Dallas Airplane Accident Attorneys

Representing Clients in Aviation Lawsuits Nationwide

Accidents involving privately-owned aircraft, such as small jets, prop planes, helicopters frequently result in serious, life-changing injuries or death.

Identifying and assessing the cause of an aviation disaster may require an immediate, detailed investigation with the assistance of technical experts. Understanding the relevant parties and claims is paramount to prepare the best case possible, whether it involves an airline, pilot, manufacturer, maintenance contractor, component supplier, or a combination of parties.

The lawyers at Lyons & Simmons, LLP thoroughly understand the aviation industry and have the knowledge, experience, and resources to prepare the best aviation case possible working with preeminent industry leaders to assist us in the detailed investigation, analysis and trial development of each case.

Translating a sophisticated aviation case into USABLE pieces of information for a judge, jury or arbitrator to understand is always a big challenge with these cases. This is where our Dallas aviation accident lawyers can help. 

Contact our Dallas airline accident lawyers at (844) 297-8898

What is an Aviation Accident?

An aviation accident is any incident involving an aircraft that results in serious injury, death, or significant damage to the aircraft. These incidents can occur on commercial airlines, private jets, charter planes, helicopters, and even drones. Due to the complexity of aviation laws and regulations, pursuing a legal claim for an aviation accident requires specialized knowledge and experience.

Common Types of Aviation Accidents

An aviation accident refers to any event related to the operation of an aircraft where there is a serious incident that results in injury or death, damage to the aircraft, or damage to property on the ground. The term encompasses a wide range of incidents, from minor mishaps to catastrophic events.

Common types of aviation accidents include:

1. Aircraft Crashes: These are the most severe types of accidents, where an aircraft collides with the ground or water. This can happen during takeoff, landing, or while in flight.
2. Runway Incursions: This occurs when an unauthorized person, vehicle, or aircraft is on an active runway, which can lead to collisions or near misses.
3. Mid-Air Collisions: These involve two or more aircraft colliding in flight, often due to navigation errors or failure to communicate.
4. Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT): This occurs when a fully operational aircraft is inadvertently flown into the ground, water, or an obstacle due to mismanagement by the crew, often during poor visibility.
5. Mechanical Failures: These accidents arise from technical malfunctions, such as engine failures, brake failures, or issues with navigation systems.
6. Pilot Error: Mistakes made by pilots, such as miscalculating takeoff or landing speeds, can lead to accidents.
7. Turbulence Incidents: Severe turbulence can lead to injuries on board, especially if passengers or crew are not secured.
8. Bird Strikes: Collisions between birds and aircraft can cause damage, particularly to engines and windshields.
9. Ground Accidents: These include accidents occurring on the ground, such as taxiing mishaps or collisions with ground support equipment.
10. Weather-Related Accidents: Incidents caused by adverse weather conditions, including storms, icing, or low visibility.

Common Causes of Aviation Accidents

Aviation accidents can be attributed to a variety of factors, often involving a combination of human, mechanical, environmental, and organizational elements. Here are some of the common causes of aviation accidents:

• Human Error: Human error remains a leading cause of aviation accidents, often stemming from pilot mistakes during critical flight phases like takeoff and landing. Inadequate communication and coordination between crew members can exacerbate these errors, especially under stressful conditions. Additionally, insufficient training or failure to keep up with procedures can lead to poor decision-making.
• Mechanical Failure: Mechanical failures can have severe consequences in aviation, with issues such as engine malfunctions or structural failures being significant contributors. These failures may arise from fatigue cracks, poor maintenance, or aging components. Avionics malfunctions can also hinder pilots' ability to navigate or communicate effectively.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, including severe storms, icing, and fog, can complicate flight operations and increase the risk of accidents. Wind shear, which involves sudden changes in wind speed or direction, poses particular challenges during takeoff and landing phases. Pilots must be well-trained to handle these weather-related hazards effectively.
• Runway and Ground Handling Issues: Runway incursions, where unauthorized vehicles or personnel enter active runways, can lead to dangerous collisions with aircraft. Additionally, poor ground handling practices, such as improper loading and unloading of passengers and cargo, can create unsafe situations. Maintaining strict protocols is crucial for preventing these incidents.
• Maintenance Issues: Inadequate maintenance practices can lead to undetected mechanical problems that jeopardize flight safety. Failing to adhere to maintenance schedules or conducting substandard repairs can result in critical component failures during flight. Regular and thorough maintenance checks are essential for ensuring aircraft reliability.
• Air Traffic Control (ATC) Issues: Air traffic control (ATC) communication failures can create misunderstandings between pilots and controllers, leading to dangerous situations. Procedural errors made by ATC can also result in mid-air collisions or runway incursions. Effective communication and adherence to protocols are vital for preventing these incidents.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, such as challenging terrain, can increase the risk of aviation accidents, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Bird strikes pose another significant hazard, potentially damaging aircraft engines and other critical components. Pilots must be prepared to navigate these environmental challenges effectively.
• Organizational Factors: A poor safety culture within an airline can lead to unsafe practices, where adherence to procedures may be lax. Regulatory compliance is crucial; failing to meet aviation regulations can result in practices that compromise safety. Organizations must prioritize a strong safety culture to mitigate risks.
• Systemic Issues: Fatigue among pilots and crew can severely impair decision-making and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of errors during flight. Additionally, operational pressures, such as tight schedules, can lead airlines to prioritize speed over safety. Addressing these systemic issues is essential for enhancing overall aviation safety.

Who is Liable for an Aviation Accident?

Determining liability in an aviation accident can be complex. Multiple parties may be held accountable, including:

• The Airline or Charter Company: Airlines are responsible for maintaining aircraft safety and ensuring proper pilot training.
• The Aircraft Manufacturer: If an aviation accident was caused by a design or manufacturing defect, the aircraft manufacturer may be liable.
• The Pilot: If a pilot’s negligence or recklessness led to the crash, they may be held accountable.
• Maintenance and Repair Companies: Improper maintenance or failure to detect mechanical issues can make repair companies liable.
• Air Traffic Control: Mistakes by air traffic controllers, such as misdirecting planes or failing to provide accurate information, can contribute to accidents.

At Lyons & Simmons, LLP, our experienced Dallas aviation accident attorneys thoroughly investigate every case to identify liable parties and build a strong legal claim.

Compensation for Aviation Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has suffered due to an aviation accident, you may be entitled to compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency treatment, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to injury or disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for emotional distress and physical pain.
• Wrongful Death: Families of victims may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for personal belongings lost or damaged in the accident.

Let Our Firm Pursue Justice for You

Our team at Lyons & Simmons, LLP is thorough-we do not cut corners. We fully prepare each case we handle for litigation and trial. We are tireless and unyielding until our clients' best possible outcome is achieved each time. Our attorneys have years of experience fighting to get aviation accident victims the justice and compensation they deserve. There are numerous outcomes that we can discuss with you.

Lyons & Simmons, LLP handles aviation cases involving:

• Major airlines
• Regional airlines
• International disasters
• Small and private plane crashes
• Business jet and light jet crashes
• Charter and corporate plane crashes
• Helicopter crashes
• Float plane crashes
• Government or military contractor crashes
• Crew flights involving oil and gas industry

Our aviation accident attorneys in Dallas know how complicated these types of cases are. We are here to review your accident and help you best protect your legal rights.

Ready to take the first step in your case? Call our aviation accident lawyers in Dallas at (844) 297-8898.