Aviation Accidents: Commercial Aircraft

According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the United States aviation system served more than 965 million passengers in 2017. At any given time, there are 5,000 aircraft in the sky above the United States. Air travel is intertwined with our day-to-day personal and professional lives.

While general aviation aircraft are smaller and tend to be used recreationally, commercial aviation aircraft are profit-based, carrying a lot of passengers and flown by experienced pilots. Commercial aircraft accidents and disasters are more common and varied than you might think. When they occur, it is important for you to contact legal counsel to understand your options for seeking compensation.

Types of Commercial Aircraft Accidents

Commercial aviation accidents can be deadly, dangerous, and scary, and they are not limited to the rare and major airplane crashes that make national and international headlines. Other commercial aviation accidents can include, but are not limited to:

• Plane crashes and other disasters
• Passenger injuries inside planes
• Events on and around the tarmac

To learn more about how these incidents occur, read our blog post on the common causes of aviation accidents.

International Commercial Aircraft Incidents

Even if you have been injured in an aviation accident that occurred outside the United States, over the ocean, or on an international flight, you may be able to bring lawsuits against airlines or aviation manufacturers in the United States. The Montreal Convention, foreign law, or United States federal or state laws could apply, depending on the circumstances. Aviation attorneys at WKW can help you navigate the difficulties surrounding international aviation law.

When to Seek Legal Counsel

After a commercial aviation accident occurs, you will be contacted by members of the airline’s family care team. While individuals on these teams can be well-intentioned and sincere, they receive direction from the airline itself and cannot provide a full range of legal options. It is important to contact legal counsel after you or a loved one have been involved in a commercial aviation accident so that you can be notified of any deadlines surrounding legal action and discuss next steps.

Contact an Aviation Accident Attorney Today

At WKW, two of our staff attorneys are licensed pilots. Our aviation attorneys have commercial licenses, flight engineer certificates, and instrument and multi-engine aircraft ratings. Additionally, they have flight experience in Boeing 727s and private aircrafts.

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of an aviation accident, you are urged to contact the Indianapolis Aviation Accident Attorneys of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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