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Legal Advocacy for Pilots in Auto Accidents
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Why You Should Choose Our Baker Act Lawyer Team
There are many Baker Act Law firms out there, here’s why we’re your best choice.
Wrongful Baker Act
When someone you love is unlawfully Baker Acted, we move fast. Because we have an aircraft to fly to clients throughout Florida, we are able to handle cases when most attorneys won’t answer their phone. We’re aggressive and our reputation with hospitals and Baker Act receiving facilities was hard-earned. If you see another attorney advertising their services for Baker Act defense, they have probably attended our continuing legal education courses.
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Have you or someone you know recently been Baker Acted?
Protecting Your Rights, Your Career, and Your Future
As a pilot, you operate in a world of precision, discipline, and accountability. But when an auto accident disrupts your life, the legal system does not always account for the unique challenges you face. Injuries, liability disputes, insurance negotiations, and potential FAA implications require a strategic legal approach—one that prioritizes both your recovery and your career.
At Thoele Drach, we provide aggressive, results-driven legal representation tailored specifically for pilots involved in auto accidents. Our firm understands the intersection of personal injury law, aviation regulations, and insurance disputes, ensuring that your legal strategy aligns with both your immediate needs and long-term professional stability.
Why Pilots Require Specialized Legal Representation
Your Health. Your License. Your Livelihood.
Unlike standard auto accident cases, a pilot’s injuries can have far-reaching consequences. Even minor medical issues may trigger an FAA review, insurance companies often attempt to exploit your profession, and legal missteps could jeopardize your ability to fly.
With Thoele Drach, you have an advocate who understands these complexities and has the expertise to:
- Safeguard your FAA medical certification to prevent unnecessary scrutiny.
- Maximize your compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term career impact.
- Handle insurance companies aggressively, ensuring they recognize the full scope of your damages.
- Defend against liability claims that could have professional and financial repercussions.
Our approach is strategic, precise, and backed by years of litigation and negotiation experience.
Comprehensive Legal Strategies for Pilots
1. FAA Medical Certification Protection
Pilots must meet strict medical standards, and even non-life-threatening injuries can raise red flags with the FAA. We work closely with aviation medical examiners and legal experts to ensure your records are handled properly—protecting your certification and ability to fly.
2. Insurance & Liability Advocacy
Insurance companies are notoriously aggressive in undervaluing claims, particularly for high-earning professionals like pilots. We challenge lowball offers, expose bad faith tactics, and fight for full compensation—including lost income, medical costs, and future earning potential.
3. Skilled Litigation & Negotiation
While many cases settle, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. Our firm has a proven track record of success in court and at the negotiating table, ensuring you have the strongest possible position.
Maximizing Compensation for Pilots
An auto accident can result in more than just immediate medical expenses. Pilots face unique financial and professional setbacks, which we aggressively pursue in your claim:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost flight pay and diminished career opportunities
- Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
- Property damage and ongoing medical treatments
Our goal is not just to win your case but to ensure you are fully compensated for the true cost of your injuries—both now and in the future.
Experienced. Strategic. Relentless.
At Thoele Drach, we have built a reputation for outmaneuvering insurance adjusters, dismantling weak defenses, and protecting our clients’ rights at every stage of the legal process. Our approach is meticulous, informed, and designed to safeguard your financial and professional well-being.
We understand what is at stake for pilots. Let us protect your rights while you focus on getting back in the air.
Act Now—Before You Report Anything
Before you speak to insurance adjusters, sign medical release forms, or file any accident reports, consult an attorney who understands your unique situation. A single misstep could impact your compensation—or even your ability to fly.
📞 Call Us Today: 904-807-1668
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At Thoele Drach, we fight for pilots—so you can focus on flying.
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Amanda Thoele
Baker Act Attorney
Baker Act Lawyers
Thoele Drach
Since 2015 we’ve been here to serve our clients with the expertise, knowledge, and understanding that everyone deserves.
