Oroville Aviation Accident Lawyer

After being in any sort of accident that leaves you injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you need an attorney by your side to guide you through the legal claims process.

It’s important, however, to choose someone who has relevant experience. If you suffer a slip and fall at a grocery store, for instance, you need a legal professional who has won cases in an area like premises liability. If you’ve been involved in a car crash, you need a car accident attorney. Likewise, if you’ve been hurt in an airplane accident or a similar aviation incident, you need the services of a plane crash lawyer.

Steve Gimblin Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer has experience with aviation accidents and plane crashes. Our Oroville aviation accident attorneys are here to help you seek justice and hold the negligent parties accountable for the harm they have caused you.

How Safe Are Airplanes?

Commercial air travel is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation. Be that as it may, airplane accidents can (and do) still happen, and their results can be catastrophic, ranging from life-altering injuries to even wrongful deaths.

General aviation, which involves the operation of small private planes and helicopters, carries a higher risk than flights with commercial airlines. Accidents involving these vehicles can be linked to maintenance oversights, pilot error, or defective components.

Oroville, California, in particular, sees frequent use of personal aircraft and private charters, so it’s important to recognize that crashes and other incidents are (relatively speaking) a more likely occurrence here.

Why Work With Steve Gimblin Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer for Your Aviation Accident in Oroville?

Dealing with the aftermath of an aircraft accident is far more complex than handling a car crash. Aviation law combines federal, state, and international regulations, and cases often involve commercial pilots and powerful defendants within the aviation industry, such as airlines, manufacturers, and insurers.

With that in mind, here’s how Steve Gimblin Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer will prove to be your trusted advocate:

• Experience: We have a strong track record of representing injured clients in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, including aviation-related claims
• Resources: Our firm partners with aviation professionals and other industry consultants to build compelling cases
• Local Knowledge: As we are based in Oroville, we understand the aviation landscape of Northern California and are ready to act quickly on your behalf

Most importantly, though, our team is passionate about delivering results for our clients. Steve Gimblin is an experienced Oroville aviation accident lawyer who will stand up for you in your time of need.

What Are Some Common Types of Aviation Accidents Exactly?

Airplanes and helicopters are incredibly complex pieces of machinery. As a result, they can encounter malfunctions resulting from a wide range of internal and external factors, including the following:

Bird Strikes

Bird strikes can disable engines and obscure a pilot’s visibility. These incidents can happen during takeoff or landing, and can be more common in rural areas like Oroville.

Defective Equipment/Machinery

Problems with the aircraft or some of its support systems can also lead to accidents and issues involving complex product liability litigation.

Unsafe Weather Conditions

Inclement weather, such as high winds, lightning, or fog, can lead to a loss of visibility or turbulence-related injuries. In-flight injuries are not usually as serious as those caused by a crash or rough landing, but they can still impact your quality of life by way of pain and suffering.

Air Traffic Controller Error

Miscommunications between pilots and air traffic controllers can lead to midair collisions or rough landings. In these scenarios, liability may fall on federal agencies, airports, or individual personnel, making the process of seeking compensation complicated.

Maintenance Engineer Negligence

When aviation maintenance personnel cut corners on repairs or safety checks, the results can be fatal. They must adhere to the latest standards regarding safety inspections and should complete all repairs in accordance with established best practices.

Negligent Hiring

When an airline or charter company fails to thoroughly vet its pilots, crew members, or maintenance staff, it may be held liable for any resulting harm.

Lack of Proper Training/Supervision

Inadequate training and support for pilots and other staff members increases the likelihood of human error during critical phases of flight.

However, proving that a pilot’s lack of supervision or training caused an accident can be challenging. You’ll need an Oroville aviation accident lawyer who can track down training records and bring in subject matter experts to demonstrate the other party’s negligence.

I Am A Victim of an Airplane Crash. Who is Liable for an Aviation Accident in California?

Establishing liability in an aviation accident is complex, as depending on the circumstances of your crash, one or more of the following parties may be responsible:

• The aircraft’s owner or operator
• Its manufacturer
• Its pilot
• Maintenance personnel
• Air traffic control
• The airline or charter service

In many cases, more than one of these parties may be found liable, but knowing for sure often requires an in-depth investigation.

Why Are Aviation Lawsuit Claims So Complex in the United States?

Aviation claims are some of the most complicated personal injury cases to litigate due to the following factors:

• The involvement of state laws, federal regulations, and even international treaties
• The need to collect and examine technical evidence like maintenance logs and black box data, which requires expert analysis
• The presence of multiple defendants

Understanding that, you can’t put your case in the hands of someone who lacks the right experience. You need an attorney who has handled the type of case you are dealing with, and that is an Oroville aviation accident lawyer.

What Are Some Common Types of Aviation Accidents?

