Most people think of major commercial airliners when they hear about aviation accidents. You might be surprised to learn that the majority of these incidents actually involve a small plane crash. The Iowa aviation accident and plane crash lawyers at our personal injury law firm can help you navigate the complex legal aspects of an aviation accident case and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
In this Article
What Are the Major Airports in the Des Moines Area?
Des Moines serves as a central hub for air travel in Iowa, accommodating both commercial and general aviation. The primary airport is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), which is ranked 83rd in the U.S. by passenger volume.
In addition to DSM, the region is supported by several key general aviation airports serving private, corporate, and charter flights. These include Ankeny Regional Airport, Ames Municipal Airport, and Newton Municipal Airport. Each facility operates under its own set of rules and safety protocols that can be relevant in an accident investigation.
What Are the Major Causes of Aircraft Accidents in Iowa?
Aviation accidents often happen on takeoff and landing and are rarely caused by a single factor. Airplane and helicopter crash investigations often uncover a chain of events leading to the incident. Common causes include pilot negligence or error, such as failure to follow procedures or loss of control. Mechanical failures stemming from improper maintenance or defective parts are also significant contributors. Other potential causes include mistakes by air traffic control, runway incursions, fuel contamination, severe weather conditions, severe turbulence, and violations of established operational protocols.
Accidents involving commercial airlines also include injuries sustained while on board, such as passenger-on-passenger incidents, falling luggage, trip and falls, medical events, and more.
Helicopter Accidents
Helicopter crashes often result from factors like pilot error, poor maintenance, faulty equipment, or mechanical failure.
What Are the Statistics for Airline Accidents in Iowa for 2023?
While major aviation disasters capture headlines—like international flights Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in 2019 and Lion Air Flight 610 in 2018 for plane manufacturer liability—they are statistically rare. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) show that “general aviation” flights (private, non-commercial pilots flying friends or family), which operate under Federal Aviation Administration Regulation Part 91, account for a much higher number of accidents than commercial airlines.
In 2023, Iowa recorded sixteen aviation accidents with one fatality, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. All but one of these incidents involved general aviation and crop dusting flights operating under Part 91, rather than commercial airlines.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Aviation Accident?
A plane crash case often involves severe injuries and catastrophic injuries. Determining who is legally responsible in airplane and helicopter crash cases requires a detailed investigation. Evidence like the flight data recorder (FDR), cockpit voice recorder (CVR), maintenance logs, and witness statements are all crucial. Depending on the facts, multiple parties may be held liable. Potential defendants include:
Airlines (Part 121 carriers): major commercial airlines operating under FAA Part 121 regulations are held to the highest safety standards.
Charter companies (Part 135 operators): companies that offer on-demand charter flights operate under Part 135 rules, which are also stringent but different from airline regulations.
Private pilots (Part 91 operators): most general aviation flights are conducted by private pilots under Part 91 rules; the pilot and their insurance carrier are often a primary defendant.
Aircraft and parts manufacturers: if a design flaw in the aircraft or a component part caused the accident, the manufacturer can be held liable.
Maintenance facilities: third-party aircraft maintenance providers who service aircraft can be found negligent if their work was substandard.
Iowa Laws That Impact Your Claim
While federal regulations govern flight operations, the legal issues for injuries or wrongful death are typically handled under Iowa state aviation accident law. A knowledgeable attorney with a thorough understanding of aviation law can explain key statutes that influence your aviation litigation.
Under Iowa’s modified comparative fault rule (84 Acts, ch 1293, §1), aviation accident victims can still recover damages even if they are found partially at fault for the injuries. However, total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Victims are barred from recovery only if fault is determined to be greater than the combined fault of all other parties.
Iowa also has a strict statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the incident, as outlined in Iowa Code Section 614.1(2). For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also generally two years from the date of death. These claims must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate.
What Compensation Can Plane Crash Victims Recover?
Our lawyers represent victims of aviation accidents and their families who may seek compensation for a wide range of losses. In Iowa, there are generally no caps on damages for personal injury claims. This compensation can cover:
Economic damages: these are tangible financial losses, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
Non-economic damages: these compensate for intangible suffering, such as physical pain, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In a wrongful death action, the estate can recover damages on behalf of the loved one’s surviving spouse, children, and other beneficiaries for losses like lost financial support, loss of companionship, and pre-death pain and suffering of the decedent.
Contact a Des Moines Aviation Accident Lawyer for Help
If you or a family member faces the tragedy of being seriously injured or killed in an airplane accident, our aviation accident attorneys can guide you through the process of seeking justice. Our aviation accident law firm manages aviation accident lawsuits by investigating accidents to identify all responsible parties and building a strong case.
Our aviation attorneys work tirelessly for our clients to secure the full compensation they deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.
Our Iowa aviation accident and plane crash lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of an aviation claim and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
$7.5 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when a support wall fell and struck him. (Highest award on record for a construction injury in DuPage County at the time).
$3.2 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when he fell in an uncovered foundation trench, ranking as the highest award on record for a construction injury in McHenry County at the time.
$3 Million
Recovery for the family of a man struck by a garbage truck that was making an illegal turn.
$2.2 Million
Recovery for a salesman injured in an automobile collision.
$2 Million
Recovery for a man struck by a speeding vehicle as he waited for the CTA bus.
$1.5 Million
Recovery for a truck driver that was struck by another car on the expressway while his vehicle was disabled.
$1.4 Million
Recovery for a computer programmer that slipped and fell in the washroom at work.
Recovery for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in a parking lot. At the time, this was the second-highest recovery on record in DuPage County for a similar injury.
$800,000
Recovered for a disputed wrongful death claim against a trucking company. The company denied they were involved in the collision.
$660,000
Recovery for a truck driver that was injured while unloading his trailer.
$550,000
Recovery for a person who slipped and fell in a grocery store.
$550,000
Recovery for a woman who injured her neck in a motor vehicle collision.
$500,000
Recovery for a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle while standing on the sidewalk.
$460,000
Recovery for a truck driver that tripped and fell in the parking lot while making a delivery.
$450,000
Recovery for a dental assistant who slipped and fell at work on an unnatural accumulation of ice.
$425,000
Recovery for a union worker struck by a speeding vehicle.
$425,000
Recovery for a passenger in a vehicle struck by an inexperienced driver.
$415,000
Recovered for a woman that required neck surgery after aggravating an existing neck injury in a truck accident.
$400,000
Recovery for a lab technician injured while transporting equipment.
$370,000
Recovery for a construction worker injured on faulty equipment at a construction site.
$315,000
Recovery for a motorist struck by a falling utility pole.
$310,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$300,000
Recovery for a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
$250,000
Recovery for a young woman struck by another vehicle.
$250,000
Recovered for a woman who sustained a partial finger amputation and other injuries in a rollover car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$250,000
Recovered for a 60-year-old woman involved in a car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man hit by a semi-truck while operating a go-cart.
$240,000
Recovery for the injured party struck by another vehicle.
$235,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$235,000
Recovery for an inventory clerk injured when shelving toppled onto her.
$219,000
Recovery for a restaurant patron that slipped and fell in the bathroom.
$200,000
Recovered for an airline employee struck on the runway at O’Hare International Airport.
$190,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$175,000
Recovered for a child injured by fireworks at a fourth of July celebration.
$170,000
Recovered for a person injured when she slipped and fell exiting a major retail store.
$150,000
Recovered for a woman who fractured her leg when she was struck by a vehicle.
Latisha S.
Great service. They helped me get my money, and everyone was very pleasant even though the health insurance took a while. Everything was on point on Kryder’s side.
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