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Accident rates for the commercial airline industry are, fortunately, at an all-time low. However, accident rates for the general aviation industry (private planes) have remained relatively consistent. While many assume that privately-owned planes are safer than commercial flights, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that 64% of general aviation accidents involve personal flights in fixed-wing airplanes. The likelihood of suffering a serious injury or being fatally injured in a privately-owned plane is higher than other modes of aviation transportation. If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a plane crash, then you should retain the services of an attorney with aviation litigation experience.
At Colson Hicks Eidson, our attorneys are knowledgeable about aviation laws and have decades of courtroom experience. It is important to have legal representation that can examine all aspects of your case and conduct a thorough examination of the accident scene. Our attorneys know what to look for and will identify the parties responsible for your accident. We have successfully tried product liability claims linked to airplane accidents. Our private plane accident lawyers have the ability to create a successful legal strategy and provide results in the form of a financial settlement or awarded damages.
While the causes of private plane crashes can vary, the most frequently cited causes are pilot error, faulty equipment and a violation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The NTSB investigates every aviation accident in the United States. They are responsible for publishing accident reports and identifying ways to improve aviation safety. By determining the causes of a plane crash, your attorney can identify who is potentially liable for your injuries. Liable parties for a private plane crash include:
Although a passenger can file a personal injury claim after an airplane accident, there are instances where fatalities occur and families are devastated. In these circumstances, a close relative may wonder about his or her legal options. In order to file a wrongful death claim after a private plane crash, you must be the child, spouse or parent of the deceased. You can also file a wrongful death claim if you are a blood relative or adoptive sibling, providing that you can show the court proof of your financial dependence on the deceased.
When deciding to file a wrongful death claim, there are important details to consider that could impact the success of your case. For example, there is a two-year statute of limitations placed on filing a wrongful death claim in Florida. Each state has its own statute of limitations, however. This is significant for private plane crash victims, due to the backlog of aviation investigations at the NTSB. Often times, it can take the NTSB several years to finish an accident investigation, resulting in you missing out on key information about your case. If you want to file a wrongful death claim after a private plane crash, then you must consult with an aviation attorney who has experience working within the system and can get you the best information possible.
Even though the accident rate for private planes is small, they still make up a significant majority of general aviation accidents. The laws governing private plane crashes vary from laws governing commercial flights. Our private plane accident lawyers will explain the differences between private and commercial aviation law and provide you with excellent legal services.
If you or a loved one were injured or fatally wounded after a private airplane accident, then you should contact Colson Hicks Eidson today at 305-476-7400 and schedule a meeting. You can also contact us online and tell us about your case. We will review the merits of your case and respond to any inquiries you may have.
