Who is Liable for Plane Crashes in California?
Our skies are highly regulated spaces for transportation of goods and people. Pilots, air traffic controllers, politicians, and companies all work together to make plane and helicopter flight as safe as possible. However, occasionally, the unthinkable happens, despite everyone’s best efforts. Plane crashes have seemingly been in the news far more often recently than ever before. If you or your loved one is injured in a plane crash, you could have a lawsuit and be entitled to compensation. Read on to find out who may be liable for your plane crash.
What Causes Plane Crashes?
Plane crashes may be caused by a wide variety of circumstances. In some cases, human error could cause a collision, whether through negligence or malicious intent. In other crashes, removal of regulations or safety concerns could play a role in a disaster. Each plane crash is unique and requires an in-depth investigation by an aviation accident attorney in California to determine who is at fault.
What Kind of Injuries Are Common in Plane Crashes?
Plane crashes are often disastrous for passengers, staff, and pilots. Due to the height from which many planes or helicopters fall and the force of many collisions or crashes, victims often incur severe injuries or even death. The most common injuries associated with aviation accidents are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Internal bleeding/organ injuries
- Lacerations/abrasions
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
Liability in Plane Crashes
Due to the strict regulation of airspace, aviation accidents in California and across the country are always investigated rigorously to determine who is liable for the crash. An aviation accident attorney in California can help speed investigations by collecting evidence and testimonies from survivors. In most aviation accident lawsuits, liability rests with:
- The airline that may have undercut safety measures for their staff or planes
- The airport which may have steered pilots incorrectly or unsafely
- The pilot or staff who may have acted negligently against safety measures set by the government or airline
- The government for inadequate safety regulations or lack of staffing
- The on-duty air traffic controllers who may have negligently misguided planes or helicopters in the area
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plane crashes the most?
Safety improvements to plane models are constantly in production. However, according to the Federal Aviation Administration in 2022, the plane model with the most crashes was the Boeing 737, followed by the Airbus A320neo.
How many planes crash per year?
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, there were 946 non-fatal and 210 fatal aviation accidents in 2021. Since 2009, the rate of plane crashes has slowly decreased. The NTSB supplies a helpful data dashboard of recorded aviation accidents here.
Have there been more plane crashes in 2025?
Although it seems as though there is a new aviation accident every day in the news, data provided by the NTSB states that the January and February rates of aviation accidents are actually lower in 2025 vs. January and February of 2024. However, we have seen an increase in loss of life with more than 80 passengers and pilots dead, at the time of this writing in 2025.
Do plane crash victims always die?
No, plane crash victims do not always die. In fact, most aviation accidents are non-fatal, occurring during taxi, takeoff, or landing when much of the speed and height concerns are not at play.
How do I know if I can sue for a plane crash in California?
Every aviation accident is different and requires a discerning eye to determine who may be liable. Victims who have been injured in aviation accidents can discuss their specific case with a skilled aviation accident attorney in California to learn what damages they may be entitled to.
How to Find an Aggressive Aviation Accident Attorney in California
If you or a loved one were injured during a plane crash or other aviation accident, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your injuries. Follow these steps to contact a personal injury attorney with BD&J.
- Collect documentation on your plane crash injuries. Keeping photos, journal entries, and medical records to present to your attorney at BD&J can help expedite the filing of your claim.
- Contact our personal injury team here. Complete our form to receive a call from one of our team members regarding your potential case. Our lawyers will review the information you provide and begin the process of filing.
- Stay in contact with us. Our personal injury attorneys will be keeping you informed as your claim progresses. However, we empower our clients to participate in their claim and may need to discuss the process with you.
More Than $2 Billion* Secured for Clients at BD&J
No matter who is responsible for our clients’ aviation accident injuries, our team of plane crash lawyers are fearless in pursuing just compensation. Our dedication to justice for all California residents has spanned over 20 years, earning our laywers recognition in respected organizations nationwide. Let us fight for justice on your behalf. Contact our team today to discuss your accident at no cost to you!
