Airplane Crashes Caused By Hazardous Landing Conditions In California

Airplanes offer a unique travel experience, especially in California’s picturesque landscapes and favorable weather. However, this experience comes with a significant trade-off – an accident is typically much more severe because of the altitude and high speeds necessary for flight. Consequently, airplane accidents often result in severe, even fatal injuries.

If you find yourself injured in an airplane accident, you may be wondering if there’s a way to obtain financial support for your injuries. The answer largely depends on the circumstances, but as an injury victim, you have the legal right to file a claim against the person–or party–at fault for causing your accident.

Work With Our Experienced California Airplane Accident Lawyers

In the aftermath of an airplane accident, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps. Maison Law is here for you. Our team of dedicated and experienced California airplane accident lawyers is ready to guide you through the legal process and put you in a position to get the financial support you rightfully deserve.

We understand the distinctive complexities that accompany airplane accidents and are committed to delivering personalized and efficient legal assistance to our clients. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for your free consultation.

What Are Considered Hazardous Landing Conditions in California?

One of the parts of an airplane trip that gets taken for granted, at least initially, is the process of safely landing the plane. While every flight is different in terms of its overall path, the procedure for landing is typically the same across all flights. It generally involves the pilot –

• Guiding the airplane toward the airport. They descend gradually while following a specific path, aiming to line up with the runway.
• Lowering flaps on the wings to increase lift and slow down the airplane. They also extend the landing gear for a smooth touchdown.
• Talking to air traffic control for guidance and to ensure no other planes are in the way.
• Lining up the aircraft with the center of the runway.
• Maintaining a safe altitude and speed for landing. They reduce engine power and descent rate.

With that, the plane’s wheels gently touch down on the runway. The pilot may also use the brakes or reverse thrust to slow down. Throughout the procedure, pilots constantly monitor the plane’s systems and adjust for any potentially hazardous conditions. As you might expect, this can include a variety of things like:

• Weather conditions – Adverse weather conditions can pose significant hazards for landings. This includes heavy rain, fog, low visibility, thunderstorms, strong winds, and even cold conditions. These weather factors that are present in California can affect visibility, aircraft control, and runway conditions.
• Condition of the runway – Short runways, especially at high-altitude airports, can limit an aircraft’s ability to land safely. Additionally, a runway’s condition, such as ice, snow, standing water, or debris, can create hazardous landing conditions.
• Obstacles – Proximity to obstacles like buildings, trees, hills, or towers near the runway can be hazardous. Pilots need sufficient clearance to land safely.
• Wildlife – Birds can pose a danger to aircraft during landing, particularly in areas with significant bird populations. Bird strikes can damage aircraft engines or impair visibility.

Apart from birds, wildlife on or near the runway, such as deer or coyotes, can also be hazardous if they wander onto the runway during a landing.

• Crosswinds – Strong crosswinds, where the wind blows perpendicular to the runway, can make landings challenging. Pilots must use advanced techniques to maintain control during crosswind landings.
• Instrument failure – In the event of instrument failures or equipment malfunctions, pilots may have to rely on manual or backup systems to complete a safe landing.
• Runway lighting and marking – Poorly maintained or malfunctioning runway lighting and markings can impede visibility and affect the pilot’s ability to make a safe landing, especially during night or low-visibility conditions.
• Altitude and terrain – High-altitude airports can present challenges due to reduced engine performance and thinner air. Mountainous terrain near airports can also affect landing approaches.

• Human factors – Fatigue, distraction, or errors in communication between the flight crew and air traffic control can create hazardous landing conditions.

Types of Airplane Accidents Caused By Hazardous Landing Conditions in California

Not only do hazardous conditions make landing the plane difficult, they frequently lead to different types of airplane accidents. While most people only think about something going wrong in the air with an airplane, problems on the runway are one of the most frequent causes of an accident involving a plane. And further, because of the incredibly high speeds, these accidents are often devastating despite the plane being on the ground.

