In recent years, drones have become increasingly popular for various purposes, such as recreational use, photography, and even delivery services. Still, the potential dangers associated with their operation cannot be overlooked. With the rise in drone usage comes an increase in the risk of accidents and injuries caused by these unmanned aerial vehicles. Have you been hurt in a drone-related accident? If so, what are your legal options?
At Kiley Law Group, our team is here to help you understand your rights. When you choose us to represent you, our experienced professionals will handle every aspect of your case with care and precision. From determining liability to pursuing fair compensation for your damages, our dedicated team is committed to advocating for your best interests throughout the legal process.
Our legal team likes to stay up to date on new technologies and the impact these have in the legal sphere. In this post, we will explore how personal injury claims can provide recourse for those affected by drone mishaps.
How Drone Accidents Happen
According to the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE), there are over 1.1 million recreational drones registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As drones become more integrated into our daily lives, the risk of potential injury increases.
Faulty equipment plays a significant role in causing drones to malfunction mid-flight. Whether it’s a defective battery or a faulty motor, these issues can lead to unexpected crashes and collisions.
User error is another common culprit behind drone accidents. From inexperienced hobbyists to other careless operators, human mistakes can have serious consequences when flying drones.
Additionally, the lack of adherence to flight regulations cannot be overlooked. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established guidelines that govern where, when, and how drones can be flown to prevent accidents and protect public safety.
These regulations cover aspects such as registration requirements, airspace restrictions, pilot certifications, and operational limitations. Ignoring airspace restrictions, flying too close to buildings or people, and disregarding altitude limits are all violations that increase the likelihood of accidents occurring. New or reckless drone operators may not know the rules and regulations for sharing airspace, leading to potential collisions.
Why Drone Accidents Pose Significant Dangers
When drones fall from the sky, they pose a significant danger to people below. The impact of a falling drone can cause serious injuries or property damage since drones are equipped with sharp blades and heavy parts that can inflict harm upon impact. Moreover, if a drone falls from a considerable height, its velocity upon impact can be substantial, increasing the likelihood of severe injury or even fatality.
The risk of a falling drone hitting someone is high in densely populated areas. Falling drones can also collide with vehicles on roads or buildings, leading to potential injuries.
Some individuals intentionally attach dangerous items to drones. The FAA reported that in some videos and photos, drones are shown with guns, fireworks, flamethrowers, bombs, and other dangerous attachments.
The agency further warned that operating drones with unsafe attachments could result in significant harm to other people. It’s essential for drone operators to prioritize safety measures to prevent such accidents and protect those around them.
Types of Injuries Caused by Drone Accidents
Drone-related injuries can range in severity from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. Sadly, injury-causing drone incidents are becoming increasingly common. As one study states, “From 2015 to 2020, there were approximately 4,250 drone injuries.”
Drone accidents can occur due to equipment malfunctions, operator errors, or intentional misuse. In some cases, individuals hit by a drone might suffer blunt force trauma injuries.
The sharp propellers of a drone spinning at high speeds can cause deep cuts on the skin upon impact. Head injuries are also common when a drone falls from a considerable height onto someone below. These types of injuries often require immediate medical attention and may result in long-term physical or emotional suffering for the victim.
Additionally, eye injuries are another risk associated with drone accidents. Flying debris or parts of the drone itself can strike a person’s eyes, potentially resulting in vision impairment or permanent damage.
Safeguarding Your Personal Injury Claim: Essential Steps for Drone Accident Victims
After being hurt by a drone, you should document the incident by taking photos of the scene, any property damage, and your injuries. Be sure to gather contact information from witnesses who saw the incident unfold. You should also report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as local law enforcement.
Do not underestimate the value of hiring a personal injury attorney experienced in handling drone-related cases. The justice system is complex – and even more so when you have been injured by a drone. With such new technology on the rise, drone laws and regulations are constantly evolving.
