Helicopters offer speed and flexibility that planes cannot. As a result, they’re used for emergency rescues, tourism, news reporting, and even commuting. However, when something goes wrong, the results can be especially devastating. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a helicopter crash in California, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys, we understand how life-altering these accidents can be. Our experienced team has recovered more than $3 billion for clients and has the resources needed to take on high-stakes aviation cases. We’re here to help you move forward no matter the circumstances surrounding your crash.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with an award-winning California helicopter accident attorney.
What Can Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys Do To Help Me After a Helicopter Crash in California?
Helicopter crash cases can be difficult to navigate as multiple parties might be involved, from aircraft operators to manufacturers and even government agencies. The available insurance coverage can be confusing, and it’s not always easy to know what your best course of action is.
Singleton Schreiber can thoroughly investigate your accident and build a winning case on your behalf. If you hire our California aviation accident lawyers, we will get to work and:
- Analyze maintenance and inspection records
- Work with leading aviation experts
- Collect flight data and eyewitness statements
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Represent you in negotiations or court proceedings
We’ll take on the legal pressure so you can focus on what matters most: the health and well-being of yourself and your loved ones.
What Makes Helicopter Crash Claims Different From Other Cases?
Unlike car or even airplane accidents, helicopter crashes often occur in remote or rugged areas. This can complicate rescue efforts and evidence gathering. Additionally, helicopters tend to operate at lower altitudes and in more dynamic environments, which increases the risk of accidents caused by weather, power lines, or terrain.
These cases may also involve unique equipment failures or operational challenges, such as rotor malfunctions or tail boom separation. Because helicopters are used for such a wide variety of purposes, such as medical flights, sightseeing, logging, and private charters, the rules and safety standards may differ depending on the situation.
An experienced San Diego injury attorney will understand how these factors affect liability, insurance, and potential recovery.
Common Causes of Helicopter Accidents in California
Most helicopter crashes don’t happen by chance. They’re usually the result of someone’s negligence or failure to follow important safety procedures. Common causes include:
- Pilot error or inexperience
- Sudden mechanical failure
- Inadequate maintenance or oversight
- Poor weather conditions
- Air traffic control miscommunication
- Overloaded or unbalanced aircraft
- Defective parts or flawed helicopter design
No matter the cause, we will investigate every angle to determine what happened and who may be responsible.
Who Is Liable for My California Helicopter Crash?
One or more parties may be legally responsible for the accident. This includes not just the pilot, but also others involved in the design, operation, or upkeep of the helicopter. Liable parties may include:
- The helicopter operator or charter company
- Maintenance contractors
- Aircraft manufacturers or part suppliers
- Tour companies or private employers
- Air traffic control personnel
- Government entities (for example, in cases involving the CHP)
Our team will carefully review all available evidence and determine the best legal strategy for holding the right people accountable.
What Types of Damages Can I Pursue After a Helicopter Crash?
Under California law, injured victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover financial losses like medical bills, lost income, and future care needs. Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible harms, including emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If the accident was caused by extreme misconduct or gross negligence, you may also be able to pursue punitive (exemplary) damages. These are meant to punish the responsible party and deter others from similar behavior.
What Is the Value of My California Helicopter Accident Case?
There is no fixed formula for determining how much a case is worth. Many different factors can influence the value of your claim, such as:
- The seriousness of your injuries
- Whether you will make a full recovery
- How the accident has affected your ability to work
- The amount of insurance coverage available
- Whether you share any fault
- The strength of your supporting evidence
In general, the more severe your injuries and the greater your financial loss, the higher your case value. We can provide a more personalized estimate after reviewing the facts of your case during a free consultation.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Helicopter Accident Lawyer in California?
Hiring a lawyer might seem expensive, especially when you’re already facing medical bills or lost wages. But at Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys, we don’t charge anything upfront. We work on what’s called a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win money for you.
You don’t pay hourly rates or retainers. Instead, our fee is a percentage of your final settlement or verdict. We’ll explain how it works in detail before you sign anything so that there are no surprises.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Helicopter Crash?
California has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury and wrongful death claims. If you don’t take legal action within two years of the crash or two years from your loved one’s death you may lose your right to file a lawsuit.
In some cases, such as when a government agency is involved, the timeline is much shorter. You may only have six months to file an administrative claim before moving forward with a lawsuit.
The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better. We’ll make sure you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Contact Our California Helicopter Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Case Review
Helicopter crashes are rare but can cause immense injuries and damage. Victims and families often struggle with medical costs, lost income, and overwhelming grief. At Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys, we understand the challenges you're facing and are ready to be at your side every step of the way.
With decades of combined experience and over $3 billion recovered, we know what it takes to stand up to powerful companies, insurance carriers, and other responsible parties. If you’ve been hurt in a helicopter crash in California, call us or get in touch online today to schedule a free initial consultation.
