Aviation Accident Attorney in California

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Why Choose Our Aviation Accident Law Firm in California?

Aviation accidents are among the most complex personal injury cases. At The Law Office of Brent D. Rawlings, we are ready to handle that complexity so you don’t have to face it alone.

Our personal injury lawyer handles everything, fights for every dollar you’re owed, and treats your case with the same urgency we’d give our own family. There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we win. And if you’re not sure about your case, start with a free consultation.

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Why You Need an Aviation Accident Attorney

Aviation accidents involve some of the most powerful defendants you’ll ever face – major airlines, aircraft manufacturers, maintenance contractors, and sometimes federal agencies. Each one has legal teams and insurance adjusters working immediately after an incident to protect their employers. By the time most victims consider legal representation, the other side has already begun building its defense.

These cases also fall under a mix of federal and state laws, FAA regulations, and international treaties, depending on the flight. One wrong move can seriously damage your claim.

An aviation accident attorney knows how to identify liability and make sure nothing is missed. The sooner you have representation, the better position you’re in.

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Common Causes of Aviation Accidents in California

Pilot error
A bad call, a distraction, or not enough training. Most aviation accidents trace back to something a pilot did, or didn’t do.
Equipment that fails mid-flight. Sometimes there’s no warning at all.
Planes that weren’t properly inspected or repaired. Problems that were known and ignored until they became something much worse.
The people on the ground direct traffic in the sky. When they make a mistake, the consequences happen thousands of feet up.
Flying into conditions the aircraft or crew wasn’t prepared for. Bad weather alone isn’t always the issue, but the decision to fly in it often is.
A part that was broken before it was ever installed. The fault lies with whoever built it in the first place.
Mistakes made before takeoff (wrong fuel, improper loading, a missed check) only become apparent once the plane is airborne.
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Common Injuries in Airplane Accidents

  • Head and brain injuries (TBI). Impact during a crash or sudden deceleration can cause concussions or serious traumatic brain injuries with effects that sometimes last a lifetime.
  • Burns. Fires and explosions following an aviation accident are common. Burn injuries are among the most painful and the most expensive to treat.
  • Fractures. The force of a crash puts enormous stress on the body. Broken bones are extremely common.
  • Spinal injuries. Violent impact can damage the spine in ways that result in chronic pain or even permanent paralysis.
  • Internal injuries. Organ damage and internal bleeding don’t always show up immediately, which makes prompt medical evaluation after any aviation incident a must-have.
  • Deaths. Aviation accidents may be fatal. If you lost a family member, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim, which allows surviving family members to seek compensation for their loss.
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Types of Aviation and Airport Accidents We Handle

  • Aircraft accidents (commercial and private). We handle crash cases involving all types of aircraft, from small private planes to large commercial airlines.
  • Private jets and charters. Accidents involving chartered flights and private jets have their own set of liable parties, including operators, owners, and maintenance crews.
  • Helicopter accidents. Tour helicopters, medical transport, private charters – helicopter crashes are often caused by mechanical failure or pilot error.
  • Airport incidents. Accidents that happen on the tarmac, during boarding, or anywhere within airport operations fall under a different set of rules than standard personal injury cases.
  • Airport terminal injuries. If you were hurt inside a terminal or at the airport, a third party may be liable.
  • Falls and injuries on airport grounds. When airports fail to maintain indoor and outdoor spaces, they can be held accountable.
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Who May Be Liable in an Aviation Accident Case?

  • The airline or aircraft operator. Responsible for keeping the aircraft airworthy, training the crew, and following federal regulations. Failures in any of those areas can support a negligence claim.
  • The aircraft manufacturer. If a design flaw or faulty component contributed to the crash, the manufacturer can be held liable under product liability law.
  • The maintenance company. Third-party crews that service aircraft are responsible for the quality of their work. Negligent repairs or missed inspections that cause an accident make them a liable party.
  • The pilot or flight crew. Individual error or inadequate training can all form the basis of a claim against the pilot or crew members directly.
  • Air traffic controllers or government agencies. When FAA employees make errors that contribute to an accident, claims can be brought against the federal government, which is a process with its own specific rules and deadlines.
  • Aircraft owners or leasing companies. Owners and lessors have a duty to ensure the aircraft they put into service is safe and properly maintained.
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What to Do After an Aviation or Airport Accident in California

