When you know what to do after a private jet crash, you protect both your safety and your legal rights. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) studied 41 non-fatal and 6 fatal on-demand charter (Part 135) accidents from 2010 to 2022. The organization discovered that their accident rate remains higher than that of scheduled airlines.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Private Jet Crash
A plane crash can turn an ordinary trip into chaos in seconds. You may be frightened, hurt, and struggling to stay calm. Taking the right steps protects you and your ability to recover compensation later.
Follow these steps:
- Get to safety. If you can, move away from the aircraft.
- Check for injuries and call for help. If you have a phone, dial emergency services right away.
- Follow emergency procedures. When rescuers arrive, listen to their instructions.
- Document the scene. Take photos or videos of the wreckage and any injuries.
- Get medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like internal trauma or a concussion, are not obvious at first.
- Do not sign anything before talking to a lawyer.
Protect yourself. Do not sign documents or give a recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with an attorney. Early statements can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
If you’re interested in learning more about private jet accidents, read our guide.
Who Investigates a Private Jet Crash?
When a private jet goes down, you are not the only one asking what happened. Federal investigators step in quickly.
The NTSB investigates civil aviation accidents across the country. The organization uses what it learns to recommend safety improvements. Its findings can become important evidence in your case.
Building a successful claim after a crash generally comes down to three things:
- Fault, or proof that someone was negligent or otherwise responsible
- Jurisdiction, or the crash must fall under aviation law
- Damages, or proof of the injuries and losses you suffered
An experienced attorney can work alongside investigators to gather the evidence that ties these pieces together. A private jet accident attorney can guide you through what comes next.
Determining Liability After a Private Jet Accident
Determining liability depends on the facts. A single crash can involve more than one responsible party. Sorting out who is at fault is one of the most important parts of your case.
Parties that may be responsible:
- The aircraft owner
- The pilot or flight crew
- The maintenance provider
- The aircraft or parts manufacturer
Outside factors, such as weather, can also shape who is held responsible. While building your case, your aviation lawyer should use every piece of available evidence. Evidence could include flight data, maintenance records, and the NTSB report.
How to Find an Aviation Accident Attorney
Aviation law is complex, and these cases are nothing like a typical car accident claim. After a crash, you want a lawyer with real experience in both personal injury and aviation. The right attorney can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Follow these steps to find the best firm for you and your case.
- Research law firms with a track record in aviation cases
- Book free, no-obligation consultations
- Ask direct questions about their experience, online or in person
Take your time, but do not wait too long. Legal deadlines and evidence won’t wait. The best thing you can do is to begin scheduling interviews with attorneys in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Jet Crashes
What should you do after a private jet crash?
First, get to safety and call emergency services. Seek medical care even if you feel fine, since some injuries appear later. Document the scene with photos if you can, and collect witness information. Most importantly, do not sign anything or give a recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with an attorney.
Who investigates a private plane crash?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates civil aviation accidents in the United States. It determines the probable cause and issues safety recommendations. Their findings often become key evidence in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may also be involved.
Who can be held liable in an aviation accident?
Liability depends on the cause. The aircraft owner, the pilot, a maintenance provider, or a manufacturer may be responsible. Sometimes more than one party shares fault. A full investigation into flight records, maintenance history, and the wreckage helps identify who is legally responsible.
Should I talk to the insurance company after a crash?
Be careful of what you say, because insurers may contact you quickly and ask for a recorded statement or a signature. Anything you say could be used to reduce or deny your claim. Speak with an attorney before giving any statement or signing documents.
How long do I have to file a private jet crash claim?
Deadlines depend on your state. For example, in Alabama, you generally have two years from the date of the crash under Ala. Code § 6-2-38. Claims against a manufacturer may also face the federal 18-year deadline under the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA). Because deadlines are strict, it is best to act quickly.
Do I need a lawyer after an aviation accident?
Hiring an attorney is strongly recommended. Aviation cases have federal rules, technical evidence, and multiple potentially liable parties. This makes them far more complex than an ordinary injury claim. An experienced aviation attorney could protect your rights, handle investigators and insurers, and pursue full compensation.
Trust Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Today
A crash like this can change the course of your life in an instant. For more than 20 years, Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has stood alongside everyday families. We have the resources and experience to take on airlines, operators, and manufacturers.
If a private jet crash has hurt you or someone you love, we want to hear from you. Call 800-229-7989 to schedule a free case review today.
