Alabama Aviation Accidents Attorneys

Injuries from aviation accidents are often due to the negligence of the airline, pilot, or maintenance crew. Whether corporate policies, pilot error, or mechanical oversight lead to unsafe flying conditions, you deserve full compensation for your injuries, emotional turmoil, and other losses.

Two Greene & Phillips attorneys, David Greene and Britt Bethea, are licensed pilots (instrument rated, high performance, complex), who regularly fly the Greene & Phillips aircraft. Combined with their extensive courtroom experience David’s and Britt’s deep understanding of aviation policies, procedures, and language allow them to clearly communicate technical aviation concepts to our injury clients and effectively litigate these cases.

If you or someone you love has been involved in an aviation accident, our experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorneys will work hard to obtain justice on your behalf. Our seasoned legal team will help you assert your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our office now for a free consultation.

Types of Aviation Accident Cases We Handle

When someone hears the term “aviation accident,” the first thought is generally of a plane crash. The truth is that plane crashes are still far too common. In fact, more than half of the world’s fatal plane crashes in 2019 occurred in North America. But there are more ways for a person to get injured in an aviation accident than a plane falling from the sky.

Many aviation accidents involve passengers who are injured when a pilot fails to warn about severe turbulence, or there is an incident during takeoff or landing that causes injury. While some accidents are unavoidable, others aren’t, and accident victims or surviving family members have the right to hold negligent parties accountable.

At Greene & Phillips, some of the aviation accident cases we handle in Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Florida include:

• Commercial Airline Crashes
• Private Airplane Accidents
• Air-Taxi Helicopter Accidents
• Medical Helicopter Accidents
• Hot Air Balloon Accidents
• Ultralight Accidents
• Unpowered Glider Accidents
• Mid-Air Collisions
• Taxiing Accidents
• Take-off and Landing Accidents

State, Federal, and International Aviation Regulations

Following an aviation accident, operators are required to notify the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to file a report. Federal regulations require that local authorities preserve any evidence until the NTSB can conduct a thorough investigation. Evidence at the site of an accident is only permitted to be altered or moved if required to protect the items from harm or to save someone.

Depending on the registration, the aircraft’s flight schedule, and a variety of other factors, international and state laws may also come into play in the investigation of an aviation accident. The rules and red tape can be endless, which is why we strongly recommend that accident victims and their families work with an attorney that specializes in these types of cases.

Common Causes of Plane Crashes

Commercial air travel is still considered to be one of the safest forms of transportation. Even so, accidents happen, and when they do, the effects can be catastrophic. Further, not every aviation accident involves a commercial aircraft. Whether you were on a cross country or regional flight, a local helicopter tour, or in a private aircraft, something can go terribly wrong.

The fact is that most aviation accidents are entirely preventable. But airplanes, helicopters, and other things that fly through the air are often made from many moving parts. In general, the most common causes of aviation accidents are:

• Pilot error
• Flight service station employee negligence
• Engine failure
• Component or equipment failure
• Structural failure
• Electronic or computer failure
• Poor or missing maintenance
• Air traffic controller error
• Dangerous or defective aircraft design
• Violations of FAA regulations
• Airport design error

After a serious aviation accident, the most common question that victims ask is: why did this happen? When you work with a team of accident attorneys with aviation experience, you have the best chance of getting answers to that question and obtaining justice.

Seeking Justice After a Serious Aviation Accident

When you have been seriously injured or have lost a loved one, another party might be responsible for your situation. You have the right to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim seeking full and fair compensation. Some of the damages you may be entitled to include:

• Medical costs
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Loss of quality of life
• Punitive damages in wrongful death cases

The challenge that many aviation accident victims face is knowing where to turn in such a dark and difficult time. Legal responsibility, or negligence, is rarely straightforward in aviation cases. Depending on a variety of factors, some of the parties that might be held accountable include:

• The pilot
• The owner/operator of the aircraft
• The airport
• The designer or manufacturer of the plane
• The designer or manufacturer of a defective part
• The aircraft maintenance company
• A government entity

Even if you are able to identify the negligent party, proving your case is another matter. Most airlines, airports, and other aviation companies have ample insurance coverage and are willing to spend extra money to defend their good names. Their insurance companies and attorneys will attempt to undermine your case or offer you a quick settlement that is sure to be much less than your case is worth.

If you’ve been seriously injured or lost a loved one, the physical, emotional, and financial hardship can be enormous. A dedicated team of knowledgeable accident attorneys can protect your rights and help you get the compensation you need to heal and move forward with your life.

Speak with an Experienced Alabama Aviation Accident Lawyer

At Greene & Phillips, we have attorneys who are experienced pilots and who understand the specials rules, regulations, and laws that apply to these complex cases. We also have the resources to stand up to large corporations, insurance companies, and government entities that want to intimidate injury victims and protect their pocketbooks.

Call or text us at (251) 300-2000 or stop by our office at your convenience for a free consultation. We will thoroughly review your situation and outline your legal options. When we take your case, you won’t pay us anything until we are successful in securing an award or judgment on your behalf.