Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
“An aviation accident can involve multiple investigations, jurisdictions, defendants and legal theories.”
25 Buyer-Beware Warnings
- ☐ Preserve travel records.
- ☐ Preserve boarding documents.
- ☐ Record flight information.
- ☐ Identify aircraft/operator.
- ☐ Identify where the incident occurred.
- ☐ Document injuries immediately.
- ☐ Preserve medical records.
- ☐ Preserve photographs.
- ☐ Identify witnesses.
- ☐ Don’t speculate about cause.
- ☐ Preserve communications with the carrier.
- ☐ Preserve damaged property.
- ☐ Determine whether an investigation exists.
- ☐ Identify potential governmental involvement.
- ☐ Determine applicable jurisdiction.
- ☐ Ask about international-law issues where relevant.
- ☐ Verify aviation litigation experience.
- ☐ Ask about expert requirements.
- ☐ Understand litigation costs.
- ☐ Ask about defendants beyond the airline.
- ☐ Identify aircraft/manufacturer issues.
- ☐ Identify airport/operator issues.
- ☐ Track potential deadlines.
- ☐ Don’t sign releases prematurely.
- ☐ Preserve evidence before it disappears.
Premium Checklist
Incident → Passenger/Worker Status → Operator → Aircraft → Location → Investigation → Evidence → Defendants → Deadlines