Whether boarding a transcontinental jet or a single-engine plane, you have every legal right to expect that the pilot you trust with your safety will take all necessary precautions to ensure that you get to your destination without incident. The process of getting a pilot’s license is long and arduous, and this license is meant to indicate that the pilot is experienced and knowledgeable in a broad range of topics relating to the safe operation of an aircraft. Countless flights take off and land across the United States every day, whether recreational sight-seeing flights or full-capacity flights to far-away destinations and most go off without a hitch. Unfortunately, there are instances of pilots and flight crews acting negligently or recklessly and causing avoidable injury to their passengers.
Suppose you were hurt or a loved one was killed in an aviation accident. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation through a tort claim, typically initiated through the at-fault party’s insurance. Following the insurer’s lead throughout this process is simple, but rarely ends in the claimant getting the money that they are rightfully owed. That is because insurers are focused on protecting their own bottom line more than the financial interests of a claimant, which is why victims of personal injury are better off working with an experienced personal injury attorney throughout the entirety of their claim.
Contact 1-800-Injured To Connect With an Aviation Accident Attorney in Miami Today
1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service. Instead of needing to go through the process of searching out a personal injury attorney, reaching out to the law firm, and hoping to hear back from a lawyer who is available to take your case, we will handle this process for you. While we reach out to attorneys to find a good fit for you, you can focus on important matters like your medical care and your personal needs without the added stress. Once we find an attorney for you, you will be able to schedule a free consultation with them in order to speak directly with an experienced legal professional about your unique aviation accident and get a better sense of how they can help.
Don’t wait to take this step. Too often, people initiate an insurance claim without connecting with an attorney, only to find themselves rushed through the process and settling for far less than what they are actually owed. Once you waive your right to future legal action in exchange for the payment from the insurer, you will not be able to pursue additional compensation — even if new information or changing circumstances were to arise.
Contact 1-800-Injured as soon as possible to get started on your legal process today.
Who Is At Fault For Your Airplane Accident?
Suppose you have been involved in an aviation-related accident. In that case, it may not be obvious who is responsible for the accident and, therefore, who is liable for the damages you have suffered. The nature of the relationship between the pilot and the owner of the plane (if they are different), as well as the cause of the accident are just a few of the major factors that can complicate the process of identifying the liable party. However, your attorney will be experienced in this process and can work through this preliminary stage without your needing to take on the burden.
On commercial flights, the pilot’s actions may clearly indicate that they are at fault for the accident. Still, they are likely protected with liability insurance or contractual agreements with the airline. For example, if the accident is the result of maintenance issues, then it is unlikely that the pilot is responsible. That is because there are ground crews and airplane mechanics employed by the airline company responsible for this facet of aviation. However, if the pilot was operating a plane recklessly, such as at a low altitude, in poor visibility, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, then this is an obvious issue that is directly tied to the pilot.
Your airplane accident lawyer in Miami will be able to go through the many different details of this complicated situation to identify who is liable for paying for your damages before moving forward with a comprehensive case on your behalf.
Common Causes of Airplane Accidents
The following are just a few of the common causes of aviation accidents; whether or not you see your accident listed below, simply reach out to 1-800-Injured to be connected with an attorney who will help you make sense of your rights and options in your unique situation. No two accidents are alike, and you deserve to work with someone who will take a close look at your circumstances to build a strong case.
Inclement Weather
Inclement weather can be an issue that is beyond the airline or pilot’s control, but they are still responsible for ensuring safe travel or making the decision to ground flights until the weather changes. Choosing to fly through a dangerous weather pattern or failing to take the correct safety actions in inclement weather can lead to avoidable accidents.
Mechanical Failure
Airplanes are complicated and complex pieces of machinery that require in-depth inspections of their mechanical and structural soundness at routine intervals. Failure to perform these inspections comprehensively can lead to oversights that can cause mechanical or structural failures such as engine failures, cabin depressurization, landing gear malfunctions, and more.
Instrument Failure
An airplane’s instrument panel is absolutely essential for a pilot’s ability to operate the aircraft safely, and failures can lead to confusion and high-risk flying conditions. Aircraft instrument panels have a variety of redundancies to avoid complete failure, but improper maintenance or safety checks before the flight can result in problems that lead to avoidable accidents.
Pilot Error
The pilot has the final say on everything that takes place on an airplane, including whether or not the aircraft is fit for travel to begin with. Pilots are typically very responsible, but there is always a risk of intoxicated pilots, fatigued flight crews, and more. When the pilot fails to uphold their duty of care to get their passengers safely to their destination, they may be held accountable for their actions, either criminally, civilly, or both.