While it’s statistically true that flying in an airplane is safer than driving a comparable distance in an automobile, truck, motorcycle, or bus, airplane accidents cause tremendous devastation when they do occur. Below are some common causes of airplane accidents:
- Negligence or ineffective performance from federal air traffic controllers
- Mechanical, design, or maintenance problems with the aircraft
- Inefficient runway traffic control
- Crew negligence
- Pilot does not obey federal aviation administration regulations
- Pilot errors, omissions, or negligence
- Pilot flying while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Overburdened equipment
- Malfunctioning computers
- Flying in inclement weather
- Loss of visibility on either take-off or landing
Regardless of the ultimate cause of the aircraft accident that injured you or your loved one, you need to know the appropriate next steps to take, from a legal point of view. Insurance adjustors, investigators from the FAA, airline representatives, and perhaps even the media may pressure you to make a statement. Before giving written or oral testimony to a third party you should seek legal representation. Otherwise, your early, unguarded accounts can be used to battle a subsequent injury claim.
Another challenge plaintiffs must face is how to identify liable parties. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, liable parties can include (but are not limited to):
- The pilot
- Air traffic controllers
- Runway maintenance crew
- The airline (and or its parent company/companies and/or subsidiaries)
- Air traffic regulators
- The company responsible for making or maintaining airplane equipment
The California aviation accident attorneys at Lewitt Hackman have nearly forty years experience advocating for the rights of those injured due to the negligence of others. If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, we can help.
Contact us today by phone: 818.990.2120 or by e-mail to set up your free consultation regarding your airplane accident matter.