You’ve probably heard that, statistically, flying is safer than driving. With millions of air travelers taking off and landing safely every day, the accident rate for airlines is one accident for every 740,000 flights. However, that information is of little comfort if you’ve been involved in any kind of aviation accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an airplane or helicopter accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. To receive maximum compensation, you’ll need to hire a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer. Fasig | Brooks zealously pursues negligent aviation companies on behalf of their clients. Call today for a free consultation.
Types of Aviation Accidents
As is the case with cars, trains, buses, and other types of transportation, there are a variety of types of airplane accidents. Here are a few of the most common ones.
Mechanical Failure
Federal aviation law requires that all commercial planes and helicopters undergo rigorous inspections and scheduled maintenance. While this decreases the chance of an aviation accident, it by no means eliminates it. Equipment malfunctions sometimes go undetected until the plane or helicopter has taken off, and then, the situation may not be easily remedied.
Pilot Error
Becoming a pilot requires hundreds of hours of training and testing, but that doesn’t mean that even the most experienced pilots are immune to mistakes. Pilot error is frequently the cause of plane and helicopter crashes.
Landing and Descent Accidents
When an aircraft descends too rapidly, it can cause injuries within the aircraft as the sudden change in altitude causes the occupants to move upward relative to the plane or helicopter. Additionally, landing at too steep of an angle or descending too quickly can result in a rough landing or even a plane crash.
Turbulence
Wind and storms are the primary causes of turbulence. While pilots may not be responsible for the weather conditions that they’re flying through, the decisions they make can affect the aircraft and its passengers.
Air Traffic
Air traffic controllers are employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and they have an important job when it comes to the safety of aircraft flying through their sphere of responsibility. Mistakes could lead to an airplane having to take evasive action to avoid a midair collision with another aircraft. Or worse, the planes could strike one another in midair.
In-Flight Loss of Control
Most commercial jetliners have automated systems, with human pilots monitoring the instruments to ensure safety. If the systems are not functioning properly, the pilot is supposed to override the system and take control of the aircraft. However, even if a jet airplane loses control for only a few seconds, it can be extremely dangerous.
Fire
Any fire aboard an aircraft is an obvious safety hazard. The occupants of an airplane or helicopter may be subject to burns from intense heat or smoke inhalation in the confined space of the aircraft.
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Why Do Pilot Errors Occur?
Pilot errors are a common reason for aviation accidents, and the reasons are numerous. In order to qualify to become a commercial pilot, applicants must undergo intense training and qualify for each type of aircraft they fly. They are still human and are subject to the same stressors we all have. Historically, fatigue, illness, and intoxication have all contributed to airplane and helicopter accidents. In some cases, they just misunderstand the instructions air traffic control provides to them.
An aviation attorney can review the pilot’s flight history and record. In addition, they can investigate other events leading up to the crash to determine if the pilot’s physical or mental condition contributed to the accident.
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Why You Need an Aviation Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a plane or helicopter accident, the liable insurance company will try to settle as many legal claims as they can as quickly as possible. That’s because they know that a legal action involving multiple plaintiffs could result in a substantial payout. Even in aviation accident cases involving only a few plaintiffs, the defendants would prefer to handle the civil case quietly and for less money.
As Jacksonville aviation accident lawyers who work on a contingency basis, we can review your injury claims against the at-fault party. In most cases, we can reach a settlement that’s significantly greater than the initial offer from the insurance company. Come see us for a free appointment where we can evaluate your legal needs.
Our Jacksonville aviation accident attorneys offer legal representation on a contingency basis. We will represent you at all phases of the case, from filing a claim to reviewing the National Transportation Safety Board results to deposing the pilot, etc. If you’ve been involved in an accident involving aviation, our experienced attorneys want to discuss your legal issue with you. Contact our Jacksonville, FL law office today.
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Proving an Aviation Accident
For our law firm to win, we need to establish the following four elements:
1. Duty of Care – Under federal aviation law, the airlines, maintenance crew, pilots, and air traffic controllers all have strictly delineated responsibilities to ensure that their aircraft and passengers are safe.
2. Breach of Duty – Most accidents are caused by the negligence of one or more parties. Accident lawyers must establish that there was a breach of the duty of care.
3. Casualty – For there to be a claim, an aviation accident must have occurred.
4. Damages – To collect compensation, an aviation accident lawyer must show that the plaintiff’s injuries resulted in a monetary cost. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyers for Aviation Accidents
If you’ve been injured in an aviation accident due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation. However, aviation accident law is complex, and not all personal injury lawyers are familiar with the federal laws governing air travel. Our Jacksonville aviation attorneys will review your case for free. You will not have to pay out-of-pocket for our legal advice.
If you can’t come to our law firm, our attorneys will come to you. Contact Fasig | Brooks in Jacksonville, FL today.
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