Get An Experienced Drone Accident Attorney On Your Side
If you or a loved one have suffered injury or property damage because of a drone, do not hesitate to contact the personal injury lawyers at Shamieh Law today to schedule a free consultation.
Drones are among the hottest new pieces of tech to come out over the last several years. What started as a way for the military utilized to lower the cost of war and protect our troops has morphed into something that has a wide range of different uses.
For example, rangers in Africa use them to help track down poachers to prevent the killing of endangered species [1]. The majority use drones for entertainment, whether it’s to take photos from a different perspective, or just wanting to fly it around for fun. Whatever it is, there are a lot more drone related accidents as most people are just learning how to fly them.
Drones can reach the speed of a 140 mph and go as high as 5000 feet in the air! This definitely caters to your curiosity as you can sit back, fly your drone, and see the world from a new angle via your camera.
It also makes it dangerous for the people around the drones. Because the propellers spin so fast, there is a risk of slicing someone’s skin. There are also incidents of drones suddenly malfunctioning and falling out of the sky [2].
This can prove hazardous for whoever ends up being underneath the falling drone! While more and more people purchase drones, the legal framework is struggling to keep up with how to regulate them. Because this is new and evolving technology, new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations governing drones are evolving constantly. This is why Shamieh Law’s drone accident attorney stays on top of the newest developments in aviation laws.
Drone accidents are steadily going up. According to a report dated from August 21st, 2015-January 31st, 2016 there were “three times as many incidents as the same period of the previous year.”
In 24 of those incidents, drones flew within 50 feet of a manned aircraft forcing evasive maneuvers in 11 to avoid the drone.So, while this new technology is quickly finding it’s way into our everyday lives, drone accidents are going up and will continue to do so as people find new ways to use them.
Because this is new and evolving technology, new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations governing drones are evolving constantly. This is why Shamieh Law’s drone accident attorney stays on top of the newest developments in aviation laws.
Who is Liable in a Drone Accident?
Liability in a drone accident depends on several factors.
If a couple hires someone to take aerial photography of their wedding, and the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) injures their guests, someone will ultimately be held responsible for their injuries. Hospitals will not accept “accidents happen” as a form of payment.
In the wedding scenario, or any premises accidents, facts must be uncovered before an insurance claim or lawsuit can be filed. First, was the drone operator booked by the venue or the couple themselves? Who was operating the drone? Who owned the drone? What caused the drone to fail?
As you can see, accidents with a UAV can get complex, so having an experienced drone accident attorney review your case will help uncover the answers.
What Damages Can Your Drone Accident Attorney Seek?
Damages in a drone accident are the same as any personal injury claim or property damage claim, if the drone hit you or your belongings. Your damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future income loss
- Loss of earning capacity
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Psychological Trauma
- Spousal loss of consortium
- Value of property lost
Because we keep up with all the changing laws, and have represented clients in drone accidents, we can help guide you every step of the way! It all starts with a free no obligation consultation to gather all the facts in the case.
Drones are currently regulated by the FAA. If a drone weighs more than .55 pounds but less than 55 pounds, it must be registered with the FAA.
Lightweight drone toys that cost less than $100 do not have to be registered, UNLESS they are equipped with a camera.
Registering a drone costs only $5 for three years. You can visit RegisterMyUAS.faa.gov to register your drone device [4].
Note that you must be at least 13 years old and provide your full name, physical and mailing address and an e-mail address.
The FAA will then send you a certificate of registration. If a law enforcement office requests this certificate and you do not have it, you face possible criminal penalties of as many as three years in jail or as much as a $250,000 fine.
The FAA rules governing drones are a bit outdated, and were originally written to cover the use of model aircraft.
Between the somewhat archaic regulations and the fact that a drone operator does not have to possess any sort of training or operator’s license, accidents are becoming more and more common.
A drone accident attorney, like those at Shamieh Law, will make sense of the FAA laws as they apply to your case, and get you the damages to which you are entitled.
Don’t let someone’s hobby ruin your life or your stuff. Contact Shamieh Law now at 469-225-3129 to schedule a free consultation regarding your drone accident claim.
