- 1. We Represent Crash Victims and Their Families
- 2. Texas Has the Second-Largest Number of General Aviation Aircraft in the U.S.
- 3. What Causes Helicopter and Airplane Crashes in Texas?
- 4. Airplane and Helicopter Crash Claims Require Technical Expertise
- 5. How Much Is My Aviation Injury Claim Worth?
- 6. Crosley Law: San Antonio’s Aviation Accident Attorneys
We Represent Crash Victims and Their Families
Crosley Law has experience representing victims and their loved ones in airplane and helicopter crash cases. Our team of legal professionals, investigators, and experts has what it takes to hold negligent aviation companies, aircraft manufacturers, pilots, and other professionals accountable for their negligence.
On this page, we’ve outlined information about aviation accidents, personal injury, wrongful death cases, and other topics that will help you if you have been in an airplane or helicopter crash. However, nothing compares to personalized advice from an injury lawyer. To schedule a free consultation, complete our online form or call our law firm at 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000.
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Texas Has the Second-Largest Number of General Aviation Aircraft in the U.S.
Texas has a long and storied history with the aerospace and aviation industries. However, that’s only the beginning of our state’s relationship with airplane- and helicopter-based transportation.
Texas ranks second in the U.S. for its number of aircraft, just behind California. The vast majority of our state’s aircraft fall into the category of single-engine general aircraft (airplanes that are not used for regularly scheduled passenger flights).
Businesses and individuals use airplanes and helicopters for many reasons: speed, efficiency, and the pure joy of flying. Planes are commonly used to transport people and supplies to offshore oil rigs, farms, and ranches.
Unfortunately, when someone makes a mistake, aviation crashes often have catastrophic results. While many of us associate plane crashes with large, commercial airliners, most Texas aviation accidents involve smaller “general aviation” planes. Similarly, 75% of transportation-related injuries on offshore oil rigs involve helicopters.
What Causes Helicopter and Airplane Crashes in Texas?
Aviation crashes have many causes. While some factors, like weather, are out of our control, many wrecks involve error and poor decisions. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other sources, some of the most common causes of airplane and helicopter crashes include:
- Pilot error and inexperience
- Defective airplanes, helicopters, and parts
- Improper aircraft maintenance
- Equipment and engine failure
- Air traffic controller error
- Violations of Federal Aviation Administration regulations
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates all aviation accidents. By law, aircraft and helicopter manufacturers, as well as airlines, are allowed to participate in the investigation. However, victims and their attorneys are excluded from the NTSB investigation.
Manufacturers and airlines often influence the NTSB in these investigations, which can lead to a determination that the accident was not the manufacturer or airline’s fault.
To understand the exact causes of you or your loved one’s aviation crash, your airplane accident attorney needs to take a comprehensive approach, investigating every potential cause and party that may have contributed to the wreck. This includes the pilot, air traffic controllers, crew members, aircraft manufacturers, mechanics, and aviation companies.
Tragic Helicopter Wreck Highlights the Complexities of Aircraft Crashes
Read MoreAirplane and Helicopter Crash Claims Require Technical Expertise
In Texas, private aircraft do not have to carry liability insurance. However, many businesses that operate airplanes and helicopters do have some degree of insurance coverage. Identifying all relevant insurance policies is just one of many challenges airplane crash victims face.
Modern aircraft are sophisticated machines with numerous sensors, tracking systems, and “black boxes” that collect essential data throughout a flight. If you don’t know how to preserve and interpret this data, you may discover that you’re wrongly blamed for the crash.
At Crosley Law, we know firsthand that “human error” isn’t always the cause of a victim’s severe or fatal injuries. We work closely with engineers, accident reconstructionists, and other aviation experts to identify the precise causes of our clients’ crashes and injuries. Then, we build cutting-edge trial presentations that translate these complicated concepts into plain English, educating the jury about our clients’ losses and current situations.
Robinson v. Diamond Aircraft Accident
Read MoreHow Much Is My Aviation Injury Claim Worth?
Calculating an aviation accident victim’s damages is a science, especially if the claim involves catastrophic injuries or a wrongful death. Depending on you and your family’s unique circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation for many of your losses, including:
- Medical bills associated with the airplane crash
- Long-term care needs
- Lost income and wage-earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement from burns and other injuries
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Punitive damages, if the crash involved intentional misconduct or reckless behavior
When you work with the airplane crash lawyers at Crosley Law, we’ll help you understand the real value of your injury claims. We frequently consult with experts who help us anticipate survivors’ future medical needs and how their injuries will impact them over a lifetime.
Unlike the insurance company, who will try to minimize your claims’ value, our legal team will provide you with honest, practical advice. Just as importantly, we’re not afraid to take an injury case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement.
Crosley Law: San Antonio’s Aviation Accident Attorneys
The San Antonio aircraft accident attorneys at Crosley Law use careful legal and factual analysis, aggressive litigation strategies, and cutting-edge technology to tackle their clients’ lawsuits. We also offer a no-fee policy.
If you would like more information about how we handle aviation injury claims, contact us by completing our online form or calling 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000 to schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney.
References
Fatal Injuries in Offshore Oil and Gas Operations — United States, 2003–2010. (2013, April 26). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6216a2.htm
State of general aviation. (2019). Aviation Owners and Pilots Association. Retrieved from http://download.aopa.org/hr/Report_on_General_Aviation_Trends.pdf
U.S. General Aviation Safety Data. (n.d.) Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.bts.gov/content/us-general-aviationa-safety-data
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
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Crosley Law Firm, PC is a professional corporation of trial lawyers focused on representing individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injuries or wrongful death. If you’ve been injured, fill out the form for a free consultation, or call 210-LAW-3000.