Aviation Accident Attorneys in San Francisco
Representing Victims and Their Families Since 1980
There are few accidents more serious than aviation accidents. Whether the aircraft is a jumbo jet, a small plane, a helicopter, an ultralight, or a hot air balloon, the risk of fatality is high. Many aviation accidents are preventable; however, if all staff and professionals involved take proper precautions and adhere to established rules and regulations.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident involving an aircraft of any make, Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn (RFTM) has the resources, skills, and experience to represent you in a personal injury case. We can also fight for the rights of surviving family members in a wrongful death case.
Contact our firm for a free case review to begin discussing your legal matter.
What is an Aviation Accident?
An aviation accident refers to any incident involving an aircraft that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. These accidents can occur during various stages of flight, including takeoff, cruising, landing, or even while the aircraft is on the ground.
Under federal guidelines, aviation accidents include events such as crashes, collisions, mechanical failures, and runway incidents. Due to the involvement of federal agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), these cases often require specialized legal knowledge and investigative resources.
Our San Francisco aviation accident lawyers at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn can help interpret these regulations and build a strong case on your behalf.
Common Types of Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents can take many forms, each with unique causes and legal implications. Some of the most common types include:
- Commercial Airline Accidents: Involving major carriers and often affecting multiple passengers.
- Private Plane Crashes: Typically involving smaller aircraft operated by individuals or companies.
- Helicopter Accidents: Common in tourism, medical transport, and news operations.
- Cargo Plane Incidents: Involving aircraft transporting goods rather than passengers.
- Runway Collisions: Occurring when aircraft collide with other planes or ground vehicles.
- Mid-Air Collisions: Rare but often catastrophic events involving two or more aircraft.
- Drone-Related Incidents: Increasingly common with the rise of unmanned aerial systems.
Each type of accident requires a tailored legal approach, and our attorneys have the experience necessary to handle them effectively.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents rarely stem from a single cause. Instead, they often result from a combination of human error, mechanical issues, and environmental factors. Some of the most common causes include:
- Pilot Error: Misjudgment, fatigue, or inadequate training.
- Mechanical Failure: Defective parts, poor maintenance, or design flaws.
- Weather Conditions: Fog, turbulence, high winds, and other hazardous conditions.
- Air Traffic Control Errors: Miscommunication or improper guidance.
- Improper Maintenance: Failure to inspect or repair critical components.
- Manufacturing Defects: Faulty aircraft design or defective equipment.
- Fuel Mismanagement: Running out of fuel or contamination issues.
Determining the exact cause of an aviation accident is essential to establishing liability. At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, we work with aviation experts, engineers, and investigators to uncover the truth and strengthen your claim.
Where Do Aviation Accidents Often Occur in the Bay Area?
The geography of the San Francisco Bay Area presents unique challenges to pilots. High terrain, unpredictable coastal fog, and heavy congestion create "hot spots" for incidents. Major hubs and regional airports where accidents and incidents frequently occur include:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Known for its closely spaced parallel runways, SFO has seen its share of runway incursions and landing incidents.
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): A major hub for cargo and discount carriers.
- San Jose Mineta International (SJC): The primary gateway for Silicon Valley corporate aviation.
- Palo Alto Airport (PAO) & San Carlos Airport (SQL): These are two of the busiest general aviation airports in the country, often used by private pilots and flight schools.
- Hayward Executive & Concord (CCR): Frequent sites for maintenance operations and charter departures.
Who is Liable for an Aviation Accident?
One of the most challenging aspects of aviation accident cases is determining liability. Multiple parties may be responsible, depending on the circumstances of the incident. Potentially liable parties include:
- Pilots: For errors in judgment or failure to follow safety protocols.
- Airlines: For inadequate training, poor maintenance, or operational negligence.
- Aircraft Manufacturers: For defective parts or flawed design.
- Maintenance Providers: For improper inspections or repairs.
- Air Traffic Controllers: For miscommunication or guidance errors.
- Charter Companies: For failing to ensure safe operations.
