A plane or helicopter crash is a life-changing event that can leave families in shock, grief, and confusion. In the first seven days after an aviation accident, it can be hard to know what needs attention first. While no checklist can make this moment easier, taking a few careful steps can help your family stay organized, protect important information, and avoid preventable mistakes.
At Zehl & Associates, our trial attorneys have recovered Billions for accident victims, including some of the largest verdicts and settlements for airplane and helicopter crash victims in U.S. history. Having successfully represented hundreds of plane crash victims in some of the most severe private and commercial aviation disasters in recent history, we know exactly what it takes to stand up to the largest corporations in the world and not just win, but set records. We don’t just fight for and secure the full compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives — we also ensure they have access to top doctors and medical specialists every step of the way.
Read on to learn what to do in the first week following an aviation crash and how our Undefeated Plane and Helicopter Accident Lawyers can help protect your rights.
Put Safety and Medical Care First
In the immediate aftermath of a crash, the top priority is getting proper medical care. Anyone who may have been injured should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible, even if the injuries do not seem serious at first. Some injuries, including internal trauma and head injuries, may take time to appear.
Families should also begin keeping copies of medical records, discharge paperwork, prescriptions, and bills. These documents can help create a clear picture of what happened and how the injuries have affected your loved one.
Stay Organized When Speaking with Authorities
After a plane or helicopter crash, government agencies may begin investigating right away. Families could be contacted by investigators or other officials looking for information about the flight, the passengers, or what happened afterward.
It is important to be cooperative, but it is also wise to stay focused on the facts. Avoid guessing about the cause of the crash or repeating rumors. If possible, write down who contacted you, when they reached out, and what was discussed. During such a stressful week, even basic notes can be helpful.
Preserve Anything Connected to the Crash
The first few days after an aviation accident are not the time to throw things away or assume certain details are unimportant. Items such as boarding documents, flight confirmations, luggage tags, photos, text messages, emails, and personal belongings may all become relevant later.
Families should also be careful about social media. Posting details, photos, or opinions about the crash may create issues later, especially while facts are still being sorted out. It is usually better to keep information private until you have a clearer understanding of the situation.
Be Cautious with Insurance Communications
Insurance companies or company representatives may contact families soon after a crash. These conversations can feel routine, but they are often not as simple as they seem.
It is generally best not to provide a recorded statement or accept any payment or settlement offer during the first week without fully understanding what is at stake. The long-term impact of an aviation accident may include future medical care, lost financial support, emotional trauma, and other losses that are not immediately obvious.
Taking time before responding is not unreasonable. It is often necessary.
Gather Key Records in One Place
One practical step families can take during the first seven days is to organize important records. This can help reduce confusion and make the days ahead more manageable.
Helpful documents may include:
- Medical records and invoices
- Flight or travel information
- Employment records showing missed work or lost income
- Photos, videos, or messages related to the incident
- Communications with investigators, airlines, insurers, or others
Keeping these materials together can make it easier to answer questions later and avoid scrambling for documents when emotions are already running high.
Do Not Feel Pressured to Make Immediate Decisions
Many families feel pressure in the first several days to respond quickly, sign paperwork, or make public statements. In most cases, slowing down is the better choice.
This first week should be about protecting your loved ones, gathering information, and giving yourself enough space to make thoughtful decisions. Once something is said or signed, it can be difficult to undo. A careful approach now can make a significant difference later.
Contact Zehl & Associates Today to Schedule a Free Consultation With a Houston Aviation Accident Lawyer
After a catastrophic aviation accident, your family deserves a law firm with the experience, resources, and resolve to handle the biggest and most complex cases. Zehl & Associates has recovered billions for injury victims and families, achieved record-breaking settlements, and is undefeated at trial. When the stakes are at their highest, those results matter.
Contact our Houston aviation accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours