Aviation accidents involving private or small airplanes can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. When these accidents occur, victims and their families often face overwhelming medical bills, financial stress, and emotional trauma.
However, injured victims may have the right to pursue compensation. In many cases, this compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages caused by the accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a private plane crash, the experienced attorneys at Cueria Law Injury Lawyers can help. Our New Orleans aviation accident lawyer can explain your legal options and help you pursue compensation.
Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
Private and Small Planes
Most people associate aviation with large commercial airplanes. However, the majority of aircraft in the United States are much smaller.
In fact, about 90% of registered aircraft in the United States fall under general aviation. These aircraft usually carry 30 passengers or fewer.
Because these planes operate under different regulations than commercial airlines, they often have a higher accident rate.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates every aviation accident in the United States. According to the NTSB, about 64% of general aviation accidents involve personal flights in fixed-wing aircraft.
Additionally, the NTSB publishes accident reports and identifies ways to improve aviation safety.
Although commercial plane crashes receive more media attention, private and small plane accidents occur more frequently. Unfortunately, these accidents can be just as devastating for victims and their families.
Why Small Plane Accidents Occur
Private aircraft often operate under less strict regulations than commercial airlines. As a result, these aircraft may experience more mechanical issues or receive less frequent maintenance.
Additionally, private planes are sometimes flown by amateur or less experienced pilots. Because of this, pilot error can also play a significant role in aviation accidents.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the most common causes of private plane crashes include:
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Loss of control
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System malfunction
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Abnormal runway contact
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Insufficient fuel
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Controlled flight into terrain
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Collision with obstacles during takeoff or landing
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Flying into dangerous weather conditions
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Low-altitude flight operations
Because aviation accidents can involve multiple causes, determining liability often requires a detailed investigation.
Who May Be Liable for a Plane Crash?
Small plane accidents can happen for many reasons. As a result, more than one party may be responsible for the crash.
The most common causes of aviation accidents include:
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Pilot error
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Faulty equipment
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Violations of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations
Once investigators determine the cause of the accident, your attorney can identify the parties who may be responsible.
The most common liable parties include:
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The aircraft owner or operator
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The aircraft manufacturer
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Both the owner/operator and manufacturer
Liability of the Aircraft Owner or Operator
In some cases, the pilot may make an error that leads to a crash. However, the pilot may not always be the aircraft owner.
Even so, the aircraft owner may still be responsible under a legal principle known as vicarious liability. Under this rule, owners may be held liable for damages caused by someone operating their aircraft.
If negligence can be proven, the owner may be responsible for the injuries suffered by passengers or others involved in the crash.
Liability of the Aircraft Manufacturer
In other cases, a mechanical defect may have caused the accident. If the crash resulted from a defective part or design flaw, the aircraft manufacturer may be liable.
However, federal law sometimes limits manufacturer liability. For example, the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994 (GARA) protects manufacturers in certain situations.
Under GARA, manufacturers may not be liable for accidents involving aircraft or parts that are 18 years or older.
Even so, there are important exceptions to this rule. Therefore, it is essential to have an experienced New Orleans aviation accident lawyer review your case.
Investigating an Aviation Accident
Aviation accident cases often involve complex investigations. In some situations, multiple parties may share responsibility for the crash.
Because of this, comparative fault rules may apply. Under these rules, each responsible party may be assigned a percentage of liability.
As a result, determining responsibility requires careful analysis of evidence, flight records, maintenance logs, and witness statements.
Our legal team works to identify the cause of the accident and pursue compensation from every responsible party.
Contact a New Orleans Aviation Accident Lawyer
Private and small plane crashes can involve complicated legal and technical issues. Therefore, it is important to speak with an attorney who understands aviation accident cases.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, our legal team is ready to investigate your case and protect your rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a private plane accident, contact our firm today to speak with a New Orleans aviation accident lawyer.
We offer free consultations, and we only collect fees if we successfully recover compensation for you.
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