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Aviation accidents cause injuries that aren’t always obvious right away, like internal damage, concussions, and spinal injuries, which can take hours or days to present fully. Get examined as soon as possible, follow every medical recommendation, and keep records of all treatment.
2. Report the Accident to the Appropriate Parties
Notify the airline, airport, or relevant authority, depending on where and how the accident occurred. Make sure it’s documented. Don’t give a recorded statement, and don’t sign anything until you’ve spoken with an aviation accident attorney.
3. Get Witness Information
Other passengers or bystanders who saw what happened can be valuable to your case. Names and contact details go a long way.
4. Preserve Everything You Can
Boarding passes, tickets, baggage receipts, photos of the scene, photos of your injuries – hold on to all of it. If your belongings were damaged, keep those too. Don’t try to fix anything, just preserve all the items in their after-crash condition.
5. Don't Talk to Insurance Adjusters Alone
Airlines and their insurers act immediately after accidents. If anyone contacts you asking for a statement or offering a quick settlement, don’t engage without legal representation. Early offers are rarely in your best interest.
6. Contact an Aviation Accident Lawyer ASAP
Aviation cases involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and strict filing deadlines that vary by flight type and the parties involved. The sooner an aviation injury lawyer gets involved, the better your chances of preserving the evidence and building a strong claim.

Have You Been Injured in an Accident?

Contact us for your personal injury needs
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Compensation Available After an Aviation Accident

Aviation accident claims can cover two categories of damages. Economic damages account for the direct financial losses, including medical bills, surgery, rehabilitation, future treatment, permanent disability or disfigurement, lost wages, property damage, and any reduction in your long-term earning capacity.

Non-economic damages cover the rest: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of companionship if a family member was killed. These are real losses that California law recognizes and compensates for.

In cases where the defendant acted with extreme negligence or deliberate misconduct, punitive damages may also be available. These aren’t tied to your actual losses. They exist to punish especially reckless behavior and discourage it from happening again.

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How to File an Aviation Accident Claim in California

Aviation accident claims are among the most legally complex personal injury cases you can file. You’re often dealing with multiple liable parties (airlines, manufacturers, maintenance crews, federal agencies), each with its own legal team and its own set of applicable laws. Federal aviation regulations, state personal injury law, and, in some cases, international treaties all matter depending on the nature of the flight.

Deadlines vary, too. Claims against commercial airlines, private operators, and government entities each follow different rules, and missing the wrong one can end your case entirely.

Without a California aviation accident lawyer, it’s easy to target the wrong party, miss a filing window, or say something early in the process that gets used against you later. These cases require professional investigation, the right experts, and a clear understanding of which laws apply to which parties.

TESTIMONIALS

Aviation Accident Lawyer Services Reviews

Katie P. profile picture
Katie P.
16:43 21 Apr 26
I highly recommend Brent. He is very responsive and on top of everything. I was very happy to have him on my side.
Lance S. profile picture
Lance S.
16:35 21 Apr 26
Brent and his team are always looking out for their client’s best interest.

I highly recommend anyone in need of their Services
Julian C. profile picture
Julian C.
23:30 14 Apr 26
M M. profile picture
M M.
06:09 07 Apr 26
I had a great experience working with The Law Office of Brent D. Rawlings after my work-related accident. He really took the time to understand my personal injury situation and guided me through every step of the process. I never felt left in the dark and with his assistance everything was explained clearly, and all my questions were answered with patience and honesty.

What stood out most was how much he genuinely cared about my case and making sure I was taken care of through the whole process. Going through an injury is stressful, but having the right attorney made a huge difference.

