An aviation accident is sudden, violent, and overwhelming, especially in a region like California where crowded airspace over cities such as Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles leaves little room for error. Victims and families are often left with devastating injuries, unanswered questions, and pressure from airlines, insurers, or government agencies that are not looking out for them. This is not a situation where general legal help is enough. Below, Siegal & Richardson, LLP explains key information about aviation accidents, including how they occur, who may be responsible, the legal paths available to victims, the types of financial compensation that may be pursued, and how a California aviation accident lawyer can stand up and fight for accountability, compensation, and justice on your behalf.
Aviation Accident Lawyer in California
If you were hurt in an aviation accident anywhere in California, getting legal help quickly matters. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Siegal & Richardson, LLP are based in Berkeley and fight for victims throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Call (510) 271-6720 or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your situation and next steps.
Major Types of Aviation Accidents in California You Should Know About
Commercial Airline Accidents — These aviation accidents involve large passenger aircraft operated by major airlines serving California airports such as Los Angeles International, San Francisco International, Oakland International, and Sacramento International. They can include catastrophic crashes, runway incursions, mid-air collisions, rejected takeoffs, and violent turbulence events. In some cases, a commercial airline accident is caused by mechanical failure, such as engine malfunction or faulty flight control systems. In other situations, pilot error, improper crew coordination, or air traffic control mistakes may play a role. Because commercial airline flights carry dozens or even hundreds of passengers, these accidents often result in multiple injuries or fatalities and lead to lengthy federal investigations.
Private and General Aviation Accidents — This type of aviation accident involves smaller planes used for personal travel, business flights, flight schools, or recreational flying. These aircraft frequently operate out of regional and municipal airports throughout California, including Hayward, Fremont, San Jose, Santa Rosa, and areas surrounding Berkeley and Piedmont. Unlike commercial jets, many general aviation aircraft lack advanced safety systems, making them more vulnerable to weather conditions, navigation errors, and mechanical issues. Crashes often occur during takeoff or landing, when pilots have less time to react to emergencies. These aviation accidents may happen over neighborhoods, highways, or open land, placing both passengers and people on the ground at risk.
Helicopter Accidents — Helicopter crashes are among the most dangerous types of aviation accidents and commonly occur in densely populated parts of California such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland. These aircraft are used for medical transport, law enforcement, news reporting, firefighting, and sightseeing tours. Helicopters operate at lower altitudes and depend on complex rotor systems, which means a single mechanical failure can quickly become catastrophic. Sudden weather changes, strong winds, power line strikes, and pilot disorientationcan also contribute to helicopter accidents. When a helicopter goes down, occupants often suffer severe or fatal injuries due to the limited ability to glide or recover from a loss of control.
Charter Plane and Air Taxi Accidents — Charter flights and air taxi services transport passengers on a non-scheduled basis and operate from airports across California, including Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, and Santa Rosa. These aviation accidents may involve business travelers, tourists, or groups relying on private operators for convenience and speed. While charter aircraft are regulated, they may not be subject to the same level of operational oversight as major commercial airlines. Accidents can stem from maintenance lapses, pilot fatigue, improper loading, or rushed flight decisions. Because these flights often carry fewer passengers, the public may not hear about them, even though the injuries can be just as devastating.
Military and Government Aircraft Accidents — Aviation accidents involving military or government aircraft can occur during training exercises, transport missions, or routine operationsin California airspace. These incidents may affect civilians flying nearby or people on the ground in communities near bases and flight paths. When a military aircraft crashes or causes harm, the legal process is different from typical aviation accident cases and may involve federal agencies and specific government claims procedures.
Injuries You May Suffer in a California Airplane Accident
Traumatic Brain Injuries — A violent aviation accident can cause your head to strike hard surfaces or be jolted by extreme forces, leading to concussions, brain bleeding, or permanent cognitive impairment that affects memory, focus, and personality.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries — Sudden deceleration and crushing impact may damage your spine, resulting in herniated discs, nerve damage, or partial or complete paralysis that permanently limits mobility and independence.
Severe Burns and Smoke Inhalation — Post-crash fires and explosions can expose you to intense heat and toxic smoke, causing deep burns, lung damage, and long-term respiratory problems that require extensive medical treatment.
