Melbourne Airplane Crash Lawyers

Aviation accidents are typically more destructive than the automobile, large trucks, and watercraft accidents. In most cases, the parties involved are seriously injured, and fatalities are common. Property damage costs may easily total tens of thousands or even millions of dollars. For individuals and family members of those who have been involved in a private plane, helicopter, military aircraft, or commercial jet accident, contacting an experienced Melbourne airplane crash attorney is the first step toward ensuring the injured party receives the compensation he or she deserves.

Common causes

An aircraft accident can be caused by any combination of several factors, including improper aircraft maintenance, defective parts, and pilot error. Aviation accidents are often the result of:

• hazardous weather
• failure to complete inspections and pre-flight checks
• errors during takeoff and landing
• air traffic control errors
• flying at an altitude that is too low
• pilot fatigue or stress
• use of alcohol, drugs, or medication that impairs the pilot
• lack of fuel
• technology misuse
• mechanical failure

Pilot error

While traveling by commercial jet is statistically safer than other forms of transportation, in situations involving smaller, personal aircraft, human error is comparatively more likely to lead to an aviation accident. Commercial airline pilots receive extensive training and are required to gain many hours of experience in the air prior to being entrusted with the lives of airline travelers. In contrast, recreational pilots fly much less frequently and are not required to exercise their skills as often as commercial pilots. Therefore, a pilot who flies infrequently as a hobby is more likely to commit a major error. Small plane accidents often involve the pilot’s family or friends. In these instances, victims should not allow the personal relationship with the pilot to make them reluctant to pursue a personal injury claim. Recreational aviation accident claims are generally filed against the pilot’s insurance policy versus filing a direct claim against the individual.

Mechanical failure

Aviation accidents that are the result of mechanical failure may expose multiple parties to liability. In cases in which an aircraft has a design defect, an accident may occur inevitably due to the way the aircraft or one or more of its parts is designed. In other cases, an aircraft may have a manufacturing defect that makes operating the aircraft a hazard. Unlike a design defect, a manufacturing defect occurs when an aircraft that has a safe design becomes a hazard because one or more of its parts are produced incorrectly or the plane is assembled improperly. In both cases, accident victims may file a claim. Manufacturing defect accident victims may file a claim against the facility that produced and assembled the defective part or aircraft. Individuals who are injured in an accident that was the result of a design defect may file a claim against the company that designed the defective aircraft or the poorly-designed part.

Maintenance issues

An aircraft that has not been properly maintained may also be more prone to accidents. Owners are required to have their aircraft inspected and properly serviced. Pilots must inspect their aircraft prior to flight. Any responsible party who fails to properly maintain or inspect an aircraft may be the subject of a lawsuit if an accident occurs. Individuals who have been affected by an aviation accident should contact a knowledgeable Florida aviation accident attorney to evaluate whether a maintenance issue may have been the cause and to determine the correct party against whom a claim should be filed.

How an injury lawyer can help

Members of the Melbourne community who have experienced a personal injury or loss due to an aviation accident should contact a qualified Melbourne airplane accident attorney for a free case evaluation. Accident victims and their families may be entitled to receive a variety of different types of damages for physical injury, pain, and suffering, wrongful death, loss of consortium. If the accident victim or the victim’s family choose to file a claim, the lawyer’s team will proceed to investigate the accident to the accident’s cause and the liable party. In cases involving smaller aircraft, determining a cause may be more difficult. Nevertheless, an experienced Melbourne aviation accident lawyer can enlist the help of investigators and experts to uncover the cause of the accident. Couture Law P.A. can help with these types of complex personal injury cases in Florida.