I truly appreciate all the help and support, from him and his team. I highly recommend this professional attorney to anyone.
Jeremy profile picture
Jeremy
01:22 26 Feb 26
My experience with Mr.Rawlings and his team, hands down one of the greatest people to have by my side during my time need. If I had to do it all over again, they would be the first people I’d call. Thank you Mr. Rawlings and his team!
Sandra M. profile picture
Sandra M.
19:17 15 Feb 26
I was by myself when a driver ran a red light and hit me. I was too dazed to ask any questions or get information at the scene, and I was worried about my injuries. My first conversation with Brent immediately put me at ease. He got me in touch with doctors that helped me for months to feel better and he took care of my case from start to finish. He truly cared about getting me back to normal and taking care of me. I was impressed at his competence investigating the accident to prove the other driver was at fault and negotiating with the insurance company. I’m happy with the outcome of my case, but more importantly, I’m happy that Brent and his team have heart, compassion, and empathy and care about their clients beyond a settlement.
Irene G. profile picture
Irene G.
22:45 06 Feb 26
I never expected how much your life can change in instant! My life turned upside down from being hit in an accident.
I was lost, in pain and and had no one
to turn to.
Attorney Brent Rawlings and his team came to my rescue and assured me that they would do everything possible to get the support and assistance I needed at this difficult time in my life.
I am so thankful for everything they did so that I could receive a settlement that was fair and just for everything I’ve been through.
Thank you Attorney Brent Rawlings and Cami
for your patience, fight and determination
I am blessed to have you as my support team
Irene Gonzalez
Marissa S. profile picture
Marissa S.
19:34 03 Feb 26
I was in an accident with my son last year, and Brent Rawlings was amazing. Him and his team (Cami and Juan) kept me updated throughout the entire process. I’ve never had to go through anything like this before so they were very helpful. They were able to get me the max amount available through the insurances, and made sure that we were both ok physically and emotionally.
Highly recommend. If for some reason, I ever need another Personal Injury Lawyer, I will be back.
Juanita N. profile picture
Juanita N.
10:41 01 Feb 26
It’s very simple. Brent wins. An Utmost professional attorney and team. Attentive and responsive. Brent listens to you, gives you his honest opinion and fights for what you are asking for. He is incredibly smart and a beast in litigation. When showtime came, I was completely impressed by how he presented my case and how he never backed down and how ultimately he got what I wanted. He took on my case when others did not. And he won for me. His paralegal Cami, a gem. Always pleasant, professional, responsive and clear with information and instruction. A Solid, effective and winning team. Brent never let me down. I am completely thankful and have tremendous respect for Brent who believed in me, fought for me and righted a wrong. You are a blessing to humanity. May an abundance of wronged people in this world flock to you and your team so that you can continue to win big for them and right their wrongs. God Bless.
Diana R. profile picture
Diana R.
16:51 20 Jan 26
I was in a car accident last year, The Law Office of Brent D. Rawlings took care of me, they walked me through the process step by step. Scheduled my appointments, answered every concern/ question I had in a timely manner. They are very professional, and worked quickly to reach the settlement with the insurance, they fought for me to get the highest settlement the insurance provider had available. If you are ever in need of an injury lawyer reach them!
Sean A. profile picture
Sean A.
23:10 13 Nov 25
I had a great experience working with this firm. Attorney Rawlings and the team were professional, communicative, and worked hard to get a positive result for my case. I would definitely recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance.
Jennifer V. profile picture
Jennifer V.
17:39 03 Nov 25
We were referred to Attorney Brent Rawlings from our chiropractor after our accident. Cami was the one who supported our case and made sure we had everything we needed. She would go far and beyond to make sure we only had to care about healing post-accident. Our case was able to close on less than 6 months! I am very thankful for Cami and Attorney Rawlings for all their work.
Dan T. profile picture
Dan T.
16:26 03 Nov 25
At the end of May, my girlfriend and I were rear-ended on the freeway. We were injured and felt lost, as it was the first time we had ever experienced such a serious accident. After doing a lot of research, we finally reached out to Mr. Rawlings and his team. They handled our situation with great efficiency and professionalism, which immediately earned our trust.
I would like to especially thank Cami, who was incredibly helpful. She explained every step of the process from A to Z and kept us updated on our case almost every other week for several months. I’m truly grateful for how they managed and ultimately settled our case.
To conclude, Mr Rawlings is an amazing person to discuss with !
Michael E. profile picture
Michael E.
00:33 09 Oct 25
I’ve had such a great experience working with The Law Office of Brent D. Rawlings. Cami has been my main point of contact and she has been super helpful! Highly recommend.
John B. profile picture
John B.
17:50 26 Sep 25
Cami and Brent are incredible to work with. Our legal teams work together to bring the best possible outcome for our mutual clients and their dedication and respect for our clients is wonderful. There are a lot of law firms, but finding one you can truly trust when working on cases together is rare.
JOY SIMS P. profile picture
JOY SIMS P.
15:23 12 Sep 25
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank The Law Office Brent D. Rawlings for assisting me with my accident case. Your professionalism and dedication gave me peace of mind during a very stressful time.
I also want to give special recognition to your assistant, Cami. She went above and beyond, always answering my calls and texts, even at times when I thought she should have been resting. Her kindness, patience, and responsiveness made this entire process so much easier for me. Thank you, Joy Sims Pigeon
Mayra S. profile picture
Mayra S.
00:39 07 Jul 25
Brent Rawlings is one of the best attorneys I’ve ever had. He guided me step by step through the entire process and made sure I understood everything along the way. After my car accident, he handled my case with professionalism, care, and dedication. I truly appreciate all of his help and support. I highly recommend him — 100%!
Ujjwal D. profile picture
Ujjwal D.
23:57 21 May 25
I was referred to Mr. Rawlings by another attorney after he felt that Mr. Rawlings’ firm would be best suited for my case. Prior to contacting Mr. Rawlings, I was told that my case-a rental car malfunctioning issue that caused painful burn wounds to my arm and almost missed maiming my wife and I—wasn’t strong. Mr. Rawlings and his staff agreed to take up my case and patiently navigated all the challenges and intimately got me a settlement from a major car rental chain. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Compensation is not everything and it does not erase the pain and suffering. But how your case should be handled to get a desired reasonable and favorable outcome is what I was impressed with Mr. Rawlings. I highly recommend him.
Kyle S. profile picture
Kyle S.
18:44 24 Apr 25
This right here is the way you treat your clients after having such a bad experience with my former attorney, Brett along with his assistant have made this so painless he took a chance on me when there was nobody that would and I’m so glad I found him when I did I had almost lost hope! But with his kindness and guidance I was able to settle for my car accident and he has just been an all over nice guy it’s hard to find anyone as genuine as him and his team!!! If your looking for someone to help you through your case please contact if you want it to be painless please contact if you want someone who cares about his clients please contact you will not regret picking him to fight for you … thank you Brett and team for doing this in a timely manner and cleaning up the mess that the former attorney made I know it was not fun but you are appreciated