Usually, though, hazardous landing conditions lead to the following types of plane accidents in California:

• Overshooting the runway – When an airplane lands on a wet or slippery runway during heavy rain or snow, it can have trouble stopping. This might cause the plane to go past the end of the runway and maybe even hit things or go off the runway.
• Hard landing – Sometimes, when it’s hard to see or the wind is very strong and blowing from the side, the airplane might not land smoothly. It could hit the runway harder than usual, which might damage the landing gear or other parts of the plane.
• Hydroplaning – If the runway has water or slush from rain or melting snow, the airplane’s tires might not grip the runway well. This can make it harder to control the plane during landing and might even lead to the plane going off the runway.
• Wind shear – Sometimes, close to the ground, the wind suddenly changes its speed and direction, especially during thunderstorms. This can make it tricky for the plane to approach and land safely, and it might lose control.
• Bird strikes – During landing, big groups of birds can be a problem. Birds might hit the airplane’s engines or windows, which could cause accidents.
• Running off the runway – Sometimes, when the weather is bad, the runway could be slippery, or the brakes on the plane might not work well. In these cases, the plane might go off the runway during landing or when it’s slowing down.
• Tail strikes – If the pilot approaches the runway too steeply or lands badly, the back part of the airplane (the tail) could hit the runway, possibly damaging it.
• Aborted landings (Go-Arounds) – If the pilot notices something unsafe during the landing, they might decide not to land and instead take off again. This is called a go-around. It’s usually safe, but it can be tricky, especially in bad weather or if there are things in the way.

Obviously, these accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries, from bumps and bruises to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and even more serious injuries that can result in fatalities. While every case is different, if you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in one of these accidents, it’s important to understand what your legal options are.

Legal Options After a California Airplane Accident

When an airplane accident happens in California, figuring out who is responsible is usually the first step in the legal process. Airplane accidents are different from regular accidents because pilots often don’t own the planes they operate. So, when there’s an accident, you’ll be dealing with the insurance company of the airline, airplane company, or others.

When you talk to our team of airplane accident lawyers, you’ll explore all the potential parties that might be responsible in your case. These can include:

• The pilot or copilot
• The airline
• Air traffic control
• Manufacturers who made faulty parts that contributed to the airplane accident
• The company that rented or leased the airplane or equipment
• The people who loaded the airplane’s cargo
• Any maintenance companies that worked on the plane

Insurance claim

From there, you can proceed with filing an injury claim. While an airplane accident is somewhat unique, there’s no difference between them and any other injury claim in terms of the process. Generally the process involves filing an insurance claim first, which offers some potential benefits:

When you’re hurt in an accident, an insurance company will likely be involved, either yours or the at-fault party’s. They’ll assess your claim to determine its value. Settling the claim without going to court has some benefits:

• Lower costs and fewer attorney fees.
• Faster compensation.
• Less hassle since it’s direct with the insurance company.
• You have a better idea of your case’s worth.

However, there are downsides:

• The insurance company may delay the process, causing financial strain.
• The settlement offer may not cover all your expenses.
• The insurance company decides your settlement amount.

Personal injury lawsuit

If you’re offered money by the insurance company, you can take it. But it’s crucial to know your options, especially if you have serious injuries. If you want to continue, our team can help with a lawsuit.

Filing a lawsuit means going to court, which takes more time and effort–but it also means there’s more potential in terms of financial support. In a lawsuit, you’ll be more involved, but we handle many tasks:

• Starting the court process by filing a Complaint.
• Managing legal paperwork, like motions.
• Assisting with evidence requests (called “discovery”).
• Preparing you for court meetings.
• Interviewing important witnesses.
• Getting expert witness testimony ready.
• Negotiating with the other side.
• Trying to settle through mediation or other negotiations.
• Preparing your case for trial and presenting it in front of a judge and jury.

Remember, there are no guarantees of winning in court, but it’s an option if you want the benefits and support you’re entitled to under California law. This includes:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
• Punitive damages, if there was excessive negligence
• Wrongful death expenses when the accident is fatal

Legal Support and Guidance After California Airplane Accidents

When you have been injured or lost someone close to you in a California airplane accident arising out of hazardous landing conditions, you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated and unsure of what to do next.

However, it’s crucial to act fast to meet legal requirements. At Maison Law, our team of experienced California airplane accident lawyers can give you all the support and guidance you need. We’ll let you know what the best options are for you and your family, then guide you through the legal process. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to get started.