Dedicated Representation for Injured Clients After a Plane or Helicopter Crash
BD&J passionately upholds clients’ rights in court. Our firm has guided hundreds of clients to successful settlements, and we can provide aggressive representation for your case. Backed by years of experience and an impressive track record of over $3 Billion* in verdicts and settlements for our clients, we can fight for your right to compensation.
Airplane and helicopter crashes can leave victims vulnerable, injured, and traumatized. As an aviation crash victim, you have the legal right to recover compensation. Working with an attorney can help you overcome any legal hurdles while sharing your story. Not many firms cover these accidents, but BD&J is here for you after a traumatic event like this.
BD&J California aviation accident lawyers fight for victims’ rights to compensation after an aviation crash.
Key Takeaways
- Aviation accidents occur when an airplane or helicopter experiences a collision or other incident resulting in injury, death, or major structural damage to the aircraft
- Common aviation accidents include commercial crashes, private plane collisions, helicopter accidents, landing collisions, and more
- Mechanical failures, pilot error, and air traffic control negligence can contribute to aviation accidents
- Working with a California aviation accident attorney from BD&J can help accident victims recover compensation and hold parties legally responsible
Types of Aviation Accidents
There were 1,201 civil aviation accidents in 2024 throughout the country (NSTB). Flying can be a cost-effective and quicker way to travel, and is also statistically the safest way to travel, but there are still risks involved.
There are several types of aviation accidents. These include:
- Ground collisions
- Mid-air collisions
- Landing accidents
- Takeoff accidents
- Taxiing accidents
- Loss of control accidents
- Turbulence accidents
- Mechanical failure accidents
These accidents can involve a variety of aircraft, such as:
- Commercial planes
- Private airplanes
- Charter planes
- Cargo planes
- Helicopters
- Air ambulances
- Air-taxis
- Hot air balloons
- Unpowered gliders
Call 855-906-3699 today to connect with a BD&J team member and schedule your FREE initial case review consultation.
The Different Types of Aviation
Aviation is often broken down into 3 categories: general, commercial, civil aviation.
Commercial and general aviation are actually branches of civil aviation. Civil aviation is the broad term used for all forms of aviation that aren’t conducted by the military.
Commercial aviation is the transportation of people or cargo through an aircraft. For example, the standard flight you take from point A to point B in California or to another part of the country/world would be through a commercial flight. Purchases that are shipped from another country into the U.S. would be transported on a commercial flight as well.
General aviation includes all non-scheduled recreational and business aviation besides commercial flights. This can include hot-air balloon rides, private flights, helicopter flights used to fight forest fires or transport medical products, etc.
How Serious Are Aviation Accident Injuries?
In any aviation accident situation, the risk of serious injury and death is significant. This is due to multiple factors, including the elevation an aircraft has reached, the collision force of an aircraft, and the general exposure of all passengers aboard. Injuries from aviation accidents may involve:
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal hemorrhaging
- Lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Coma
- Burn Injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
Does California Have a Lot of Aviation Accidents?
California’s large population, expansiveness, and tourist locations can mean there are a number of aircraft zooming along the skies at any given moment. Whether it’s on route to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), or one of the countless heliports in Anaheim, Barstow, Sacramento, and other California cities, aircraft coming and going is no rare occurrence.
This also increases the risks of aviation accidents happening in the blink of an eye.
- The California aviation industry sees over 219.2 million annual travelers (NASAO)
- According to the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board), there have been 51 nonfatal aviation accidents and 11 fatal aviation accidents in California so far in 2026
- Issues with situation awareness have attributed to about 88% of air carrier accidents (ScienceDirect)
With so many people flying in, out, and around California, it’s essential for airlines to maintain safe conditions for passengers and workers. Failing to do so may become the basis for a legal claim in the case of an accident.
What to Do After an Airplane Crash
If you’ve been involved in an airplane crash, the first few minutes after can be adrenaline-filled and confusing. For your safety and that of other involved passengers, do the following:
- Get to a safe area away from the wreckage. – This can be especially important to keep you away from any sudden explosions or fires involving the aircraft.
- Check yourself for serious injuries. – It is crucial to check yourself and other passengers around you for any serious injuries that require immediate attention.
- Call for help immediately. – Call the emergency department for services if you have a clear cell signal to do so.
- Preserve all evidence related to your journey. – This includes photos and videos, the information of other passengers, ticket and flight information, and airline information.
- Talk to an aviation accident attorney in California early. – To understand your legal rights and what fair compensation may look like after an accident, consult with an aviation accident injury lawyer early after your accident.
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies. – Big airlines will often rely on an insurance company to handle any claims, but you’ll want to avoid speaking to these insurance companies alone, so you’re not lowballed or have your words used against you for liability purposes.
You don’t have to deal with the terrifying and uncertain aftermath of an aviation accident on your own. The BD&J law firm is here to help vulnerable victims and their loved ones seek justice.
If you have been injured in a plane crash, contact BD&J to file a claim and seek the compensation you deserve.
What Causes an Aviation Accident?
