When an aviation accident occurs, the consequences are often catastrophic. Victims and their families face not only severe injuries and loss of life but also complex legal claims involving federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and sophisticated insurance companies. Aviation accidents differ fundamentally from standard personal injury cases because they involve federal jurisdiction, mandatory investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and intricate liability questions.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we understand the devastating impact aviation accidents inflict on Riverside families. Our experienced attorneys have recovered substantial compensation for clients injured in plane crashes and aviation incidents. We handle every aspect of your claim—from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing litigation when necessary. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
The key advantage of hiring an experienced aviation accident lawyer in Riverside is our ability to build a compelling case that demonstrates how negligence caused your injuries. We gather police reports, NTSB investigation findings, toxicology results, witness statements, and medical evidence to establish liability and maximize your compensation. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an aviation accident, contact Dordick Law Corporation today for a free consultation.
Why Aviation Accidents Require Experienced Legal Representation
Aviation accidents involve federal regulations and agencies that standard personal injury cases do not. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) establishes safety standards for aircraft, pilots, and operations. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates every aviation accident to determine the cause. These federal agencies create a complex legal landscape that requires specialized knowledge and experience in aviation law.
When an aviation accident occurs, multiple parties may share liability. The pilot may have made errors in judgment or failed to follow proper procedures. The aircraft manufacturer may have produced a defective plane or component. Maintenance companies may have failed to properly service the aircraft. Air traffic control facilities may have provided incorrect guidance. Airport operators may have failed to maintain safe conditions. Insurance companies employ sophisticated defense strategies to minimize payouts to injured victims.
Without legal representation, many aviation accident victims accept settlements far below what their cases are worth. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They exploit victims’ lack of knowledge about aviation law and their emotional distress following the accident. An experienced aviation accident attorney levels the playing field. We investigate the accident thoroughly, gather evidence of negligence, identify all liable parties, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. Our goal is to secure compensation that fully addresses your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents result from various causes, and understanding these causes helps establish liability in your claim. The most common causes include:
- Pilot error and crew negligence—including fatigue, inadequate training, poor decision-making, and failure to follow proper procedures
- Mechanical failure and maintenance defects—including engine failures, structural problems, and component malfunctions
- Adverse weather conditions and inadequate weather briefing—including severe turbulence, icing, and visibility issues
- Air traffic control errors—including incorrect guidance, failure to warn of hazards, and communication failures
- Manufacturing defects in aircraft or components—including design flaws and defective parts
Each of these causes creates liability for the responsible party. Pilot error establishes liability for the pilot and potentially the airline or charter company that employed or contracted with the pilot. Mechanical failures establish liability for the maintenance company that failed to properly service the aircraft. Manufacturing defects establish strict liability for the aircraft manufacturer or component supplier. Weather-related accidents may establish liability for air traffic control if controllers failed to provide adequate warnings or guidance. Our Riverside personal injury attorneys investigate each potential cause to identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Aviation Accidents
Multiple parties may share liability for an aviation accident. Identifying all liable parties is critical to maximizing your compensation. Potentially liable parties include:
- Pilot and flight crew members—who owe a duty to operate the aircraft safely and follow proper procedures
- Aircraft manufacturers and component suppliers—who are strictly liable for defective aircraft or components
- Maintenance and repair companies—who must properly service and maintain aircraft
- Air traffic control facilities—who must provide accurate guidance and warnings
- Airport operators and ground service providers—who must maintain safe airport conditions
- Airlines and charter flight operators—who must hire qualified pilots, maintain aircraft, and establish safe operating procedures
Liability standards vary depending on the party involved. Pilots and crew members are held to a negligence standard—they must exercise reasonable care in operating the aircraft. Manufacturers are held to a strict liability standard—they are liable for defective products regardless of whether they were negligent. Maintenance companies are held to a negligence standard—they must properly service and maintain aircraft. Air traffic control facilities are held to a negligence standard, though sovereign immunity may limit liability in some cases. Airlines and charter operators are held to a negligence standard for hiring, training, and supervision decisions.
Our attorneys investigate each potential liable party to determine what negligence or defect caused the accident. We gather evidence from multiple sources, including NTSB investigation reports, maintenance records, pilot training files, and expert analysis. We identify all parties whose conduct contributed to the accident and pursue claims against each of them. Our Southern California personal injury lawyers have successfully handled complex multi-party aviation claims.
Types of Compensation Available in Aviation Claims
Aviation accident victims are entitled to recover multiple forms of compensation for their injuries and losses. The types of compensation available include:
Medical expenses represent the most immediate and substantial damages in aviation cases. This includes emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing medical treatment, and future medical care. Aviation accidents often cause severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. We document all medical expenses and pursue full recovery.
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity compensate you for income lost due to your injuries. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you can recover compensation for future lost earnings based on your age, education, work history, and earning potential. This calculation often results in substantial damages in aviation cases.
Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries. Aviation accidents cause severe trauma. Victims often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other psychological injuries. We pursue full compensation for these non-economic damages.
Wrongful death damages apply when an aviation accident results in death. Family members can recover compensation for the deceased’s lost earnings, medical expenses incurred before death, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship and support. Wrongful death cases often involve substantial damages.
Punitive damages may be available in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct. These damages are designed to punish the defendant’s conduct and deter similar violations by others. Punitive damages are not available in all cases, but when applicable, they can significantly increase your total recovery. Our catastrophic injury attorneys understand how to pursue all available damages.