Because aviation accidents often involve overlapping responsibilities, thorough investigation is critical. Our team meticulously analyzes every detail to identify all liable parties and pursues maximum compensation.
Compensation for Aviation Accident Victims
Victims of aviation accidents may be entitled to significant compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the incident. Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)
Our legal team is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of your losses is accounted for in your claim.
Why Choose Us?
At RFTM, our San Francisco aviation accident lawyers have recovered more than $500 million in compensation for our clients. We have received the prestigious AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and have been named Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff Personal Injury Litigation. These are just a few testaments to our commitment and dedication to helping our clients achieve the outcome they need and deserve after an aviation accident.
Recent Successful Cases
Man Suffers Severe Injuries When Sightseeing Helicopter Crashes Due to Improper Maintenance
John Roe v. Hawaii Helicopter Maintenance Co.
Resolution: Confidential settlement.
Deadly PSA Flight 1771 Crash Caused by Disgruntled Former Employee
The Winters Family v. Pacific Southwest Airlines
Resolution: Confidential settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a plane crash in California?
Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury in California is two years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident involves a government entity or falls under international treaties, these deadlines can be much shorter. It is vital to consult with a lawyer immediately.
What if I was injured by turbulence?
Airlines have a "common carrier" duty to exercise the highest degree of care for passenger safety. If the flight crew failed to warn passengers to fasten seatbelts when turbulence was predictable (via weather radar or reports from other aircraft), the airline may be held liable for your injuries.
Can I sue the FAA?
Yes, if the accident was caused by the negligence of a federal employee, such as an Air Traffic Controller. These claims must follow the strict administrative procedures of the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Can families file a claim after a fatal aviation accident?
Yes. Surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for their loss, including funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Call (415) 940-7176 today to speak with our aviation accident lawyers.
Free initial case evaluation is available.
Real Stories. Real People.
See what our clients have to say
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A knowledgeable and compassionate team, the lawyers at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn are a true pleasure. And, most importantly, they deliver results; we got the outcome we were after and felt cared for every step of the way. With this team behind you,- Lisa
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- Client of RFTM
I had the pleasure of working with June Bashant, and she truly exceeded all expectations. After my devastating accident, June and her team worked tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned to secure the best possible outcome. She is a powerhouse of tenacity and determination, relentlessly pursuing justice with an innovative, out-of-the-box approach that led to life-changing results, including care that will last a lifetime.
From the very start, June’s communication skills were exceptional—she kept me well-informed and supported throughout the entire process. Her professionalism was evident, but it was her genuine compassion and care that made me feel like a priority. She wasn’t just an attorney; she was a fierce advocate, fighting on my behalf every step of the way.
June’s strategic mindset, intelligence, and sheer determination set her apart. She far exceeded my expectations in every area and had a remarkable network of professionals to help with every facet of my case. Her personal touch, combined with her incredible expertise, made me feel confident that I had the best team behind me.
If you’re facing a medical malpractice or personal injury case, June Bashant is the attorney you want in your corner. She is a force to be reckoned with in the legal world—unmatched in her dedication, skill, and drive. Her reputation for delivering powerful, life-altering results speaks for itself. I couldn’t have asked for a more unstoppable attorney.
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Thank you Sir once again! This time for helping my son Leon McDermand attain the services of June Bashant, who he has himself said many times, that she did a magnificent job for him. This is the third family member, including myself, that you and RFTM have helped. Thank you once again Tim, and please thank June and Robert, who helped my Daughter Elena.- Robert
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“I cannot thank you enough for the pure excellence.”- Michelle
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“I am very grateful for all the hard work all the staff did. GREAT STAFF!”- Guadalupe Hernandez
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“I valued the clear communication, prompt replies, and frank interaction.”- Jackie Q.
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“They work tirelessly to uncover the evidence necessary to obtain the very best result for the injured people they represent.”- Heidi Taylor, Law Offices of Heidi Taylor
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“They approach each case with creativity and care.”- Michael J Ney, McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Brothers LLP