Aviation accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. With so many working parts and people involved in the process, it is important to conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. The NTSB investigates all aviation crashes to determine who is at fault. Causes of aviation accidents include:
- Pilot error – There is a lot of room for pilots to make a mistake while operating the craft. A pilot’s responsibilities include paying attention to unsafe weather conditions, staying alert and unimpaired, following safety regulations, supervising flight personnel and procedures, and much more.
- Design and mechanical failures – The Hindenburg was not the only instance of catastrophic design flaws in aircraft. Design failures such as improperly designed doors, oddly shaped windows, and flaws in the design of the aircraft wings have resulted in structural issues for aircraft which caused devastating effects.
- Air traffic control error – Air traffic controllers are responsible for proper communication and protocol for safe takeoff and landing and must be certified. An air traffic controller who makes improper takeoff or landing clearances, allows aircraft to travel in hazardous conditions, or mismanages runway activity may cause an accident.
- Maintenance error – Aircraft should be properly maintained on a regular schedule. An aircraft that is not maintained or needs repairs that are ignored or mismanaged due to lack of training and certification can result in serious consequences for all passengers.
- Defective runways – Everything from faulty materials to bad design can make a runway potentially hazardous for takeoff and landing. Runways have cracked and buckled due to these errors. Unsupervised runways or those with lax security protocols can also lead to accidents.
Who Could Be Held Responsible for an Aviation Crash?
Depending on the situation, a number of people may be held liable for an airplane, helicopter, or other aircraft crash. These include:
- The pilot of the aircraft
- Other aircraft crewmembers
- Maintenance supervisors
- Repair technicians
- Air traffic controllers
- Commercial airlines
The NTSB will conduct a thorough investigation by looking at the condition of the airplane and factors of the incident to determine the cause. Working with an aviation injury lawyer in California can help you preserve important evidence to prove your claim and hold liable parties responsible for their actions.
The Duty of Care Commercial Aviation Companies Have to Passengers
Commercial airlines have a duty of care to every passenger and crewmember that climbs aboard their aircraft. Airlines must:
- Hire trained and licensed pilots who remain vigilant and sober during the aircraft’s operation and refrain from operating in a reckless or negligent way
- Hire certified crewmembers with the proper background checks completed
- Keep passengers on aircraft safe from injuries while on their journey
- Clearly communicate passenger rights when it comes to flight delays, cancellations, and flight disruptions
- Maintain aircraft in good operating conditions
- Provide visible information on their websites on how clients can file a complaint with the airline
Did a commercial airline breach their duty of care to you, leading to severe injuries? The California aviation accident attorneys from BD&J can represent you in a claim.
The Complexity of Aircraft Accident Lawsuits
Determining fault and liability within a vast airline operation can be complex, especially when you consider the various departments involved in getting an aircraft off the ground.
An airplane accident lawyer can help investigate the cause of an injury so injured clients receive just compensation from the correct parties. Our team specializes in collecting damages for anything from wrongful death to punitive damages for gross negligence.
Here are some questions our airplane accident lawyers consider:
- Was the pilot at fault?
- Were incorrect bolts and manufacturing materials used for parts?
- Was it a mechanical failure?
- Did the aircraft run out of fuel?
- Did a natural disaster or unpredictable weather pattern throw the plane off course?
- Was it an error caused by baggage handling and vehicles on the runway?
- Is this a commercial or private aviation accident?
- Was it a mid-air collision caused by a lack of communication and crowded airways?
Additionally, there are various federal regulations to consider, which include multiple state and federal government agencies and analysis of insurance contracts. An aviation accident law firm should be contacted soon after the event to ensure accurate accounts of the accident.
BD&J’s California Aviation Accident Lawyers Are Here for You.
Since 2007, BD&J is the California law firm that has fought tirelessly for the victims of aviation accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, and more. We don’t turn our backs on any case that walks through our doors.
When you’re dealing with large commercial airlines and their even bigger legal teams, you need an attorney who has the experience and knowledge to firmly represent your case. Our case results and client testimonials prove our attorneys are ready to be your legal advocates.
How To Prepare for Your Consultation with an Aviation Accident Attorney
If you’ve scheduled a consultation with an aviation accident attorney to discuss your potential claim, there are a few steps you can take to prepare for the day of your consultation. These steps include:
- Gathering all available evidence. – Medical documentation, documented communications with the airline, pay stubs confirming your source of income, and any photos or videos documenting the accident and aftermath can be crucial evidence.
- Preparing your attorney questions. – This is not just an opportunity to meet the attorney, but to also decide if this legal advocate is the one who can handle your case. Common questions include: Do I have a case? What is the value of my claim? How would you represent my case? Do I need anything else to support my lawsuit?
- Committing to being upfront with the attorney. – Establishing trust and honesty with your potential attorney is essential, so come prepared to share the events of the accident, any pre-existing conditions you may have, as well as whether you had any fault in the accident.
- Preparing to listen to what the attorney has to say. – Disagreement with an attorney is possible, but you should not raise your voice, talk over an attorney, or cut them off while they are explaining their view of your case and the possible legal process. Be prepared to listen to what an attorney has to say and then ask your own questions and voice any doubts you may have.
