As air traffic increases, so does the general risk that more passengers will be involved in an aviation accident. Air traffic is considered to be a safe means of transportation, but when accidents do occur they often result in fatalities. Smaller, less serious accidents involving private aircraft are more frequent than people realize because many of these incidents go unreported.

 
CAUSES OF PLANE CRASHES

Aviation accident law covers both major air carriers and general aviation accidents. General aviation includes all non-commercial aircraft including small planes, large business jets, charter flights, pleasure crafts, helicopters, and hang gliders. The most common causes of both major carrier and general aviation accidents include:

• Pilot error
• Faulty equipment
• Federal Aviation Administration regulations violations
• Structural or design problems
• Negligence of Flight Service Station employees
• Negligence of Federal Air Traffic Controllers
• Negligence in a third party’s selection of a carrier

 
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS FOR AVIATION ACCIDENTS

Should you and your attorney decide to pursue a legal claim after an aviation accident, the potentially liable (legally responsible) parties can vary depending on the cause of the accident. The owner and operator of an aircraft certainly may be liable; manufacturers or maintenance suppliers may be liable in certain circumstances; even the federal government may bear some responsibility for an aircraft accident.

If you have been injured or a family member has been killed in an aircraft accident, you should contact us immediately in order to protect your rights.