Aviation Accident Lawyers in Indianapolis, IN

Experienced Indianapolis, IN Aviation Accident Law Firm

Question: I was injured in a private plane crash. Can aviation accident lawyers in Indianapolis, IN handle an aviation transportation accident?

Answer:

Airplanes are enormous pieces of equipment and aviation accident lawyers in Indianapolis, IN know that the people operating them must be extremely careful to protect workers and passengers. If they don’t, an accident causing serious injury or wrongful death may result. If you know someone who has suffered injuries or died as a result of aviation, speak with the experienced attorneys at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers in Indianapolis today. Our experienced aviation accident lawyers for Indianapolis, IN know what it takes to move ahead with a lawsuit against the parties responsible for your accident.

The various causes of aviation accidents

While using public modes of transportation―including airplanes, you place your trust in the airline, the pilot, and the staff. Aviation accidents, although somewhat rare, are still a legitimate risk with a number of contributing factors. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has found that the following factors tend to be the most common causes.

Weather conditions

Although pilots are trained to handle all types of weather, unexpected changes in conditions may require emergency action. Failure to prepare for these issues risks the well-being of passengers.

Violent turbulence

Pilots sometimes have difficulty predicting when turbulence will occur, which could cause some smaller airplanes to lose control.

Runway errors

Poor conditions or other issues on runways mean that pilots sometimes need to make quick decisions. If the airport fails to properly maintain runways for safe arrivals and departures, it could be liable for any personal injuries that occur.

Pilot errors

Airplane pilots are very well trained, but their unusual hours and the pressures of their jobs can lead to mistakes. If a pilot should have been able to avoid an error and an accident results, the pilot or airline may be held accountable.

Mechanical errors

When a plane is at the terminal, airline staff must thoroughly inspect it to prevent any malfunctions when the aircraft is in the sky. If they fail to do so or equipment fails during a flight, the consequences could be very serious for passengers.

Whether your accident occurred on a train or airplane, it’s important to work with experienced aviation accident lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana to explore your options for seeking compensation. The team at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers can help with this process.

What should I know about pursuing compensation?

When you take a private plane ride, you trust that the pilot, co-pilot, air traffic controller, and other parties know what they are doing. Likewise, you expect nothing by the best from the ground and maintenance crew. Naturally, you also expect that you will land safely at your next destination. When something goes wrong and a private plane crash occurs, the harm can be catastrophic, if not deadly. If you, or a loved one, were involved in a private plane crash, you should consult the Indianapolis, IN aviation accidents lawyers from Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible. We’ll help you to determine who was responsible for the crash, what was the cause, and how you can recover compensation.

Private Plane Accidents in the U.S.

The National Transportation Safety Board concludes that private planes are more dangerous than any other vehicle in the aviation category. For example, in 2015, there was approximately one death for every 100,000 flight hours. This equates to 376 fatalities and 1,209 private plane crashes.

The Most Common Causes of Private Plane Accidents

There are many causes of private plane accidents, including pilot inexperience, lack of training, intoxication, pilot error, loss of control, collision, poor landing, weather conditions, tarmac obstruction, defective parts, poor maintenance, lack of fuel, lack of ground crew training, and miscommunication between the aircraft and the ground.

Determining LIability in a Private Plane Crash

There are a number of people who are involved in the design, building, maintenance, and flying of private aircraft. And this means that liability for a private plane crash could fall on any number of parties. For instance, depending on what your Indiana aviation accident lawyer determines, a claim may need to be filed against one or more of the following parties:

• The designer of the aircraft
• The manufacturer of the aircraft or a part
• The designer of a certain part of the plane
• The maintenance provider
• The owner of the plane
• The pilot
• Air traffic control
• The airport

Expert Testimony

An aviation claim for damages rests upon the evidence and the experts brought to testify. That our team of aviation accident lawyers may call upon Indiana state and federal agencies to find out why the crash occurred. Some of our resources include The National Transportation Safety Board, engineers, regulatory experts, aviation experts, reconstructionists, and more.

Compensation

As the victim of a private plane crash, you may potentially recover compensation for damages from an insurance claim or lawsuit. However, aviation accident claims require extensive knowledge of Indiana personal injury law as well as aviation law. And without an experienced personal injury attorney, you may run into complications, such as the General Aviation Revitalization Act which protects a number of manufacturers from certain claims regarding a plane more than 18 years old. And if the pilot was liable, but did not carry insurance, you may encounter other issues with your claim. For this reason, you can benefit from hiring an experienced aviation accident lawyer and personal injury attorney from Indianapolis.

Call Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers

If you were the unfortunate victim of a private plane crash, it is important you take a moment to learn about your legal rights. Our aviation accident lawyers for Indianapolis, IN have handled a broad range of plane accident cases and have extensive experience in dealing with the many complexities that often arise. To learn more, call Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers.

Call an experienced Indianapolis lawyer right away

For more information about how you can seek compensation after an aviation accident, speak with one of our attorneys, a skilled member of our legal team at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers in Indianapolis IN. Our consultations and are free of charge and our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may contact us online or call our office at (317) 639-9501 to speak with one of our aviation accident lawyers serving Indianapolis, Indiana today!