Don’t let the clock run out on your legal claim. BD&J is dedicated to representing injured Californians in the fight for maximum compensation. Start your free case review consultation and speak with our team today by calling 855-906-3699.
Recoverable Compensation After an Aviation Accident
Injuries, property damages, and other expenses associated with a helicopter, plane, or other aircraft accident can quickly pile up. Filing a personal injury claim after an aviation accident can help you recover compensation, including:
Economic Damages
- Current and future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of income
- Physical rehabilitation
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional and mental trauma
- Loss of consortium
In the case of extreme negligence or misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish repeated violations or deter future similar violations from occurring.
How Long After an Aviation Crash Should You File a Lawsuit?
If you want to find out the exact statute of limitations for filing your lawsuit, you should contact an attorney in California. Filing a claim by the deadline date is vital — if you miss the date, you can’t claim compensation.
Typically, the legal timeline is 2 years to file, but discussing your situation with a BD&J, PC, aviation accident lawyer can help clarify your specific timeline.
Would I Still Be Able to Recover Compensation in an Aviation Accident if I Wasn’t Wearing a Seatbelt?
While seatbelt use in an aircraft is a key safety measure, just like with any other vehicle, not using a seatbelt at the time of an accident doesn’t completely stop you from pursuing compensation in a legal claim.
This is because California recognizes pure comparative negligence, which means that injured passengers in an aircraft accident can still recover damages even if they were found to have some fault at the time of the accident for their injuries.
Will comparative negligence affect your claim? Speak to the BD&J attorneys in California to learn more by calling 855-906-3699.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Represent Myself in an Aviation Accident Claim?
You could technically do so, but you’d be missing out on unmatched legal guidance when it comes to dealing with insurance companies and other large legal teams. Working with an aviation accident attorney can allow you to focus on what you really need to, including injury recovery and the emotional trauma of a devastating accident.
How Soon Should I Speak with an Attorney?
As soon as you’re ready to start the legal fight for compensation. If an insurance company is lowballing you, you’re dealing with expensive debilitating injuries, or there’s still a question on who is responsible for your damages, an attorney can help.
Can I Successfully Sue an Airline?
Yes, you can hold an airline responsible for the injuries you suffered while on their aircraft. Apart from aviation accidents like collisions and sudden mechanical failures, injuries from fallen luggage, slips and falls in an aircraft cabin, and turbulence injuries could be presented in a legal claim.
What Do I Have to Prove in My Aviation Accident Claim?
To successfully present an aviation accident claim, you must be able to prove a breached duty of care leading to an accident that directly caused your injuries and other damages. This breach of care could be from a pilot’s negligence, a commercial airline’s misconduct, and even the responsibility of maintenance technicians in charge of the aircraft.
What Evidence Do I Need for My Case?
Evidence that could help your aviation accident case includes photos and videos of the accident, witness testimony of other passengers, medical documentation of injuries, copies of any airline communications, ticket information, and a copy of any complaints made to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), or the airline’s customer service branch.
Which is Safer to Ride, an Airplane or a Helicopter?
While commercial airplanes tend to be involved in less accidents than other general aircraft, there are still risks associated with all aircraft types. When a company, employee, or other party fails to uphold reasonable safety standards, they should have to answer for their acts of negligence and misconduct.
What Do I Do if My Loved One Passed Away in an Aviation Accident?
If you lost a loved one in a helicopter or airplane accident, we are profoundly sorry for your loss. Speaking with a California wrongful death attorney can help you and your family decide on the next steps when it comes to taking legal action against any responsible party for the aviation accident.
What Do I Do if an Airline Representative Wants to Interview Me After an Accident?
It is best to protect yourself and other loved ones from speaking with airline representatives and other parties who may be looking to downplay or deny liability. Instead, talk to an attorney as soon as you’re able, and they’ll be able to handle all necessary communications on your behalf.
Should I Accept the First Compensation Offer?
If an insurance company makes an initial compensation offer after an aviation accident, you may be tempted to accept and put the accident behind you.
However, oftentimes these initial compensation offers are extremely undervaluing a case, especially if your injury hasn’t reached Maximum Medical Improvement. If an insurance company is pressuring you to accept a compensation offer, sit down with a lawyer to discuss the true value of your claim and what a fair settlement would look like.
Are BD&J Attorneys Bilingual?
Absolutely. Besides English, you can communicate with our attorneys in Spanish, French, Farsi, Hebrew, Armenian, Arabic, and Russian.
Where Are BD&J Offices Located?
You can find BD&J offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Rancho Santa Margarita, Sacramento, and Riverside.
But don’t worry. If you can’t make it to our offices, our attorneys will make it to you!
Contact Our California Airplane, Helicopter, and Other Aircraft Accident Lawyers Today
At BD&J, we combine compassionate service with tenacious representation to try to maximize our clients’ compensation after an unforeseen accident. If you were injured in an aviation accident, or a loved one was killed in an airplane crash, we can help you file a lawsuit against those responsible.
You are entitled to compensation, and we can work hard to provide informative, personal legal assistance from start to finish.
Complete our online form now to get your case evaluated by one of our legal advocates.