Internal Organ Damage — Blunt force trauma during an aviation accident can injure internal organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen, sometimes without immediate symptoms, making these injuries especially dangerous.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma — Surviving an aviation accident can leave you with lasting emotional injuries, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress that interfere with daily life and personal relationships.
Where Aviation Accidents Commonly Happen Across California
Los Angeles Area Airports and Airspace — Heavy air traffic around Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, and nearby municipal airports creates crowded skies where aviation accidents can occur. The mix of commercial jets, private planes, helicopters, and sightseeing flights increases the risk of mid-air conflicts and dangerous runway situations. Helicopter traffic over downtown Los Angeles and surrounding neighborhoods also adds to the risk, especially during low-altitude operations.
San Francisco Bay Area Airspace — The Bay Area has one of the most complex aviation environments in California, with overlapping flight paths serving San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and San Jose International Airport. Aviation accidents may happen during takeoff or landing as aircraft navigate tight airspace near dense urban development. Cities like San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Piedmont, Hayward, and Fremont are frequently beneath active flight corridors used by both commercial and general aviation aircraft.
Oakland and East Bay Regional Airports — Oakland International Airport and smaller regional airports in Hayward and Fremont support a high volume of cargo flights, private planes, and training aircraft. Aviation accidents in these areas often involve general aviation or charter flights operating near residential neighborhoods, industrial zones, and major highways. Because these airports are close to populated areas, accidents can affect both people onboard and individuals on the ground.
San Jose and Silicon Valley Flight Routes — San Jose International Airport and surrounding private airfields serve business aviation, charter flights, and private pilots traveling throughout Silicon Valley. Aviation accidents in this region may occur during approach or departure over cities like San Jose and Fremont, where aircraft fly low over commercial and residential areas. The combination of frequent flights and limited airspace increases the risk of serious incidents.
Sacramento and Northern California Airports — Sacramento International Airport and nearby regional airfields support government flights, training operations, and general aviation traffic. Aviation accidents in this region may involve smaller aircraft flying over suburban and rural areas outside the city. Weather changes, visibility issues, and longer flight distances can increase the likelihood of emergencies.
Santa Rosa and Wine Country Aviation Areas — Santa Rosa and surrounding Wine Country communities see frequent private and charter flights transporting tourists and business travelers. Aviation accidents in these areas often involve small planes or helicopters operating from regional airports or private landing strips. Flights over hilly terrain and changing weather conditions can add additional risks for pilots and passengers.
Who May Be Liable for a California Aviation Accident
Airlines and Aircraft Operators — If you were injured on a commercial airline or charter flight in California, the company that operated the aircraft may be responsible. Beyond standard negligence, California Civil Code § 2100 mandates that common carriers use the utmost care and diligence for the safe carriage of passengers, meaning they can be held liable for even a slight degree of negligence.
Airlines and operators are governed by federal aviation law under Title 49 of the United States Code, including the FAA’s safety authority in 49 U.S.C. § 44701. Most major airlines operate under 14 C.F.R. Part 121, while many charter and air taxi flights fall under 14 C.F.R. Part 135. Violations of these rules can support an aviation accident claim.
Aircraft and Parts Manufacturers — When an aviation accident is caused by a defective airplane, helicopter, engine, or component, the manufacturer may be liable under California product liability law. These claims may involve design defects, manufacturing defects, or failure to warn, and do not require you to prove traditional negligence, even if the product received FAA certification.
Maintenance and Repair Companies — If faulty inspections, missed maintenance, or improper repairs contributed to your aviation accident, the maintenance provider may be liable under California negligence law. Aircraft maintenance is regulated by the FAA under 14 C.F.R. Part 43, which sets mandatory standards for inspection and repair work.
Pilots and Flight Crew — Pilots must follow FAA operating rules, including 14 C.F.R. Part 91, and commercial pilots must also comply with Parts 121 or 135, depending on the flight. If pilot error, poor decision-making, or rule violations caused the aviation accident, liability may extend to both the pilot and the operator.
Air Traffic Control and Government Agencies — Aviation accidents caused by air traffic control errors may fall under the Federal Tort Claims Act, found at 28 U.S.C. § 1346(b) and 28 U.S.C. §§ 2671–2680. This law allows claims against the United States but imposes strict procedural requirements.
State and Local Airport Authorities — If unsafe airport conditions contributed to the aviation accident, a city, county, or state agency may be liable. These claims are governed by the California Government Claims Act, including Government Code § 911.2 and Government Code § 945.6, which impose short filing deadlines.