The Aviation Accident Investigation and Claims Process
Understanding the aviation accident investigation and claims process helps you know what to expect. The NTSB immediately begins investigating every aviation accident. NTSB investigators examine the aircraft wreckage, interview witnesses, review maintenance records, analyze pilot training files, and examine weather conditions. The NTSB investigation typically takes months or years to complete.
NTSB investigation findings become crucial evidence in your claim. The investigation report identifies mechanical failures, pilot errors, maintenance issues, and other contributing factors. While federal law prevents the NTSB’s final ‘probable cause’ determination from being used in court, we use the admissible Factual Reports—containing critical data, wreckage analysis, and pilot records—to build our own independent proof of liability. to establish negligence and maximize your recovery. We have successfully used NTSB reports in numerous case results to secure substantial settlements and verdicts.
Insurance companies become involved early in the claims process. They hire their own investigators and attorneys to defend against your claim. Insurance companies employ sophisticated strategies to minimize payouts. They may dispute liability, challenge the extent of your injuries, or argue that pre-existing conditions caused your damages. Our attorneys counter these strategies with thorough investigation, expert testimony, and aggressive negotiation.
Settlement negotiations often resolve aviation cases without litigation. We present your claim to the insurance company, demand appropriate compensation, and negotiate on your behalf. Many cases settle during this phase. However, if the insurance company does not offer fair compensation, we prepare your case for litigation. We file a lawsuit, conduct discovery, retain expert witnesses, and prepare for trial. Our litigation experience ensures you receive strong representation if your case proceeds to trial. See our case results page for examples of successful outcomes.
Statute of Limitations and Legal Deadlines
California law imposes strict deadlines for filing aviation accident claims. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file a lawsuit within two years or lose your right to recover compensation. Federal aviation law may impose different considerations, such as the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA), which can bar lawsuits against manufacturers for aircraft older than 18 years. This makes identifying other liable parties (like maintenance crews) even more critical, but the two-year California deadline is the primary deadline you must meet.
Acting quickly to preserve evidence is critical in aviation cases. Evidence deteriorates over time. Witnesses’ memories fade. Aircraft wreckage may be destroyed or altered. Documents may be lost or destroyed. Early legal representation allows us to preserve evidence, interview witnesses while their memories are fresh, and obtain crucial documents before they disappear.
Delays in pursuing your claim weaken your case. Insurance companies use delays to their advantage. They argue that delayed claims are less credible. They challenge the accuracy of evidence gathered long after the accident. They argue that damages are speculative when claimed years after the accident. Early legal representation strengthens your claim and maximizes your recovery.
Dordick Law Corporation acts immediately to protect your rights. We preserve evidence, interview witnesses, obtain documents, and begin investigating your claim immediately after you contact us. We ensure your claim is filed within all applicable deadlines. We work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring we obtain fair compensation. Our Riverside office is available 24/7 for emergency consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aviation Accidents
What should I do immediately after an aviation accident?
Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, even if you feel fine. Some injuries manifest hours or days after an accident. Document the accident scene with photos and videos if safely possible. Collect contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to authorities. Avoid discussing fault or liability with other parties, as your statements may be used against you later. Contact an aviation accident attorney immediately to protect your legal rights and preserve evidence.
How long do aviation accident cases typically take?
Timeline varies based on case complexity and whether litigation is necessary. NTSB investigations can take months to years to complete. Settlement negotiations may extend the timeline further. Litigation adds additional time for discovery, expert reports, and trial preparation. Simple cases with clear liability may resolve within one to two years. Complex cases involving multiple defendants may take two to five years or longer, depending on discovery complexity and whether litigation proceeds to trial. Dordick Law Corporation manages timeline expectations and keeps you informed throughout the process.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. California follows comparative negligence rules, allowing you to recover even if partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of damages. Dordick Law Corporation investigates all contributing factors to minimize your liability percentage and maximize your recovery. Our Southern California personal injury attorneys have extensive experience with comparative negligence cases.
What is the role of the NTSB in my aviation accident case?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates the cause of aviation accidents. Investigation findings become crucial evidence in your claim. NTSB reports identify mechanical failures, pilot error, maintenance issues, and other contributing factors. These findings establish liability and support your claim for compensation. Dordick Law Corporation uses investigation findings strategically to establish negligence and maximize your compensation.
How much does it cost to hire an aviation accident attorney?
Dordick Law Corporation works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. We only get paid if you recover compensation through settlement or verdict. No fees are owed unless we win your case. This arrangement allows you to pursue your claim without financial risk. Contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
What if the accident involved a commercial airline versus a private aircraft?
Different liability standards and regulations apply to commercial airlines versus private aircraft. Commercial airlines have specific insurance requirements and federal regulations. Private aircraft cases involve different regulatory frameworks. Dordick Law Corporation handles both types of aviation claims and understands the unique legal issues in each scenario. We have experience pursuing claims against major airlines, charter companies, and private aircraft operators. Our experienced trial attorneys have successfully litigated complex aviation cases.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an aviation accident in Riverside, contact Dordick Law Corporation for a free consultation. Our experienced aviation accident attorneys are ready to review your case, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (310) 341-7176 today to schedule your free consultation. Our Riverside office is conveniently located at 3891 11th Street, Riverside, CA 92501. We are available 24/7 to assist you. Do not delay—contact us immediately to protect your legal rights and preserve evidence in your aviation accident case.
Related Posts
- Catastrophic Injuries: Understanding Your Legal Rights
- Wrongful Death Claims in California
- Inside the Trial: How Dordick Law Secured a 7.6 Million Verdict for a TBI Victim
- Summer Injuries in SoCal: What to Watch For, What to Do
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Causes, Symptoms, and Legal Recovery
