Causes and Consequences of Aviation Accidents Above the Texas Oil Fields

This article delves into: 

• The causes of helicopter and plane accidents in or around Texas’s oil fields.
• Who is liable for damages caused by these aviation accidents.
• Who can best help you recover these damages (and how).

What Are the Common Causes of Aviation Accidents on or Near the Oil Fields in Texas?

Aviation accidents may not be as common as trucking or other commercial vehicle accidents in Midland-Odessa or other oil field regions of Texas, but when they do occur, they are just as serious, and often more deadly. 

What Causes Aviation Accidents in Texas Oil Field Regions?

Pilot error is the number one cause of all accidents in the aviation industry. Inexperienced pilots who are cavalier about complying with procedures or practices are far too often the cause of aviation accidents. A close second is lack of proper maintenance. In some cases, these factors even go hand-in-hand and compound each other.

What Kinds of Vehicles Are Involved in Texas Oil Field Aviation Accidents?

There are many helicopters in the oil fields here in Texas. As such, helicopters are far more commonly involved in accidents across the state than airplanes.   These smaller, utility helicopters are often manufactured by Robinson, Bell, and Sikorsky (United Technologies).  Stuart Starry has experience in both representing and suing manufactures in aviation accident cases.  Sometimes, small airplanes manufactured by companies such as Cessna, Beech, and Piper, are involved in oil field transportation as well.   Stuart Starry has experience in prosecuting cases against such companies.  He also has experience defending such companies.   This knowledge allows him to understand what goes on behind the scenes in a small aircraft crash case.  For instance, The National Transportation Safety Board, and local law enforcement are often charged with gathering up the wreckage and investigating the causes of these usually fatal accidents.  It is important to know how to secure and inspect the wreckage of these accidents.  An attorney familiar with the types of aircraft involved has an advantage in getting to the bottom of what causes these types of crashes.  

Pilot error is a common factor in helicopter accidents, though a lack of maintenance or faulty equipment often tends to be involved as well. In fact, even helicopter parts manufacturers can be responsible in these cases when defects or improper assembly are found to be the cause of a crash.  Stuart Starry is well versed in examining such parts and consulting with metallurgists, engineers, and piloting experts to determine the root cause of airplane and helicopter crashed in west texas.  

Because of the countless nuances and details involved in these cases, if ever you have the misfortune to be injured or lose someone to an aviation accident, you will want an attorney who’s well-versed in investigating aviation accidents to determine the cause. Stuart Starry is such an attorney.  

Who Can Be Held Liable for Injuries in an Aviation Accident in Texas?

The first and foremost party likely to be held liable for injuries and damages is the operator of the aircraft. This is usually the owner, but not always, as the owner of the aircraft is not always responsible for hiring or employing the pilot.  Because each case is unique the parties that may be liable for an accident of this nature can include: 

• The pilot
• The pilot’s employer
• The aircraft owner
• The fixed base (hangar) operator (FBO) (often responsible for maintenance)
• And more… 

In any case of this nature, it’s important as well to identify the insurance provider for each of these parties. Like an 18-wheeler truck, an aircraft is required under law to have significant insurance because of the significant damage it can cause. As such, claims are commonly defended by the insurance companies instead of the owners.

Still, the pilot/owner of an aircraft can be held personally liable if he or she directly caused the accident. This remains true even if the pilot/owner is on a vacation or recreational trip. For example, we see a fair number of cases that arise from trips made to go fishing or feral hog hunting. In these instances, if a pilot/owner is responsible for causing an aviation accident, it’s important to determine whether or not they should be held personally liable. 

What Is the Statute of Repose In Aviation Accident Cases, and Will It Affect My Personal Injury Claim?

An important factor in any aviation accident personal injury claim is the statute of repose. 

What Is the Statute of Repose? 

In 1994, the federal government enacted the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA). This is a complicated law that includes a 19-year statute of repose. 

This means that if an aircraft was manufactured more than 19 years ago, or the part that caused the accident was manufactured more than 19 years ago, you’re barred from bringing a case against the manufacturer of the aircraft or part. There can be ways around this rule, but it’s best to speak with an experienced attorney to evaluate your options as soon as possible.  Stuart Starry has extensive experience in dealing with this statute and its exceptions.  

Where Should I Seek Legal Help for an Aviation Accident Injury in Texas?

Aviation accidents tend to be fatal or involve severe, -life-altering injuries – victims and their families are often traumatized and don’t know where to go. If you wish to recover compensation for injury or death and any related damages (such as loss of work, loss of companionship, and mental anguish) you will need an experienced attorney who is familiar with aviation-related personal injury cases.  Stuart Starry has extensive experience in serious injury and death cases in Texas.    

Attorney Stuart Starry can point you in the right direction and have the experience to treat you with both empathy and professionalism. We believe that a truly good attorney is someone you can rely on for both personal advice and legal advice in dire times of need. 

Most importantly, just as in any other serious injury case, you, the victim will not know who is responsible. You need an expert to figure that out, get to the bottom of the investigation, and make sure the responsible parties pay every cent they owe you. 

For an Aviation Accident, Get an Aviation Expert

If you or someone you love has been involved in an aviation accident, it’s important to take action quickly and find an attorney you can rely on. 

Unfortunately, aviation accident victims rarely survive.  So, it is their loved ones, who have funerals to organize and attend, who must also make the call to an attorney.   Understandably, most who are still in the process of grieving the loss of a loved one have priorities far outside of the courtroom. But the earlier you can get on the phone with an attorney, the better – because every day that passes, the cases get further in time from the accident investigation and closer to the filing deadlines. 

This is just one more reason to hire someone locally, who can get there quickly, and knows the aviation industry, as well as local courts and law enforcement who will be involved. 

These cases can’t be won by working with just any personal injury attorney – you need a lawyer who has experience and skill in aviation law. You will need a lawyer who understands how to work with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board, and even law enforcement. 

You need someone like West Texas’s Stuart Starry, an attorney who has lectured on aviation law and spoken at the National Air law Convention multiple times. Someone who knows the aviation community and aviation laws inside and out. Do not wait, you deserve compensation and justice, and the support of an aviation-focused personal injury attorney who can get you both.

With the guidance of a skilled attorney for Aviation Accidents, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing a local expert has your back. For more information on Aviation Accident Cases in Texas, an initial consultation with Stuart Starry is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (432) 242-7827 today.