With the increase in the number of vehicles on the roadways and the increasing need to get from one place to another in a hurry, helicopters have become a popular mode of transportation. A busy executive can get from one side of Los Angeles to the other in just minutes versus a two hour commute on the interstate. In addition, pleasure rides on helicopters have become a fun and unique way to see the coastline or the vineyards of Napa Valley in California. Unfortunately, with the increase in helicopter travel, has come an increase in helicopter accidents.
Helicopters are complex machines that can operate where no other type of aviation machine can. With the exception of super high tech military aircraft, helicopters are the only aircraft that can fly vertically. This makes them invaluable in the confines of a large city. Only a helicopter can take off and land off of the top of a high rise on downtown Los Angeles. Additionally, making room for a private helicopter pad on your property requires far less room than a private runway for even the smallest airplane. It is no wonder that we have seen an increase in helicopter travel. Sadly, when a helicopter crashes, the consequences can be tragic – even fatal.
Due to the complex nature of these incredible machines, they require an expert pilot to operate them and a regular maintenance schedule to find any potential mechanical issues that could lead to an accident. Statistics tell us that the accident rate for helicopter travel is as much as 30% higher than that for general aviation accidents. However, as in general aviation accidents, the most common cause of helicopter accidents is pilot or human error. Mechanical failure comes in as the second most common cause for helicopter accidents. Weather can play a more critical part in helicopter accidents than it does in general aviation accidents as helicopters are more susceptible to weather issues than a large airplane. Where a commercial jet may not be affected by strong winds, a helicopter can lose control fast resulting in an accident.
When a helicopter accident happens, the results can be life altering for the victims and their families. If you have been the victim of a California airplane accident, you may have legal options. Under the laws of the State of California, helicopter accidents are considered a type of personal injury and as such the victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. If the pilot, the manufacturer of the helicopter or the owner of the helicopter were at fault – in whole or in part – then you may have a valid California helicopter accident case. If someone was negligent and that negligence caused or contributed to the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your hospital and medical bills, lost time from work, property damage and pain and suffering.
To find out whether you have a valid California helicopter accident case, contact California helicopter accident lawyer Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit him online at www.ledgerlaw.com.
