Airplane crashes cause fewer fatalities compared to car accidents. However, taking flight is not without its own risks. From mechanical failure and inadequate maintenance, to pilot errors, aviation accidents can happen. Whether you’ve experienced an accident in an airplane, airliner, jet, or helicopter, the Hulburt Law Firm attorneys have extensive experience handling aviation accident cases.
We are committed to helping aviation accident victims in San Diego secure the compensation and justice they deserve. Our top-rated lawyers will provide you with the guidance, support, and skillful representation needed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Approximately 70% of airplane crashes occur within 10 miles of an airport.*
Throughout the process, we keep you informed, answer any questions you may have, and provide ongoing support. We limit the number of cases we take on so that we can dedicate the time and attention needed for each case.
With the Hulburt Law Firm by your side, you can focus on your recovery while knowing that your legal claims are being taken care of. If you or a loved one has been involved in an aviation accident, contact us today for a free case review.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of achieving extraordinary results.
A sudden tire failure caused an SUV to fishtail and crash, killing a beloved husband and father.
An improperly installed gate fell on a construction worker, killing him.
A defective airplane component caused a deadly crash.
During your free case review, we listen to your story, collect preliminary information, and provide an honest evaluation of your case’s strengths and potential challenges.
Once the scope of work is signed, our team gets to work conducting a thorough investigation to build a strong foundation for your case examining the accident scene, analyzing flight records and maintenance logs, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses.
To strengthen your case, our firm collaborates with experts, including accident reconstructionists, aviation experts, medical professionals, and economists in order to recreate the accident scenario, provide detailed assessments of your injuries and necessary treatments, and calculate the full extent of your financial losses.
Based on our investigation and expert collaboration, we develop a tailored legal strategy involving identifying all liable parties, determining claims, and calculating damages.
Our goal is to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for all your losses. We thoroughly assess the damages you have suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and loss of consortium (compensation for the impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or family).
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and are skilled at telling your story, presenting evidence and expert testimony, cross-examining witnesses, and making compelling arguments to the judge and jury.
Understanding the basics of California aviation accident law can help you protect your rights. See several key points below:
You may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:
The Hulburt Law Firm is here to provide expert legal representation and guide you through every step of the process.
Forget surface-level research and mediocre inquiries. We dive deep to conduct extensive investigations and gather evidence in order to build your strongest case.
We use technology to your advantage. By using video and photography, scene recreations, and graphics, we tell your story in a visually-compelling way that other law firms cannot match.
Defense attorneys and insurance companies know us and respect us. We assess the full extent of your damages and pursue all responsible parties in order to maximize the compensation you deserve.
Catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases are rarely simple. We have taken on the largest corporations, insurance companies, and defense firms in the country and won.
We understand how important it is to have a compassionate and considerate lawyer. From providing regular case updates to ensuring clients are adequately prepared for each step of the case, we continually demonstrate our care for all of our clients.
You may have a valid case if:
An attorney can help evaluate the specifics of your situation and determine the viability of your case.
Potentially liable parties can include:
You may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. For property damage claims, the limit is three years.
Key evidence includes:
The duration varies based on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. It can take several months to a few years.
While it’s possible to file a claim without an attorney, having an experienced aviation accident lawyer is highly recommended. An attorney can help:
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees and no legal fees unless we win your case. This arrangement ensures that you can access high-quality legal representation without financial strain.
Many aviation accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may advise taking the case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.
If a loved one is involved in a fatal airplane, airliner, jet, or helicopter crash in California, the family members are entitled to pursue wrongful death and survival claims against the responsible parties.
Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim is filed by the family members of someone who died because of the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. Wrongful death claims allow family members to seek compensation for the death of their loved one.
Wrongful death damages include compensation for the loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral support. They also include compensation for the loss of financial support, household services, and funeral expenses.
Survival Claim
A survival claim allows family members to pursue damages on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. A survival claim focuses on damages suffered by the deceased person before they died. For example, a survival claim may seek damage for the deceased person’s pre-death pain and suffering, and punitive damages for egregious negligence or recklessness.