-Kyle
John B. profile picture
John B.
01:51 18 Apr 25
Brent and Cami are very professional and did a great job for my wife and I. We received well above the amount the insurance company originally offered. We would highly recommend anyone to utilize the services of Brent Rawlings.
Yasmeena C. profile picture
Yasmeena C.
20:07 09 Apr 25
Brent was very helpful despite the complicated circumstances of my case and the tight deadlines that we had, but despite all of the issues he still came through with getting me SOMETHING to show for years of mental hardship and financial stress. Even though we didn’t get as much as we hoped, Brent definitely helped me more than any lawyer I had worked with before and I definitely recommend Brent if you want someone who will keep you in the loop.
Cami/Maria the paralegal was also amazing and so helpful with explaining everything!
Matthew H. profile picture
Matthew H.
14:53 18 Mar 25
Brent and Cami did a great job representing me in my case. Their communication was excellent. When I would send an email, the would respond within minutes. I was very happy with the outcome that they achieved. Brent was recommended by a personal friend and I am very glad that they did.
Samara V Guatzin P. profile picture
Samara V Guatzin P.
16:05 11 Mar 25
Excellent lawyer. I solved my injury problem. With a good result! 100% recommended!!! 👏🏻👏🏻
Jennifer S. profile picture
Jennifer S.
00:02 11 Feb 25
What an amazing trusting team Brent and Cami!!! I had an incident in California and I live in Montana. I’ve never met either of them but their professionalism was amazing. The communication and actually feeling like they cared was beyond my expectations. I was more than a client I was a person. I would recommend them to anyone seeking legal counsel for a personal injury. I hope one day to meet them both in person to thank them personally. Thank you so much Brent and Cami.
Martin B. profile picture
Martin B.
19:45 09 Feb 25
Excellent attorney! Brent is a thorough, sharp, and very knowledgeable attorney. I would not to hesitate to recommend to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney.
María Paula P. profile picture
María Paula P.
16:58 09 Feb 25
Great lawyer! I worked with him, and I highly recommend him. His ethics and the way he cares for his clients are truly unique.
Paulina E. profile picture
Paulina E.
02:25 28 Jan 25
Brent and Cami are the best!! I felt lost and had so many questions. From the moment they took my case, they were both so proactive and attentive. I’m beyond glad I chose Brent to handle my case. Brent proved to be an invaluable support. He was very knowledgeable, dedicated and thorough in his approach. He made sure I understood all my options and got the best possible care. If you need an Attorney who truly cares about his clients, look no further!
Olivia S. profile picture
Olivia S.
21:26 14 Jan 25
Brent and Cami are absolute sharks and relentless advocates who fight tirelessly on your behalf. From start to finish, their legal team made me feel like a human being, not just another case. They took the time to truly understand me and my family, which brought a personal touch to their already exceptional expertise.

