Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates airlines?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues and enforces regulations and minimum standards relating to the manufacture, operation, and maintenance of aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducts investigations of accidents and incidents associated with air travel.
Are foreign airlines regulated?
Yes, although the extent of such foreign regulation varies greatly from country to country. In addition, pursuant to international treaty the NTSB investigates foreign accidents when they involve aircraft that are registered or certified in the United States and whose major components are manufactured in the US.
How safe are our nation's airlines?
Generally, airlines and the airplanes they fly are very safe. However, with the increasing age of many aircraft and the increasing popularity of air travel, accidents do, and will continue to happen.
Airline crash statistics: How often do airplane accidents occur?
The number of accidents varies each year. The latest statistics available (unfortunately these are several years old) from the NTSB show that there were 38 accidents involving major airlines in 1996. The overall accident rate for 1996 was 0.276 accidents per 100,000 hours flown, a 3 percent increase from the 1995 rate of 0.267. The 1996 rate was 25 percent higher than the overall rate of 0.221 for the period from 1986 through 1995. Additionally, there were five fatal accidents involving major airlines in 1996 with a fatal accident rate of 0.036 per 100,000 hours flown, a 64 percent increase from the 1995 rate of 0.022. The five fatal accidents in 1996 were responsible for a total of 380 fatalities.
If I am injured on an airplane, or a loved one is killed, do I have any legal recourse against the airline?
Possibly. If the airline, it pilots and crew, the aircraft manufacturer or other responsible parties acted negligently, recklessly, or with intentional disregard for your safety you may have a case. It may be important for you to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Only a licensed attorney can evaluate whether you have a case that is worth pursuing. Keep in mind however that there may be time limits (Statute of Limitations) which affect your ability to sue.
How much does an attorney evaluation cost in these types of cases?
Nothing! Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. If a participating attorney agrees to handle your case, you will owe no fees or other costs unless that attorney recovers money for you.
How do I submit my case for a free evaluation?
Simply click on the free Ask an Attorney button and complete the online intake form. An attorney will evaluate your case and respond to you via email.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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