Do you know what caused your helicopter accident?
There are hundreds of medical service helicopters in operation across the United States. These aircrafts transport patients, medical personnel, and the helicopter crew. Over the years, there has been a high number of air ambulance accidents, which has prompted action by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Air ambulance accidents have been a problem for the aviation industry, but they are not the only crashes that occur both domestically and internationally. Helicopter accidents also happen at an alarming rate, forcing the victims and their family members to deal with the tragic aftermath.
Helicopter crashes can happen for a number of reasons.
In 2008, a helicopter crashed in Maryland, and the federal government has blamed it on pilot error, according to the Baltimore Sun. Sadly, that medevac helicopter accident is by no means an isolated incident. The year before the deadly Maryland crash, two news helicopters collided in Phoenix, Arizona, killing four men. That helicopter accident was blamed on pilot error as well. The list of helicopter accidents that have occurred in the United States and around the globe goes on and on.
While pilot error is considered the number one cause of helicopter crashes, including air ambulance accidents, there are many other commonly cited factors. Below are some frequent causes of helicopter accidents:
- Weather or environmental conditions
- Maintenance error
- Mechanical malfunction
- Electrical malfunction
- On-ground hazards (i.e. utility wires, radio control towers, buildings, etc.)
There are many other reasons why a helicopter accident might have occurred, which should be discussed with an experienced helicopter accident attorney.
Know your rights after a helicopter accident.
If you or a family member has been affected by a helicopter accident, you need to be aware of your rights. For the most part, passengers, pilots, surviving family members, and people injured on the ground may have the right to recover compensation.
Keep in mind that the law varies depending on whether the accident happened in the United States or in another country. These variations in law, plus the regulations by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), make helicopter crash cases complex. It is therefore crucial that you work with a helicopter crash lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable in aviation law.
Select the right helicopter accident lawyer for your case.
One of the greatest factors in the outcome of your helicopter accident case is the lawyer you have chosen to represent you. Since aviation law is not an area in which most personal injury attorneys are familiar, you need to ensure that your attorney has the experience and background to help you and your family.
Helicopter crash lawyer Michael Pearson worked in the aviation industry for more than 26 years, during which time he worked as an FAA air traffic control specialist and quality assurance specialist. One of his responsibilities was to investigate aviation accidents. So, not only does Michael have experience in representing helicopter accident victims, but he also has unique insight into the aviation industry and accident investigations.