Millions of people depend on air travel to get them to and from destinations, whether it is for business or pleasure, and, for the most part, air travel is a safe, reliable method of transportation. Statistically, airplanes have a lower crash rate than cars. However, when problems do occur, the results are often catastrophic. When these accidents cause personal injury or property damage, it is important to consult with an Alabama airplane accident lawyer to understand your legal rights in your particular situation.
Fatal UPS Crash
In August 2013, a United Parcel Service (UPS) cargo plane struck a hillside short of a runway in Alabama, killing the two pilots aboard the plane. The Airbus SAS A300-600F broke apart and broke into flames at the airport in Birmingham, and this was the second fatal cargo plane crash in 2013. According to reports, the pilots had to make a visual approach to a shorter runway, requiring them to land over hills, as the longer runway was closed for maintenance. This, combined with poor weather and possible pilot fatigue, led to the crash, which also caused significant damage to property nearby. Neighbors of the airport who suffered significant property damage filed a lawsuit against the airport. The suit claimed that even though there were no personal injuries on the ground, negligence by the airport made for a dangerous situation, further demonstrating the need to consult with an Alabama airplane accident lawyer after a plane crash.
Teen Pilot Death
Alabama airplane accident lawyers can be especially important in a situation where someone is killed in an airplane crash. In November 2013, a young man who would have turned 19 in December, was killed when the 1977 Piper Warrior he was piloting crashed near his home in Elkmont, Alabama. The young man attended Enterprise State College Alabama Aviation Center, and had flying experience. The investigation continues into why the plane went down, clipping trees and damaging a home. This is an example of an event where, even with proper training, horrible tragedies can happen.
Time is of the Essence
After an aviation accident, Alabama airplane accident lawyers warn that time is of the essence when it comes to filing a claim. In July 2013, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that a lawsuit regarding a 2005 crash that occurred in Ada, Oklahoma should be dismissed because it was time-barred. The lawsuit, filed in Alabama against Teledyne Continental Motors, with headquarters in Mobile, claimed that a defective crankshaft in the right engine led to the accident. Alabama airplane accident lawyers for the family of the victims said that an inspection after the crash found significant problems with the engine. The lawsuit brought on behalf of the family, who were all killed in the crash, was settled with Continental in 2007. Continental then sued the gear manufacturer, but the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that the suit was filed after the two-year statute of limitations. Therefore, Alabama airplane accident lawyers warn that anyone involved in an aviation crash contact Attorney Group for Alabama to discuss what legal rights you have in your particular situation.
Common Causes of Airplane Accidents
There are many different reasons why an airplane accident may occur, according to Alabama airplane accident lawyers. Some of the most common include:
- Since the 1950s, approximately 50 percent of aviation accidents have been caused by pilot error. 15 percent of those were due to errors related to weather, five percent due to errors related to the mechanics of the plane, while 29 percent were errors unrelated to either of those factors. In addition, seven percent were related to human error other than the pilot, such as mechanics or ground crew.
- Weather accounted for 12 percent of all aviation accidents since the 1950s.
- Mechanical failure accounted for 22 percent of accidents over the past 60 years.
- Only nine percent of airplane crashes over the past six decades were related to sabotage, such as terrorist attacks.
Injured? Contact an Alabama Airplane Accident Lawyer
Because many of these causes were preventable, contacting Alabama airplane accident attorneys who are aware of the laws regarding negligence, defective equipment, and other factors that come into play after an airplane crash is important to protect the rights of those who are injured or suffer damage due to the crash. For more information, contact Attorney Group for Alabama today for a free consultation.
