Air travel is one of the safest modes of transportation. In fact, on average, less than 50 commercial aviation accidents happen each year. When these accidents do occur, however, they’re often catastrophic.
In Louisville, plane accidents are rare but when they do happen, they can leave victims and their families with long-term emotional, physical, and financial challenges.
If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered a loss in such an accident, a Louisville airplane accident lawyer can be a crucial ally in representing your interests, pursuing the compensation and justice you deserve. At Thomas Law Offices, we will hold those negligent parties like airlines, pilots, or traffic control workers responsible for their actions.
Causes of Airline Accidents
When a commercial airplane crashes, the people involved want to know why. While there are many reasons for aviation accidents, patterns emerge when looking at the majority of incidents.
Some of these include:
Human Error
Airplanes are extremely complex, and those who pilot them require a great deal of training and professional experience to handle all possible situations.
Still, pilots are actively engaged with their aircraft at every stage of the flight, so there are continual opportunities for mistakes, and even with extensive flying experience and the ability to think and act quickly, catastrophic accidents can still happen.
According to the Pilot Institute, operator error is the leading cause of plane crashes and, in 2020, nearly 70% of all general aviation accidents were caused by this factor. It’s also notable that there were 1,277 accidents involving U.S. registered civilian aircraft (privately owned planes) in 2022, including 358 deaths, according to the National Safety Council.
Some of the most common pilot errors can include:
- Incorrect flight management programming
- Miscalculating the required amount of fuel
- Inadequate preflight inspection or planning
- Failure to abide by rules and checklists
Pilots aren’t the only ones who can make mistakes that contribute to an accident. Air traffic controllers, dispatchers, loaders, fuelers, and maintenance engineers can also make mistakes, and all can be held liable if an accident happens due to their negligence.
Mechanical Failure
While design and manufacturing quality have improved, many airplane crashes result from equipment failures. In many of these accidents, engine failure occurs. This could be the result of poor inspections and maintenance, or a defective airplane part.
Weather
While there are technologies to detect poor weather, pilots still find themselves flying in snow, rain, and fog. When dangerous weather strikes, aircraft may need to make emergency landings. If an experienced pilot is operating the plane, the landing is likely to go as smoothly as possible. In some cases, however, slippery or snow-covered tarmacs result in aviation accidents that happen on the ground.
If you believe your accident and injuries were caused by one of the factors above or even for a completely different reason, a Louisville airplane accident lawyer is prepared to investigate your claim.
Collecting Evidence Following an Aviation Accident
When an airplane crashes, whether it’s commercial or civilian, the investigation is typically a long and complicated process. Given the amount of damage that any evidence must survive, it can take years for these matters to be resolved entirely.
The first priority is always the safety of the passengers and crew members and getting medical attention for those injured. Following that, the crash site must be secured so the investigation can get started as quickly as possible.
A number of parties and organizations may be involved in the investigation. In general, an investigator-in-charge and specialists from the National Transportation Safety Board are called in. The Federal Aviation Administration or the FBI may also need to become involved.
This investigation can include:
- Clearing the area of any potential dangers, like fire or electrical hazards
- Studying landing impact, the velocity and angle the aircraft crashed
- Determining the position of the passengers’ seats, and the locations of the flight equipment, engines, and other parts.
Members of the investigation team will analyze the evidence and submit their own reports, which are all reviewed. Further analysis may be needed in some cases to determine fault.
Once these reports have been finalized, they’re made available to the public.
Compensation After an Airline Accident
As the demand for air travel continues to grow, the likelihood of accidents grows as well.
Given that the investigation process for an airline accident can take years to complete, crash victims may be left to deal with the financial consequences on their own.
At Thomas Law Offices, we don’t want to see that happen, and we’re prepared to take on these complex accident claims to help your family restore order to your lives. Once liability has been determined, we’ll negotiate a proper settlement from the airline or manufacturer’s insurance company and, if a mutually satisfactory settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to fight for justice in a court of law.
Why You Need a Louisville Airplane Accident Lawyer
If you’re involved in a plane accident in Louisville, having legal help can be crucial. Aviation accidents involve complex federal and state laws, various parties, and intricate investigations. A lawyer can help you navigate this process, ensuring that your rights are protected and maximizing your chances of fair compensation.
Here are some key reasons why you need a Louisville airplane crash lawyer:
- Expertise in Aviation Law. Aviation accidents involve federal regulations and specific laws that can be overwhelming for most people. A plane accident lawyer has the legal knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of aviation law, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
- Investigating Complex Accidents. Plane accidents are often multifaceted, involving multiple parties such as airlines, manufacturers, and maintenance crews. A lawyer with experience in aviation accidents can conduct a thorough investigation, gather crucial evidence, and identify the responsible parties.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies. Insurance companies may try to limit payouts in aviation accidents. An experienced attorney can negotiate with insurers to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Handling Federal and State Regulations. Plane accident cases often involve the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and other agencies. A knowledgeable lawyer will manage these complexities, ensuring all relevant regulations are followed.
- Maximizing Compensation. A Louisville airplane accident attorney understands the full extent of damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term care. They can help you build a strong case to maximize your compensation while you focus on recovery.
Get the Answers You Need from Thomas Law Offices
If you or a loved one has been involved in an aviation incident, our Louisville airplane accident lawyer is ready to take action. The sooner you contact one of our lawyers, the better, assuring that your attorney has rapid access to the evidence they need to determine what happened, why it happened, and what you’re owed.
A free consultation with Thomas Law Offices can help you determine how best to proceed with your claim, contact us today.
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