A lawyer who is up to date on relevant drone laws is best suited to protect your legal interests. Your legal team can analyze evidence, conduct interviews, and examine relevant laws regarding operating a drone to build a strong case for you.
The following tips can help you to protect your legal interests:
- Seek medical attention even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries are not immediately apparent after an accident. Seeking medical treatment is essential for ensuring your health and strengthening your personal injury claim.
- Avoid discussing the incident with anyone other than your attorney to prevent statements from being used against you later on. You should not negotiate directly with the insurance company nor accept a settlement without consulting your lawyer first. Insurance companies are notorious for offering low or unfair settlement amounts. Even if an insurance adjuster seems friendly, he or she may manipulate you into saying or doing something that could unwittingly harm your case.
- Document any evidence related to the accident, such as damaged property or medical records. You may even keep a journal documenting how your injuries have affected your life. However, you should refrain from posting about the accident and your recovery on social media, as doing so could jeopardize your case.
By following these guidelines after a drone accident, you can protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for any injuries or damages suffered.
Determining Liability in Drone-Related Personal Injury Claims
Determining liability in drone-related personal injury cases may be difficult since multiple parties could be responsible for the accident.
Potential parties may include:
- The drone operator: The drone operator is usually the first party to look at for liability. He or she could be held responsible for any resulting injuries if that person failed to operate the drone safely or violated regulations.
- Manufacturers: In some cases, manufacturers might be held accountable for defective drones that caused harm. Product liability claims can arise if a malfunction or design flaw leads to an injury.
- Property owners: Property owners where the accident occurred could also potentially share liability if they allowed unsafe drone operations on their premises without taking necessary precautions.
Whether it’s the drone operator, manufacturer, or some other party at fault, each case requires careful examination to establish who should be held accountable – and to what degree. Factors such as negligence, violations of federal regulations, and failure to exercise reasonable care all play a role in determining each party’s share of liability for the incident.
What Damages Can Your Drone Accident Attorney Seek?
When seeking damages for a drone accident, your attorney will aim to cover various aspects of your losses. He or she may pursue compensation for medical expenses incurred due to the injuries sustained in the accident. This can include hospital bills, medication costs, rehabilitation fees, and future medical treatments related to the incident.
Additionally, your attorney may seek damages for lost wages if you were unable to work due to the drone-related injuries. This could encompass both current lost income and potential future earnings that have been affected by the accident.
Property damage caused by the drone accident is another area where your attorney may pursue compensation. From damage to personal belongings or real estate, these losses should be accounted for when seeking fair restitution for you.
Pain and suffering resulting from the drone incident are also important factors that your attorney will consider when determining the total damages sought in your personal injury claim.
The Unique Challenges in Establishing Drone Accident Damages
Proving damages in drone accident cases presents unique challenges for personal injury attorneys. Compared to auto collisions, the evidence from a drone crash may be limited or difficult to obtain. Determining the extent of physical injuries caused by a drone accident can be complex, especially when dealing with lacerations or internal trauma.
Quantifying non-physical damages such as emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life adds another layer of complexity. In some cases, proving financial losses like medical expenses and lost wages may require thorough documentation and expert testimony.
Of course, there may be many more challenges when pursuing a personal injury claim. However, a seasoned personal injury lawyer should have the skills and experience to meet these challenges head-on.
The Pathway to Justice for Drone Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a drone accident, you don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. The pathway to justice begins with understanding your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
At Kiley Law Group, we’re not just legal representatives; we’re your allies in this difficult time. Our compassionate and seasoned team of personal injury lawyers is committed to walking alongside you every step of the way. With our extensive experience in handling cases like yours, we possess the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the intricate details of drone-related incidents.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. When we take on your case, your well-being is our priority, and we will be dedicated to safeguarding your rights and guiding you toward a positive resolution.
Let’s embark on this journey together towards the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us at (978) 965-3228 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free case review and learn about your legal options.