Our team can assist with all legal issues and have a large breadth of experience, both legal and personal.
Justin Drach
Baker Act Attorney
100+
5-Star
Reviews
Veteran &
Women Owned
10,230
Cases
Settled
Frequently Asked Questions for a Baker Act Lawyer
There are many Baker Act Law firms out there, here’s why we’re your best choice.
Also known as the Florida Mental Health Act, the Baker Act exists to provide emergency mental health services in Florida. It allows for the involuntary examination and treatment of individuals who may be suffering from a mental illness or substance abuse issue.
The Baker Act in Florida allows for an involuntary examination to be conducted if the person meets certain criteria. The criteria generally involve a threat of harm to themselves or others or showing signs of mental illness which requires them to be evaluated for their safety and well-being.
Yes, you can refuse a Baker Act in Florida as long as the criteria for an involuntary examination are not met.
No, not legally at least. The maximum length of time that someone can be involuntarily examined or treated under the Baker Act is 72 hours. Before this period has expired, one of the following actions must be taken:
- The patient shall be released, unless he or she is charged with a crime, in which case the patient shall be returned to the custody of a law enforcement officer;
- The patient shall be released, subject to subparagraph 1., for voluntary outpatient treatment;
- The patient, unless he or she is charged with a crime, shall be asked to give express and informed consent to placement as a voluntary patient and, if such consent is given, the patient shall be admitted as a voluntary patient; or
- A petition for involuntary services shall be filed in the circuit court if inpatient treatment is deemed necessary or with the criminal county court, as defined in s. 394.4655(1), as applicable. When inpatient treatment is deemed necessary, the least restrictive treatment consistent with the optimum improvement of the patient’s condition shall be made available. When a petition is to be filed for involuntary outpatient placement, it shall be filed by one of the petitioners specified in s. 394.4655(4)(a). A petition for involuntary inpatient placement shall be filed by the facility administrator. If a patient’s 72-hour examination period ends on a weekend or holiday, and the receiving facility:
a. Intends to file a petition for involuntary services, such patient may be held at a receiving facility through the next working day thereafter and such petition for involuntary services must be filed no later than such date. If the receiving facility fails to file a petition for involuntary services at the close of the next working day, the patient shall be released from the receiving facility following approval pursuant to paragraph (f).
b. Does not intend to file a petition for involuntary services, a receiving facility may postpone release of a patient until the next working day thereafter only if a qualified professional documents that adequate discharge planning and procedures in accordance with s. 394.468, and approval pursuant to paragraph (f), are not possible until the next working day.
Anyone can initiate a Baker Act in Florida as long as they meet certain criteria, including law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, social workers, or any other professional who is authorized to do so.
A Baker Act can be lifted by either a court or by the mental health professionals who initiated the examination. The court will make its decision based on the evidence presented, while the mental health professional may lift it if they believe that the person is no longer in need of care and treatment.
The maximum length of a Baker Act involuntary examination in Florida is 72 hours, although this can be extended in certain circumstances.
Express and informed consent is a process that occurs when an individual is given clear information about a particular activity or treatment, and then voluntarily agrees to participate. The goal of this process is to make sure individuals are aware of potential risks and benefits associated with the activity or treatment before they agree to participate. When providing express and informed consent, the individual should be provided with all relevant information in an understandable manner so that they can make an informed decision.
Fla. Sta. § 394.459 contains the rights of patients who are being held pursuant to the Baker Act.
Translated from Latin it means “show me the body.” Also known as the “Great Writ”, habeas corpus has historically been an important instrument to safeguard individual freedom against arbitrary executive power. Fla. Sta. § 394.459(8) provides the right to habeas corpus to a Baker Act patient to challenge the lawfulness of their detainment, and to correct abuses.
Unfortunately, if you have good insurance, the amount of time that a Baker Act receiving facility attempts to keep you will be longer than someone without insurance.
