process. While trial can be a lengthy process, it may ultimately be the best way to secure the compensation you deserve.


author

Chris Bates