The Hulburt Law Firm specializes in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Our attorneys have helped spouses, parents, children, and siblings recover maximum compensation for the loss of their loved ones. Contact us for a free initial consultation.
Airplane crashes can occur due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
Pilot Error
Mistakes made by pilots, including errors in judgment, navigation, or handling of the aircraft, can lead to accidents. Factors such as fatigue, distraction, lack of situational awareness, or insufficient training can contribute to pilot error.
Mechanical Failure
Failures in aircraft systems, such as engines, landing gear, hydraulics, or other critical components, can lead to accidents. These failures can occur due to manufacturing defects, improper maintenance, or wear and tear.
Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, fog, strong winds, icing, or turbulence, can significantly impact flight safety and contribute to accidents, particularly if pilots are not adequately trained or equipped to handle such conditions.
Poor Maintenance
Inadequate maintenance practices or failure to detect and repair issues during routine inspections can lead to mechanical failures or malfunctions that compromise the safety of the aircraft.
Fuel Issues
Running out of fuel mid-flight or using contaminated fuel can result in engine failure and subsequent accidents. Improper fuel management, such as miscalculating fuel consumption or failing to refuel when necessary, can also lead to accidents.
Air Traffic Control Errors
Miscommunication or errors by air traffic controllers can lead to mid-air collisions, runway incursions, or other incidents that compromise flight safety.
Bird Strikes
Collisions between aircraft and birds or other wildlife can damage critical components, such as engines or windshields, leading to accidents.
Structural Failure
Structural weaknesses or design flaws in the aircraft can lead to structural failure during flight, resulting in accidents.
Runway Incursions
Incursions by vehicles, pedestrians, or other aircraft onto active runways can lead to collisions during takeoff or landing.
Investigations into airplane crashes typically involve thorough examination of various factors to determine the root causes and contributing factors involved in the accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is a federal agency responsible for investigating airplane, airline, jet, and helicopter accidents. The NTSB operates independently from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is responsible for regulating civil aviation. While the FAA may provide technical expertise and support to NTSB investigations, the NTSB leads the investigation process and has the authority to issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents.
Here’s an overview of how the NTSB conducts its investigations:
Notification and Response
When an aircraft accident occurs, the NTSB is typically notified by various sources, including air traffic control, emergency responders, or the public. The NTSB immediately initiates its response, dispatching a team of investigators to the accident site.
Establishment of Investigation Team
The NTSB forms an investigation team comprising experts in various disciplines relevant to the accident, such as aircraft operations, engineering, human factors, air traffic control, and weather analysis. The team may also include representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft manufacturer, and other relevant parties.
Gathering Evidence
Investigators collect physical evidence from the accident site, including wreckage, flight data recorders (FDRs or "black boxes"), cockpit voice recorders (CVRs), radar data, air traffic control communications, weather reports, maintenance records, and witness statements. They document the accident scene thoroughly to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
Analysis and Examination
The gathered evidence undergoes detailed analysis and examination to determine the probable cause of the accident. This involves examining the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to understand the actions of the flight crew, as well as analyzing the wreckage and other evidence to identify any mechanical failures, structural issues, or other contributing factors.
Interviews and Testimony
Investigators conduct interviews with witnesses, air traffic controllers, maintenance personnel, and other individuals with relevant information about the accident. They may also gather testimony from survivors, if available, to gain insights into the events leading up to the crash.
Report Preparation
Once the investigation is complete, the NTSB prepares a comprehensive final report summarizing its findings and conclusions regarding the probable cause of the accident. The report includes detailed analysis, supporting evidence, and safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future.
Safety Recommendations
Based on the findings of the investigation, the NTSB issues safety recommendations to various stakeholders, including the FAA, aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and other relevant entities. These recommendations are aimed at addressing deficiencies identified during the investigation and improving aviation safety.
The Hulburt Law Firm works closely with government agencies such as the NTSB and FAA during the investigation process. We share information, coordinate inspections, and ensure that our clients’ interests are represented.
Simply fill out the form or call 619.821.0500 to receive a free case review. We’ll evaluate what happened, your injuries, and potential defendants to determine how we can best help you.