Aviation Accident Questions

Boise, Idaho Plane Wreck

Who is responsible for damages in a commercial aviation accident?

The cause of the aviation accident determines which party should be held responsible. For instance, if a plane crashes because of a mechanical error, the manufacturers or maintenance providers may be liable. If it went down because of a pilot’s error, then he or she can be held responsible. The United States government can also be sued for air traffic controller negligence, under the Federal Tort Claims Act, that party is at fault.

How to I obtain information in the aftermath of an aviation crash?

Any aviation accident must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). You can reach the board’s communication office at (202) 314-6100. The NTSB should be equipped to give you some information and be able to point you in the direction of others who can better answer your questions. The Boise aviation attorneys at Craig Swapp & Associates can also help you collect essential information.

What if my aviation accident occurred in a place other than where I live?

Due to the national and international nature of air transportation, aviation accident suits are allowed to be filed in a jurisdiction other than where the accident occurred. Commercial aviation crashes typically involve federal courts and multi-state issues, necessitating attorneys in one state to communicate with attorneys in another state. This means that you can receive legal counsel from Craig Swapp & Associates, who will coordinate with out of state lawyers and others to bring you claim to a successful resolution.

What agencies are involved in the investigation of aviation accidents?

These vary depending on the type and magnitude of the crash. Some agencies include the:

  • National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
  • Federal Aviation Agency (FAA)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Department of Justice
  • Department of Defense
  • Department of Health and Human Services
  • American Red Cross
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

What is the General Aviation Revitalization Act?

The General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA) serves to protect the manufacture of a non-commercial aircraft from liability lawsuits for defects on a personal aircraft over 18 years. This means that after an aircraft and its original parts reach 18 years, the manufacturer can not be held responsible for an accident, nor can he or she be liable for injuries sustained if the aircraft crashes.

Aviation accidents are horrible events. If you or a loved one has been involved in an aviation crash and you live in the Boise area, please make that one call to our Boise aviation attorneys today. Our investigative lawyers will figure out what happened and resolve your case in a sensitive, timely manner. Please contact us today to schedule a complimentary, confidential consultation.

Don’t see your question? Contact us and one of our Idaho personal injury attorneys will answer your question.