Throughout the entire process, they were absolute superstars in communication—always keeping me informed and ensuring I understood every step. Their dedication and compassion are unmatched, and I genuinely feel like I’ve gained lifelong friends in the process.

Although I hope I never require legal support again, I am thrilled to have Brent and Cami as a resource for the future. If you’re looking for a legal team that is not only skilled but also genuinely cares about you as a person, I cannot recommend Brent and Cami highly enough.
Derek Z. profile picture
Derek Z.
01:04 14 Dec 24
Can not say enough accolades about Brent and Cami. Both have been very professional, attentive, and so caring regarding my wife Rosette’s PI case. Through the years, we’ve had several attorneys representing us, but none, except for Brent, would call on weekends to just talk.
Never in a million years did I ever expect we would be awarded the maximum amount from our insurance policy. But somehow Brent accomplished the impossible, and for that, we are beyond grateful. Continued success to you Brent, you’re simply the best!!!
Normary P. profile picture
Normary P.
04:08 28 Nov 24
Highly recommend calling Brent!! I got into an accident about 2 weeks ago, and Brent has been providing the best guidance and helping so much in dealing with my insurance. He’s extremely responsive, always professional, and follows through on everything he says. Brent helps make a stressful situation feel a lot more manageable. Thanks for all of your help, Brent!!
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Contact The Law Office of Brent D. Rawlings’ Aviation Accident Lawyers

Aviation accidents change lives. And the road to recovery, both physical and legal, can feel like too much if you’re on your own. At The Law Office of Brent D. Rawlings, we understand that behind every case is a person dealing with real loss and pain. We take that seriously. You’ll have direct access to our team, honest communication, and attorneys who genuinely care about the outcome, not just the settlement number.

We handle cases across California, including those involving a premises liability attorney, slip and fall lawyer, trampoline injury lawyer, nursing home abuse attorney, drowning accident lawyer, amusement park accident attorney, universal studios injury attorney, store injury lawyer, negligent security lawyer, school injury lawyer, water park injury lawyer, and lemon law help – so whatever brought you here, we have the experience to help.

The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. Reach out when you’re ready, and we’ll fight for your case from there.

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FAQs About Aviation & Airport Accident Attorney Services

If you’re thinking about working with a lawyer, it’s important that you find the right one.

How Can an Aviation Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Aviation cases involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and deadlines that vary depending on the type of flight and who’s responsible. A California aviation accident lawyer can determine liability, handle communications so you don’t get pushed into unfair offers, and build a strong case – all while you focus on recovering.
Get medical attention right away because aviation injuries aren’t always obvious immediately. Report the accident to the airline or airport and make sure it’s documented, but don’t give recorded statements or sign anything. Preserve everything you have – tickets, receipts, photos. Don’t engage with insurance adjusters alone. Then contact an airport accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Aviation accidents are usually investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which handles most civil aviation incidents in the US. The FAA may also be involved, particularly when regulatory violations are suspected. In some cases, local law enforcement and the airline or operator conduct their own parallel investigations. Worth noting: NTSB reports can be valuable evidence, but they’re not admissible in civil litigation. Your airport accident lawyer will build an independent case using their own investigation.
It depends on the specifics of your case. For most private aircraft and standard negligence claims in California, the deadline is two years from the date of the accident. International flights fall under the Montreal Convention, which also sets a two-year limit. Claims involving government-operated aircraft or FAA air traffic control errors follow different rules. Usually, a formal claim must be filed within two years under the Federal Tort Claims Act, and claims against state or municipal entities require a government claim within six months.
Aviation accident victims can recover economic damages (medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage) as well as non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members can seek compensation for their loss. In cases with extreme negligence or misconduct, punitive damages may also be available.
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(888)807-7123
Email:
Info@ourclientswin.com
Main office:
15615 Alton Pkwy. Suite 450, Irvine, CA 92618
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