Helicopter crashes, while a very rare phenomenon, are a matter of utmost concern. Car accidents or minor flight incidents are not that big of a problem in most cases. But on the other hand, a helicopter crash could prove to be devastating for people who are in it.
Furthermore, the sufferers and their families usually find themselves in a state of extreme disappointment, confusion, and have no idea of what is going to happen next.
Therefore, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with your rights and the proper legal procedure if there is a possibility that you could be a victim of a helicopter crash.
In such a situation, it would be a smart move to sue and, as a result, receive compensation for your injury, medical expenses, and emotional distress.
Although the chances of a helicopter crash occurring are fewer than those of other means of transport, the hazard still exists, especially as a result of non-compliance with safety regulations.
Hence, you must have all the information about the root of these accidents, their frequency, and the punitive legal measures provided that you are a front-liner or your beloved one is caught in it.
Through this, you will be in full control and well prepared for such an eventuality without any worry.
The Frequency of Helicopter Crashes: Statistics and Trends
Helicopter crashes don’t manifest as regularly as car or airplane accidents, but they still occur and may have tragic outcomes.
According to the United States Helicopter Safety Team’s (USHST) December 2024 month-to-month safety record, there were 84 general helicopter injuries, a decrease from 94 in 2023. Out of those, 12 were deadly, down from 15 in the preceding year.
While the probabilities of crashing per flight hour are low, the impact of each crash is high. People often use helicopters for emergency services, covering news, tourism, or non-public tours.
They fly in places in which aeroplanes cannot, which sometimes includes hard climates or terrain.
Experts have also observed that greater injuries take place during positive instances of the 12 months, especially when the weather changes.
Also, with greater private helicopters in use, there are developing issues about how properly authorities follow the safety guidelines.
Knowing this information helps passengers, pilots, and corporations stay alert and recognize the importance of improving protection.
What Causes Helicopter Crashes?
Now that you know about the fact that helicopter crashes have been incresing at a rapid rate, you must be thinking about the causes behind this. Well, TBH, you are not the only one!
Here are a few most common reasons behind helicopter accidents that you must know about:
Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failure is one of the main reasons that causes helicopter crashes. Helicopters include a variety of moving parts, such as engines, rotors, and control systems.
All of these parts must work properly, such that a small defect in one of the parts can result in a crash.
At times, parts lose their functionality because of a lack of maintenance. In other cases, a part might have been defective due to a manufacturing defect from the start.
Inspections on time and regularly following up with the maintenance schedule will be the only way to keep the helicopters flying safely.
To be on a safer side, helicopter companies need to keep track of any safety alerts or recalls from manufacturers in addition to carrying out regular inspections and following maintenance schedules.
Pilot Error
Pilot error is another main reason for helicopter crashes. It refers to a mistake made by the person who was flying the helicopter. Flying a helicopter is a laborious task. Pilots must have thorough training, be vigilant, and make quick decisions.
Also, a pilot’s ignorance of the flight’s limits or his/her refusal to observe the safety rules might lead to some situations, too.
Through the promotion of sound safety practices and the organization of better training, any of these types of errors can be reduced.
Weather Conditions
The weather has been largely responsible for a lot of crashes involving helicopters. Helicopters are more likely to be maneuvered by environmental conditions than larger aircraft because of their smaller size.
Heavy rain, fog, strong wind, and even slight temperature changes are factors that can impair the visual and manual control of pilots.
In order to avoid such risks, it is obligatory for both pilots and the ground staff to maintain the same level of alertness to the weather situation prior and in-flight.
When there is any doubt, no flight should be the option instead of risking a crash due to the bad weather.
How to File a Compensation Claim in Helicopter Crashes
If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a helicopter crash, you may be able to get compensation. Here’s how to start the process:
Seek Medical Help
The first thing is to ensure that everyone has the necessary medical care. Even if the injuries are not serious, it is still very important to consult a doctor.
Collect the Evidence
Make an attempt to find as many details as you can. These include photos of the crash scene, healthcare documents, names of witnesses, travel details, and the contact from the helicopter company. The more evidence you have, the more likely that your claim is successful.
Get the Lawyer
Look for a personal injury attorney or aviation lawyer who is specialized in helicopter crash cases. They will help you navigate the legal system and make the necessary moves.
Determine Who’s Responsible
Your attorney will conduct the investigation into who the guilty party is. It could be the pilot, the helicopter company, the maintenance team, or even the manufacturer of a defective part. In some situations, more than one party is answerable.
Start the Lawsuit or Insurance Claim
Depending on your circumstances, you have the options of filing either a lawsuit or an insurance claim. Your attorney will guide you on the best way to go forward.
Settle or Sue
Most cases are closed through the crowbar method and thus out of court if both parties agree. If this doesn’t work in your case, you will have to go to court. There, the fate of your case will be decided either by a judge or by a jury.
Get the Compensation
Finally, if you win the case, you could get compensation for the following things:
- Hospital bills.
- Medical expenses.
- Lost income.
- Emotional and physical suffering.
- Therapist’s bill.
- Future expenditures.
All these are results of the accident. Therefore, you are eligible to get monetary compensation for them.
Your Legal Guide: Safety Measures and Improvements in Helicopter Travel
Even though helicopter travel carries risks, safety has improved a lot over the years. Thanks to modern technology and stricter rules, crashes have become less frequent.
For example:
- Newer helicopters now come with advanced navigation systems, which help pilots avoid obstacles and bad weather.
- Crash-resistant seats and rotor blades make the aircraft safer in case of an emergency.
- Black boxes (flight data recorders) help investigators learn what went wrong during a crash, which improves future safety rules.
From a legal standpoint, aviation laws now require:
- Routine safety inspections before each flight.
- Pilot training programs focused on emergencies and weather challenges.
- Proper maintenance logs that must be updated and reviewed regularly.
Additionally, if you break any of these rules, and a crash happens because of that, the responsible party can be held legally accountable. Lawyers often use this kind of information in court to prove fault.
Helicopter companies, tour operators, emergency responders, and private owners are all expected to follow these laws. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt or dies, the victim or their family has the right to file a legal claim.
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