What Families Should Do in the First 7 Days After a Plane or Helicopter Crash

You never expected to need a guide on what to do after a plane or helicopter crash. But here you are. The aftermath of an aviation accident is chaotic, overwhelming, and unnerving. While the authorities launch their investigation, victims and families have to make decisions that could affect their long-term well-being.

Your health and your family’s safety come first. Once things stabilize, you’ll need to act quickly to protect your rights. The steps you take in the first seven days following an aviation accident are critical, but it can be hard to know what you should be doing.

Lean on a trusted friend or family member and, ideally, consult with an aviation accident lawyer as soon as possible. It’s easy for vital evidence and information to slip through the cracks in a crisis. You need all the support you can get right now and for the months and years ahead.

The team at Patrick Daniel Law created this guide to help you understand what to do after a plane or helicopter crash. Do what you can and know that we’re here for you. We fight for aviation accident victims to be treated fairly and to recover the full compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an aviation accident, call us today at (713) 999-6666 for a FREE case evaluation. We will answer all of your questions and discuss your legal options for recovery. We represent clients in Houston, throughout Texas, and nationwide.

Day 1: Medical Care & Immediate Needs Come First

The number one priority for survivors and their families should always be to seek medical attention immediately, regardless of how serious your injuries may seem at the moment.

Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, can remain asymptomatic for hours or even days. Receiving medical attention can help spot these injuries before they lead to more serious concerns, while also documenting your injuries as soon as possible. This documentation will be valuable for your injury claim.

If you are contacted by insurers, aircraft operators, or other entities, we recommend that you avoid signing any forms at this stage. These organizations move fast when they fear they may be liable for damages, so be very careful in your communication with them.

Ideally, you will begin working with an attorney as soon as possible, so they can handle communications with the insurance company and other parties on your behalf.

Day 1–3: Save What You Can (Photos, Names & Records)

Ultimately, your ability to recover compensation will rely on proof, not just of how the accident took place, but of your injuries and the costs associated with them.

We recommend meticulously documenting everything at this stage by:

• Taking photographs of debris, personal items, and damage.
• Documenting as many details as you can remember, including things like weather conditions or tail numbers.
• Recording the names and contact information of witnesses, first responders, and other passengers.
• Retaining all communication with insurers, airline representatives, and/or company liaisons, including voicemails, text messages, and emails.

In the midst of gathering this information, it’s also important not to share details about the accident publicly, including on your social media accounts, as these posts may be used against you later.

Day 1–7: Who to Contact & What to Request

Over the next few days, there are some communications you should initiate, including:

• Requesting updates through the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) Transportation Disaster Assistance (TDA) division. This can help you stay informed.
• Contacting the Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) for guidance on your rights.
• Notifying your insurance provider (auto, life, or travel) as applicable. Note: Do not make claims about fault or speculate why the accident took place; instead, just provide relevant factual details.

An experienced aviation accident attorney can coordinate these communications for you, ensuring your statements are aligned with your legal interests and that you do not miss any deadlines for claims or notices.

Avoid These Missteps That Can Hurt Your Aviation Accident Claim

In the aftermath of a plane or helicopter accident, it can be difficult to think clearly. This is completely normal. Unfortunately, even small missteps at this juncture can significantly affect your claim.

Some key missteps to avoid include:

• Speaking directly with insurance companies, aircraft operators, manufacturers, or other entities without legal counsel. You should especially avoid giving any recorded statements or signing waivers.
• Disposing of evidence, including clothing, damaged property, photographs from the accident scene, or any medical records. Patrick Daniel Law recommends keeping everything you can, no matter how inconsequential it may seem at this stage.
• Accepting an initial settlement offer from an insurance company before the investigation concludes. While it may seem appealing to get a quick payout, this will forfeit your right to pursue full recovery later.
• Posting or commenting online about the accident or your injuries. These posts can be misconstrued by opposing parties and used against you to shortchange your recovery.

The best-case scenario is to work with an experienced aviation accident attorney with whom you can be in regular contact.

Family Checklist: Simple Steps You Can Take Today

Families of accident victims can take these steps to help protect their rights and prepare for a claim or litigation:

• Centralize all documentation in a secure folder, including medical records, expenses, witness information, and relevant communications.
• Request updates and reports from the NTSB. Preliminary reports are often available within 7–14 days of the accident.
• Keep a timeline of events that covers symptoms, treatment, correspondence (phone calls, emails, etc.), and other key moments.

These steps help keep information organized and readily available, which enables your attorney to move quickly and decisively on your behalf.

How Long Will the Investigation Take?

The NTSB investigation process typically takes 12–24 months to complete, although timelines can vary significantly depending on factors such as the severity of the accident. They may, however, release a preliminary report within weeks of the accident.

The FAA, as well as the aircraft operator, insurers, and other parties, may conduct parallel investigations to review relevant information regarding maintenance, pilot history, and mechanical performance.

Your lawyer will also conduct their own investigation. It’s important to understand that this will likely be a lengthy process. Victims and their families should use this time to ensure all relevant medical, financial, and legal records are secured and organized.

Who Pays Medical Bills, Travel & Other Costs Right Now?

It can be stressful to face mounting expenses as the investigation unfolds. However, most immediate expenses should fall under personal health insurance or travel insurance. There are some circumstances that may qualify for other forms of payment, including:

• If the accident was work-related, it could fall under your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage.
• If the accident involved a violent crime, you may be eligible for financial assistance under Texas’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Program.

You may also rely on your legal counsel to coordinate interim coverage as the liability investigation unfolds. You should not be left footing the bill for someone else’s negligence.

How an Aviation Accident Lawyer Can Help

Aviation accidents are highly complex, complete with a maze of federal, state, and international regulations that govern crash investigations. The evidence is often unique to aviation accidents, including flight data, maintenance logs, and design records.

Knowing what to look for and how to use it to build a successful claim is no small feat. Then, there’s negotiating with insurance companies, interacting with government investigators, and ensuring no key deadlines are missed.

This is where an experienced aviation accident attorney becomes invaluable. They will use their real-world knowledge to hold negligent parties accountable while protecting your right to justice.

Contact Patrick Daniel Law Today

You should never have to shoulder the burden of an aviation accident on your own. The legal, financial, and emotional toll can be immense, but the experienced team at Patrick Daniel Law is here to help.

If you’re wondering what to do after a plane or helicopter crash, we have answers. We offer FREE case evaluations and operate on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay us if and when we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact our Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. aviation accident lawyer today. We’re here to handle the details so you and your family can focus on healing.