If you receive a civil suit after an aviation accident, what is the first action you should take?

When you receive a civil suit after an aviation accident, the first and most critical action to take is to consult an aviation attorney. This is essential because aviation law is complex and involves various regulatory frameworks, liability issues, and potential defenses that require specialized knowledge. An experienced attorney can help you understand the legal implications of the suit, guide you through the process, protect your rights, and develop a strategy for your defense.

Consulting an attorney ensures that you are informed about the necessary legal procedures and deadlines for responding to the suit. Additionally, an attorney can help in managing communication with other parties involved in the accident, including insurance companies, while ensuring that any statements or evidence are handled appropriately.

Taking this step helps prevent unintentional missteps that could adversely affect your position in the lawsuit, which could happen if you choose to respond on your own or ignore the suit entirely. Ignoring the suit is a risky decision that can result in default judgments against you. Responding without proper legal guidance can lead to incomplete or insufficient defenses and may jeopardize your case. Contacting the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) may be relevant for accident investigation purposes but does not provide legal defense in a civil suit. Therefore, consulting an aviation attorney is the most