Rockford Aviation Accident Attorneys

There are people who use airplanes often for both work and leisure travel. Then there are those who avoid flights altogether. Riding in an airplane can be a scary situation for some people, even though airplanes are generally safer than automobiles. While planes and helicopters crash much less often, when they do get into an accident, it is almost always fatal.

Indeed, the consequences of aircraft accidents can be devastating due to both the speed at which aircraft travel and the fact that an aviation accident involves much more force than other types of vehicle accidents.

When you think of an aviation accident, you may think of commercial airplanes. However, an accident involving any kind of airborne vehicle is considered an aviation accident. This may include a private airplane crash, helicopter accident, kit plane incident, or even a glider accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an aircraft crash, an Illinois aviation accident attorney from Clark Frost Zucchi can assist you with your case.  We have represented families in the past that have lost family members in an Aviation Accident.

Causes of Aviation Accidents

The most common causes of both major airline crashes and general aviation accidents include the following:

• Pilot error
• Bad weather
• Faulty equipment
• Dangerous or defective airplane design or manufacture
• Structural or design problems
• Negligence of flight service station employees
• Negligence of federal air traffic controllers
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations violations

Suing for Compensation

It’s important to determine liability in an airplane crash. The type of claim you may bring in any legal action will depend largely on the cause of the accident.

• Negligence. If the crash was due to a pilot error or another human mistake, you might bring a negligence claim, alleging that you or your loved one was injured or killed as a direct result of the carelessness of the pilot or another individual. However, you will need to show evidence that a failure to use reasonable care was to blame for the accident.
• Product liability. When defective equipment, faulty design, or structural problems have caused a plane crash, you can bring a product liability claim against the company that manufactured the aircraft or the faulty part. In these cases, “strict liability” applies, meaning that you would not have to prove that the manufacturer was negligent — only that the defect caused the injury or death.
• Federal Tort Claims Act. This applies when an accident is caused by a federal employee, such as a federal air traffic controller. Under the Federal Tort Claims Act, special rules and procedures must be followed for these types of claims.

Contact Us Today

Aviation accidents are often fatal accidents. Very few people survive a plane crash. Those who do often deal with life-threatening injuries. 

If you or your loved one was involved in a plane crash, seek the legal help you need from the team at Clark Frost Zucchi. We’ll help you with the legal aspects as you deal with this emotional situation. We serve clients throughout Northern Illinois. Schedule a free consultation by calling us or filling out our online form.