While the vast majority of airplane flights in California depart from an airport, there are numerous airstrips and other publicly-owned “general aviation airports” throughout the state. These runways primarily serve private, unscheduled civil airplane flights.
Given the fact that these flights are usually unscheduled and lack the infrastructure of a larger airport, it can sometimes result in accidents on the runway, leaving you or a loved one seriously injured.
You Can Turn to Experienced California Airplane Accident Lawyers
If you’re hurt in an airplane accident that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to face the burden of your injuries and damages alone. Under California law, you have the right to get financial support for these damages.
At Maison Law, our skilled airplane accident lawyers have the experience and dedication to help you through this challenging time. We’ll explain your options and guide you through the legal process to make sure you get the support you’re owed. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
How is a General Aviation Runway Different in California?
Generally speaking, the main difference between a general aviation (GA) airport and runway and a typical California airport is that GA airports aren’t built to serve the volume of flights and passengers as a typical airport. WIth that said, there are other differences and regulations that these airports must work under in California.
Two of the most prominent regulations involve the noise that airplanes and other airplanes give off during their flights, specifically on takeoff:
- California Noise Control Act of 1972 – This law prohibits airports from issuing new leases or permits for general aviation operations that would create excessive noise levels. As a result, many general aviation airports in California have had to install noise lowering procedures, such as curfews and altitude restrictions.
- California Airport Land Use Program – Updated every five years, the California Airport Land Use Program designates the areas around airports that are subject to special noise levels, known as “Noise Exposure Zones” (NEZs). These areas are subject to a more strict regulation of the noise level.
In addition to these regulations, general aviation runways in California typically involve other physical factors that can make flying more challenging, like:
- GA runways may be shorter, due to the limited space available in many parts of the state.
- Some California GAs are located in more remote, mountainous areas, which can affect the wind patterns and visibility.
- Because some GAs are located in more populated areas, they may have to deal with more air traffic and congestion.
- Like other airports in California, GAs could experience adverse weather conditions, such as high winds or fog.
Whether taking off or landing, flying a plane on a GA is very different from a normal passenger airplane flight. Moreover, because they usually involve smaller airplanes, it can change the circumstances when and if you’re involved in an accident.
What Causes Airplane Crashes at General Aviation Runways in California?
Although it’s different from a normal airport, airplanes that use GA airports and runways in California are still prone to many of the same underlying causes of crashes and accidents. Most of the time, they involve:
- Pilot error – One of the leading causes of airplane crashes is pilot error. This can include mistakes in navigation, poor decision-making, or failing to respond correctly to changing conditions. Also, fatigue, stress, or distractions can impair a pilot’s performance and decision-making, contributing to accidents.
- Weather conditions – Adverse weather conditions, such as fog, heavy rain, strong winds, or low visibility, can make it difficult for pilots to land or take off safely.
- Mechanical failures – Smaller airplanes can sometimes experience mechanical failures in critical components like engines, landing gear, or control systems. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to prevent such issues.
- Runway collisions – Collisions or near-miss incidents can occur when multiple airplanes, vehicles, or pedestrians enter the runway at the same time, leading to accidents.
- Fuel issues – Running out of fuel or experiencing fuel system problems can result in engine failure and crashes.
- Poor communication – Miscommunication between air traffic controllers and pilots can lead to misunderstandings or errors during takeoff, landing, or while in the airspace.
- Inadequate training – Pilots and ground crew members must undergo proper training to handle emergency situations and ensure safe operations. This may not be the case at some GAs, especially if it’s privately-owned and operated.
- GA infrastructure – Runway conditions, lighting, and signage are essential for safe operations. Poorly maintained runways or inadequate infrastructure can be contributing factors.
- Air traffic congestion – Busy airspace or multiple airplanes attempting to land or take off simultaneously can increase the risk of accidents.
Regardless of the cause or other circumstances, being in an airplane accident is likely to result in serious, often fatal injuries for you or a loved one. However, when the airplane crash happens at a GA airport or runway, it raises questions of liability.
Liability in General Aviation Airport and Runway Crashes in California
Probably the most important aspect of an airplane crash at a GA airport or runway in California is liability. This aspect determines the path your potential legal claim will take, and revolves around negligence.
Like any other accident, airplane pilots or those involved in the flight have a duty to act in a reasonable manner to keep you and others safe. When that doesn’t happen and it causes an accident that results in injuries or damages, a number of parties could be potentially liable:
- The pilot
- The owner of the airplane
- The owner of the GA airport or airstrip
- The person responsible for air traffic control
- Maintenance crews or the person responsible for maintenance of the airplane
- If the GA is on public land, the government entity responsible for maintaining the area
Obviously, with many liable parties comes the possibility of an intricate legal claim for damages. That’s where our team of experienced California airplane accident lawyers can be of service to you. We have extensive experience in dealing with multiple insurers and different types of airplane accidents. We’ll help you figure out who is liable, then help you navigate the claims process.
Filing a Claim After a General Aviation Airport or Runway Crash in California
When it comes to pursuing your legal options for an injury after an airplane accident in California, there are typically three main avenues to consider. These options include:
- Filing a claim with your insurance company – Immediately following an injury, it’s crucial to initiate a claim with your own insurance provider. This step serves as a foundation for gathering essential information and evidence should the need for legal action progress later on.
- Filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company – In many cases, your legal representative will explore the possibility of reaching a settlement with the insurance company of the responsible party before resorting to a lawsuit. This approach is often preferred for minor claims or those with the potential for swift resolution. However, for complex cases with high stakes or severe injuries involved, litigation might be unavoidable. Ultimately, the decision to settle or proceed to court rests with you, the claimant.
- Filing a lawsuit – Personal injury lawsuits in airplane accidents can be intricate, encompassing various phases of negotiation, litigation, and more. Initially, the discovery process can be arduous and time-consuming, with both sides potentially disputing specific requests for information. In some instances, a judge may need to intervene to compel cooperation.
Nevertheless, if the case does progress to a trial, it can become an extended and costly endeavor. Furthermore, jury verdicts can be unpredictable. In certain situations, it may be in the plaintiff’s best interest to accept a settlement offer to circumvent the uncertainty of a trial’s outcome.
In terms of financial support for your injuries, damages are typically categorized as “compensatory”, aiming to reimburse you for your losses resulting from the accident or injury. These damages often cover:
- Medical expenses and bills
- Lost income or wages
- Property damage
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of spousal companionship
- Funeral or other burial expenses in the event the accident was fatal
While this process differs depending on the circumstances of your individual case, it’s important to remember that all injury claims in California have a two-year statute of limitations. This means you have to file a claim within two years of the date of your accident to be proper.
Don’t Hesitate To Contact Maison Law For a Free Consultation
Navigating the legal process after an airplane accident at a general aviation airport or runway in California can be challenging. From beginning to end, having our team of skilled and experienced California airplane accident lawyers at Maison Law is beneficial to achieving a favorable outcome.
If you or someone you know has sustained injuries in an airplane accident, time is of the essence. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
