Drones are becoming a bigger part of daily life as they come in handy for photography, deliveries, real estate, and even law enforcement. But as their presence in the skies increases, so do the risks of accidents and injuries.
A recent push from a New Jersey congressman demanding greater FAA transparency on drone activity after a White House statement has brought safety and liability concerns to the forefront. If drones are involved in more accidents than publicly reported, how many injuries are going undocumented? And who is responsible when a drone causes harm?
Drone Accidents Are on the Rise: What Happens When Someone Gets Hurt?
Drone-related injuries can happen faster than you think:
- A drone loses control and crashes into a pedestrian at a park.
- A commercial drone collides with a moving car, causing an accident.
- A faulty battery or wiring defect causes a fire, leading to burns or property damage.
- A drone hovers too close to someone’s home, leading to a fall or other injury while attempting to avoid it.
Many of these cases fall under personal injury law, but determining liability isn’t always straightforward.
Who’s Responsible When a Drone Causes Injury?
When someone is hurt due to a drone, multiple parties may be legally responsible:
- The Drone Operator: Did they follow FAA regulations? Were they reckless or negligent?
- The Manufacturer: Was the drone defective? Did a malfunction cause the crash?
- The Software Developer: Did a glitch in an autopilot feature or GPS tracking system cause the accident?
- The Property Owner: Did they allow dangerous drone activity on their premises?
- A Business Using Drones: If a company uses drones for deliveries, real estate, or photography, are they responsible if a customer or bystander is injured?
Proving fault requires strong legal strategy and investigation, including FAA records, eyewitness testimony, and expert analysis of drone activity.
Are Drones Covered by Insurance?
Many people assume homeowners’ insurance or auto insurance covers drone-related injuries, but that’s not always true. In some cases:
- Commercial drone operators must carry liability insurance, meaning injury victims may have a claim against their policy.
- Recreational drone users often lack coverage, leaving victims to seek compensation through personal injury claims.
- If a manufacturer defect caused the crash, product liability laws may hold the company accountable.
This gray area in insurance coverage is why speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury is critical.
Why FAA Transparency Matters for Injury Claims
The New Jersey congressman’s call for the FAA to release more data on drone activity could be game-changing for injury cases. More transparency could:
- Help injury victims prove liability by revealing unsafe drone activity patterns.
- Strengthen claims against negligent operators if FAA records show repeated violations.
- Push for clearer safety standards to reduce future accidents.
Until drone regulations become stricter, injury victims will rely on personal injury law to get the compensation they deserve.
What to Do if You Are Injured by a Drone?
If you or a loved one has suffered a drone-related injury, taking the right steps immediately can strengthen your case:
- Document the Scene: Take pictures or videos of the drone, damage, or injury.
- Get Medical Help: Even minor injuries can worsen.
- Report the Incident: Notify local authorities or the FAA if necessary.
- Gather Witness Statements: Get contact info for anyone who saw the incident.
- Preserve the Drone (if possible): If the drone is accessible, it may serve as crucial evidence.
- Speak with an Attorney: Drone laws are complex, and liability can be disputed.
Get Legal Help for Drone-Related Accidents
At the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, we fight for the rights of injury victims including those harmed by new and evolving technologies like drones.
- Free Case Review: No upfront costs, only pay if we win your case.
- Experienced Legal Team: We understand the complexities of drone regulations and injury claims.
- Maximum Compensation: We help victims recover for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Call 1-800-CANT-WORK for a free consultation
- Email us at contact@ericshore.com
- Visit www.1800CantWork.com
