ARE YOU AFRAID OF FLYING? CRASHES NOT PRIMARY CAUSE OF AIRLINE ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

On Behalf of | Apr 16, 2019 | Personal Injury |

Are You Afraid of Flying? Crashes Not Primary Cause of Airline Accidents and Injuries

Aerophobia, or fear of flying, is a common affliction. Even if you can overcome your fear enough to step on board a plane, mid-air turbulence and the sheer discomfort of being trapped in a tight, closed environment is enough to make even the most frequent flier uncomfortable. News of the recent crash of an Ethiopian airliner is likely to stir up these fears for passengers on upcoming trips. While statistically your odds of being involved in a major aviation accident are low, there is cause for concern regarding the safety of certain planes as well as the potentially serious personal injuries that can occur before, during, or after your flight.

Airplanes Grounded After Ethiopian Crash

The news of the devastating crash involving the Boeing Co.’s 737 Max 8 out of Ethiopia, which killed more than 150 people, came as a shock both to the public and to airline industry officials. It was the second crash within six months involving that particular model of plane. In the aftermath, numerous airlines stepped forward saying they would ground the aircraft until a more in-depth investigation could be conducted. Several others, including Southwest and American Airlines, insisted they had confidence in the plane and would continue flights as scheduled.

Within days U.S. aviation officials took more definitive action and grounded the planes. Boeing itself pledged to halt further deliveries of the aircraft until they are able to properly assess the problem and install new flight control software. The process could take at least six weeks or longer, leaving the planes out of circulation until the end of April and causing airlines to change customer flight plans.

Know Your Flight Risks

While it is hard not to be alarmed when hearing airplane crash reports, the fact is flying is still one of the safest ways to travel. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), there were 66 plane crashes worldwide in 2018, which is a relatively low number that has steadily declined over the past 10 years. The bigger risk passengers face is accidents and injuries that occur either before, during, or after the flight. These include:

  • Slips, trips, and falls when boarding or disembarking;
  • Being struck by falling luggage from overhead compartments;
  • Being hit by beverage carts, either due to narrow aisles or as the result of the cart rolling out of control in flight.

In addition to the serious injuries that can occur as a result of any of the above, you could be at risk as the result of interactions with other passengers or due to bites from emotional support animals.

Reach Out to a San Jose Attorney Today for Help

Even seemingly minor airline mishaps can leave you suffering serious injuries. At the Jachimowicz Law Group, we help you get the compensation you need to recover. Request a free consultation to discuss your case and call 408-550-1732 or contact our skilled San Jose personal injury attorneys online today.

Sources:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-13/ethiopian-jet-s-black-boxes-will-go-to-europe-737-max-update

https://www.icao.int/safety/iStars/Pages/Accident-Statistics.aspx