Aviation Accident FAQs

Why Should I Consider Hiring An Aviation Accident Lawyer?

Navigating the aftermath of a plane accident can be complex and emotionally draining, but Indianapolis, IN aviation accident lawyers can help.

Aviation accidents often involve multiple parties, including aircraft manufacturers, airline companies, and insurance providers. An aviation lawyer has the specialized knowledge required to understand the nuances of aviation laws and regulations. They can help identify liable parties, gather essential evidence, and ensure victims and their families receive the compensation they rightly deserve.

What Sets Aviation Accident Cases Apart From Other Personal Injury Cases?

Aviation accidents, though less frequent than car accidents, are usually more devastating and involve specific technicalities. Investigations might require an understanding of aircraft systems, federal aviation regulations, and international treaties if the incident involved a non-domestic flight. Moreover, multiple parties could be responsible, ranging from pilots to maintenance crews or even the manufacturers of the airplane’s components. This intricacy why aviation accident lawyers in Indianapolis, IN need to be well-versed in the specifics of such cases.

How Can A Lawyer Assist If The Accident Occurred Outside Of The United States?

Aviation accidents that occur internationally add another layer of complexity due to the involvement of different jurisdictions and potentially applicable international treaties, like the Montreal Convention. An legal team experienced in aviation accidents can navigate these complexities, working in tandem with legal experts from other countries when necessary. They can help determine where to file the lawsuit, which laws apply, and how to maximize compensation under those laws.

What Happens If My Case Go To Trial?

While many aviation accident claims are settled out of court, some might proceed to trial, especially if the parties involved cannot agree on liability or compensation. If your case does go to trial, having the right lawyers by your side can be invaluable. They can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for your interests in court. Regardless of the path your case takes, a skilled lawyer will advise on the best course of action based on the specifics of your situation.

What Kind Of Compensation Can I Expect From An Aviation Accident Claim?

The compensation in aviation accident cases can cover a range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in tragic circumstances, funeral costs. The amount varies based on factors like the severity of the injury, the clarity of liability, and the financial status of the responsible parties. Your lawyer will evaluate all aspects of your case to estimate a fair compensation amount and work to achieve that for you.

Contact Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers Today

In the wake of an aviation accident, it’s essential to act promptly. Protecting your rights and ensuring you have the right legal representation can make all the difference in your pursuit of justice. Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers stands ready to support you. With our expertise and commitment, you won’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. If you or a loved one has been impacted by an plane accident, get in touch today to see how our Indianapolis aviation accident lawyers can help.

What Happens During An Aviation Accident Investigation

According to our aviation accident lawyers, when an accident occurs, the investigation process begins right away. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is usually the lead agency, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Local law enforcement and emergency personnel secure the crash site to protect any physical evidence. In most cases, investigators are on the ground within hours, examining the scene, taking photographs, and gathering materials such as flight recorders and debris.

We often see investigators separate wreckage into sections—cockpit, engines, fuselage, and control surfaces—to analyze each component individually. Interviews with witnesses, survivors (if any), and air traffic controllers are typically part of the early phase. Weather data, maintenance logs, and the pilot’s qualifications are also collected to build a full picture of what may have contributed to the accident.

How Flight Data Is Used

One of the most critical tools in any aviation investigation is the flight data recorder, also known as the “black box.” This device captures detailed information about the aircraft’s operation—speed, altitude, direction, engine performance, and more. Along with the cockpit voice recorder, it provides real-time data and conversations from the crew leading up to the event.

The NTSB uses this information to match technical data with physical evidence from the scene. Our experience shows that this comparison helps narrow down potential causes, such as mechanical failure, pilot error, or external factors like bird strikes or weather-related issues. Specialists may re-create the flight digitally to visualize how the incident unfolded.

Who Gets Involved In The Process

Multiple parties are involved in the investigation, each with specific roles. Besides federal agencies, representatives from the aircraft manufacturer, engine manufacturer, and airline operator are usually invited to participate. Labor unions, insurance companies, and legal teams may also observe or contribute to certain aspects of the process.

This multi-party approach helps investigators get access to proprietary information, maintenance histories, and other technical data not available to the general public. While this collaboration speeds up some parts of the process, it also raises questions about transparency, especially when there are conflicting interests among parties.

What Happens After Initial Findings

Once the primary data is collected and initial analyses are completed, the NTSB may issue a preliminary report. This document summarizes the known facts but does not state a cause. The final report often takes 12–24 months and includes a probable cause statement and recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

During this time, our aviation accident lawyers assist families and clients with access to information, communication with involved parties, and preparation for any legal action that might follow. It’s not uncommon for findings to result in civil claims, particularly when negligence, maintenance issues, or manufacturing defects come into play.

What We Do To Help

At Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how stressful and confusing this process can be for families affected by an aviation accident. With decades of combined legal experience, our team will walk with you through each step, helping you gain clarity about what happened and what options are available next. If you or a loved one has been impacted by an aircraft incident and want to talk about next steps, contact our aviation accident lawyers today for a confidential, free consultation.

Charlie Ward
cpw@WardLawFirm.com
728 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46225
317-639-9501
888-639-9501

Charles P. Ward

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Donald W. Ward

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