Some of the most common types of aviation accidents are classified as follows:

Descent & Landing

The descent is arguably one of the most dangerous moments during a flight. If the pilot misjudges their altitude or approach, it could result in a bumpy or even catastrophic landing.

Problems during landing could also arise due to issues with equipment or a mistake on an air traffic controller’s part.

Taxi & Takeoff

Taxiing around the airport can lead to runway crashes or impacts with birds, aviation incidents that can be catastrophic even before a plane leaves the ground.

Mechanical Problems

Engine failures and landing gear malfunctions are just some of the many different mechanical problems a craft may encounter. They could point to maintenance negligence or manufacturing defects.

Flight Maneuvers

Pilots who perform inappropriate or unsafe flight maneuvers, such as changing altitude too fast or making improper turns, can cause in-flight injuries or otherwise contribute to a crash.

Poor Fuel Management

Running out of fuel or using the incorrect fuel type can lead to engine shutdown and subsequently fatal crashes. Liability in these cases could extend to the pilot, airport, or fueling personnel.

Weather

Unexpected weather changes can disrupt flight paths and lead to delays. Severe weather may also cause issues like wing icing or turbulence that lead to in-flight injuries.

Types of Aircraft Involved Usually in California

Oroville and its surrounding areas see a wide range of aircraft in use, and each kind has distinct risks associated with it. Here’s what you need to know about the major aircraft categories:

Private Planes 

Private planes are a common sight in Oroville, seeing as the area is known for its thriving agriculture industry that often relies on planes to apply herbicides and insecticides. Some residents in the area also own private planes for recreational purposes. These vehicles, however, are more vulnerable to pilot error and maintenance issues due to decreased oversight.

Charter Flights

Charter flights are often less regulated than major airlines, which means they may present risks related to inexperienced pilots and poorly maintained aircraft. At the same time, of course, there are plenty of reputable charter companies that offer various aviation services; the key is to do your homework before booking a flight with a charter plane.

Helicopters

Helicopters are frequently used for medical transport and construction, but they are also a popular choice for charter flights due to their versatility and ability to take off and land vertically. Helicopter crashes can result from pilot error, mechanical failure, inclement weather, or rotor issues.

Small Commercial Aircraft

Airlines may use older planes and less experienced pilots to handle regional flights connecting smaller California cities. While commercial aircraft of all sizes are tightly regulated, these smaller planes tend to lack some of the redundancies and safety features of larger planes.

Aviation Accident Statistics From The National Safety Council: Injury Facts

The National Safety Council has reported that hundreds of U.S. civil aviation accidents occurred in 2023. These accidents are divided as follows:

• 28 airline-related accidents involving scheduled service
• 3 airline-related accidents involving non-scheduled service
• One accident involving commuter airlines
• 36 accidents involving on-demand air taxis
• 1,150 general aviation accidents

Cumulatively, these accidents resulted in hundreds of injuries and fatalities, but as you can see, general aviation incidents were responsible for the most by far. That trend is likely due to the limited regulations imposed on private pilots and planes.

What to Do After an Aviation Accident?

If you are involved in an aviation accident, you must do the following:

• Seek medical attention
• Report the accident
• Do what you can to preserve evidence (i.e., take photos)
• Avoid speaking with insurers alone

Once you’ve addressed your immediate medical needs, you need to reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer. Specifically, you need to focus on aviation accident lawyers. Our legal team can help you build a strong case and pursue fair compensation.

Contact the Oroville Aviation Accident Lawyers at Steve Gimblin Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today

From fatal car accidents to airline disasters, our firm assists with a wide range of accident and personal injury cases. We offer the following:

• Free case evaluations
• No upfront fees
• Contingency-based representation (which means we don’t get paid unless we win)

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Steve Gimblin Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.

Oroville Aviation Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that our aviation accident attorneys commonly encounter:

How Long Do I Have to File an Aviation Accident Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, aircraft accidents may involve federal jurisdiction that tightens that deadline, so it’s best to act immediately.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in an Aviation Accident Lawsuit?

You may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages (current and future), and your pain and suffering. If a family member was killed as a result of the incident, you may also be able to seek damages for your loss.

What Makes Aviation Lawsuits Different From Personal Injury Cases?

Aviation cases could fall under state, federal, or even international laws, potentially complicating the investigatory process. Therefore, it’s important to partner with an experienced airplane crash lawyer with the knowledge to see your case through.

Can I Sue the Airline or Just the Pilot?

It depends on who is at fault. Liability may fall on several parties involved, including the pilot, the airline, the manufacturer, the airport, and air traffic control.

Do I Need a Local Lawyer for an Aviation Case? 

Having an Oroville aviation accident lawyer ensures that your representation is familiar with the local aviation environment. Attorney Steve Gimblin has handled numerous aviation accident incidents in California and has extensive knowledge of state and federal laws that may be relevant to your case.

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