Time Limits to File a California Aviation Accident Claim — Most California aviation accident injury and wrongful death cases must be filed within two years under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Claims against public entities usually require a government claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Federal claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act must be presented within two years, with additional deadlines after denial under 28 U.S.C. § 2401(b). International aviation accident claims governed by the Montreal Convention are generally subject to a two-year limitation period.
How a California Airplane Accident Lawyer Fights for You Locally
Investigating Aviation Accidents Near California Airports — A California aviation accident attorney quickly investigates where your crash occurred. Accidents near LAX, SFO, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, and regional airports in Hayward, Fremont, Santa Rosa, Berkeley, and Piedmont require fast action. Your lawyer secures airport records, flight data, maintenance logs, and witness information before key evidence disappears.
Dealing With California Aviation Insurance Companies — Aviation insurers are far more aggressive than auto insurers. Airlines, charter operators, and aircraft owners in Los Angeles and the Bay Area carry high-value policies and bring in defense lawyers immediately. Your aviation accident lawyer handles all insurer communication and fights for full, fair compensation—not quick settlements.
Filing Aviation Accident Lawsuits in California Courts — Aviation cases may be filed in California state or federal court, depending on the crash location and responsible parties. A California plane crash lawyer familiar with courts in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and Sacramento knows where to file and how to manage cases involving airlines, manufacturers, and maintenance companies.
Pursuing Maximum Damages in Serious Aviation Cases — Aviation accidents often cause catastrophic injuries or death. Your lawyer seeks compensation for medical care, future treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages for families across California.
Helping Families After Fatal Aviation Accidents — When a crash results in loss of life, a California aviation accident lawyer helps families across Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Sacramento, and nearby communities pursue justice while handling the legal process so families can focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Aviation Accidents
What qualifies as a California aviation accident?
A California aviation accident includes crashes, hard landings, midair collisions, or onboard injuries involving airplanes or helicopters anywhere in the state, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, or regional airports.
What injuries are common in aviation accidents?
Serious injuries often include traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, internal organ damage, and psychological trauma, which can require lifelong treatment after an aviation accident in California cases.
Where do aviation accidents most often happen locally?
California aviation accidents frequently occur near busy airports, congested airspace, and populated areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, Hayward, Fremont, Berkeley, Piedmont, and Santa Rosa.
Who investigates a California aviation accident?
Investigations are usually conducted by the NTSB and FAA, while local authorities assist, but these agencies do not represent you or protect your financial interests after a California aviation accident.
Can families file claims after a fatal aviation accident?
Families may pursue wrongful death claims when a loved one dies in a California aviation accident, seeking compensation for financial support, companionship, and the emotional losses suffered by surviving relatives.
What does a California aviation accident attorney actually do?
A California aviation accident attorney handles complex federal regulations, investigates aircraft failures, and deals with insurers to protect victims injured near Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and other regional airports.
When should you contact a California airplane accident lawyer?
You should contact a California airplane accident attorney immediately because evidence near airports like San Jose, Sacramento, Hayward, or Fremont can disappear quickly, harming your ability to recover full compensation.
Can a California aviation accident lawyer file a lawsuit for you?
Yes, a California aviation accident lawyer can file lawsuits in state or federal courts when crashes occur near Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, or elsewhere in California for injured victims.
What compensation can a California aviation accident lawyer pursue?
A California aviation accident lawyer fights for damages including medical costs, lost income, future care, pain and suffering, and wrongful death compensation for families affected by fatal aviation crashes statewide.
Why does local experience matter in an aviation accident lawyer?
Local experience matters because a California aviation accident lawyer understands regional airports, courts, and insurers in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Sacramento, and surrounding communities handling aviation accident cases statewide.
California Aviation Accident Lawyer
When an aviation accident happens anywhere in California—whether in the San Francisco Bay Area or Los Angeles—the consequences can be devastating. Families are often left facing serious injuries, loss, and powerful companies moving quickly to protect their interests.
The experienced aviation accident attorneys at Siegal & Richardson, LLP, based in Berkeley and serving clients throughout California, bring more than 35 years of litigation experience to these complex cases. If you or a loved one has been harmed, contact Siegal & Richardson, LLP at (510) 271-6720 or online for a free consultation to discuss your options.