When passengers step onto an airplane to fly out of the Louisville International Airport in Kentucky, they’re most likely focused on their destination—whether it be for work or play. There are a number of advantages to air travel, including speed, comfort, and cost. But like with any mode of transportation, accidents are a very real possibility. When a commercial airline accident occurs, however, it’s possible the consequences will be more severe. That’s why our Louisville airplane accident lawyers are here to represent victims and hold negligent airlines, pilots, or traffic control workers responsible for their actions.
Just by their nature, airplane accidents often result in shocking and devastating tragedies. Even when the event doesn’t result in fatalities, the physical injuries, psychological trauma, and financial ramifications can change the course of a person’s life. If you find yourself dealing with an aviation crash, you deserve legal representation from a trusted law firm who has the experience to help you recover as completely as possible. Thomas Law Offices in Louisville, Kentucky is here for you.
Causes of Commercial Airline Accidents in Kentucky
When a commercial airplane crashes, those involved want to know why. While there are a number of reasons for aviation accidents, patterns can be identified when looking at the majority of incidents.
Human Error. Airplanes are complex machines. Those who pilot them need to have the appropriate training to handle all possible situations. Pilots actively engage with their aircraft at every stage of the flight. As a result, there are numerous opportunities for things to go wrong. Without extensive flying experience or the ability to think and act quickly, a catastrophic accident could occur. Some of the most common pilot errors include programming the vital flight management computer incorrectly, miscalculating the required fuel, inadequate preflight inspection or planning, and failure to abide by rules and checklists.
Pilots are not the only ones who can make mistakes that contribute to an accident. Air traffic controllers, dispatchers, loaders, fuelers, and maintenance engineers can also make mistakes.
Mechanical Failure. While design and manufacturing quality have improved, a number of airplane crashes result from equipment failures. In many of these accidents, engine failure occurs. This could be the result of poor inspections and maintenance, or a defective airplane part.
Weather. While there are technologies to detect poor weather, pilots still find themselves flying in snow, rain, and fog. When dangerous weather strikes, aircrafts may need to make emergency landings. If an experienced pilot is operating the plane, the landing is likely to go as smoothly as possible. In some cases, however, slippery or snow-covered tarmacs result in aviation accidents that happen on the ground.
If you believe your accident was caused by one of the factors above or for a completely different reason, the airplane accident lawyers in Kentucky are prepared to investigate your claim.
Collecting Airplane Accident Evidence
When an airplane crashes, the investigatory process is often long and complex. In some cases, it can take years for the matter to resolve entirely. The first priority when any plane wrecks is for the passengers and crew members to get to safety so they can receive medical attention. Then, the crash site needs to be secured so the investigation can begin.
A number of parties and organizations are involved in the investigation. In general, an investigator-in-charge and specialists from the National Transportation Safety Board are called in. The Federal Aviation Administration or Federal Bureau of Investigation may also get involved.
Once the area has been cleared of any potential dangers, like fire or electrical hazards, the team can begin composing a report that contains information like the landing impact, the velocity and angle the aircraft crashed, the position of the passengers’ seats, and the locations of the flight equipment, engines, and propellers.
Members of the team analyze the evidence and submit their own reports, which are all reviewed. Further analysis may be needed in some cases to determine fault. Once the report is finalized, it’s made available to the public.
Recovering from an Airline Aviation Accident in Louisville
As the demand for air travel continues to grow, the possibility of accidents does as well. The investigation process for a commercial airline accident can take years to come to an end. This often means crash victims are left to deal with the consequences on their own. Our Louisville airline aviation accident lawyers don’t want to see that happen. We’re prepared to take on complex airplane accident claims in order to help families restore order to their lives.
In order to help accident victims, our attorneys will review and examine all the evidence related to the crash. This will include the flight data recorders, maintenance and inspection records, and more. We may be able to determine who was at fault for the accident, so we can work toward covering your losses.
Once liability has been proven, we can begin to negotiate a proper settlement from the airline or airplane manufacturer’s insurance company. In many situations, the initial settlement does not fairly compensate the victim or the victim’s family for their losses. Our lawyers in Kentucky will work to ensure the compensation you receive is full and fair.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an aviation incident, our Louisville airplane accident lawyers are here when you’re ready to take action. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. This will ensure your attorney has access to the evidence they need to determine what happened, why it happened, and what you’re owed. For a free consultation to determine how best to proceed with your claim, contact us today.
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