Plane and Aviation Crash Accidents: What to Know About the Recent Spike and Victims’ Legal Options

A string of recent plane crashes across the U.S. has raised concerns among travelers, despite federal officials insisting that flying remains the safest mode of transportation.

The recent deadly aviation events have caused potential passengers to worry when flying, and they’re well within reason to feel that way.

A surge in airline accidents isn’t a coincidence—but it can be a problematic pattern of negligence, under-resourcing, and overbooking.

If you survived a plane crash or lost a loved one due to an aviation accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and suffering—compensation that can be used to move forward with your life after this tragic event.

To learn more, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation.

Plane Crash Accidents in 2025

In just the first three months of 2025, there were 19 deadly plane crashes in the United States. So far, at least 106 people have died in a plane crash. Before 2025, the most recent deadly plane crash involving a U.S. airliner was in 2009.

In one case, an American Airlines plane caught fire, sending 12 people to the hospital. In another, a midair collision near Washington in January killed 67 people. More recently, five passengers suffered burn injuries when a smaller plane crashed near a retirement community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

While aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, these recent tragic incidents serve as stark reminders of the inherent risks associated with air travel. Airlines, regulatory bodies, and all stakeholders should continually assess and improve safety measures to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew members alike—and not put passengers at risk to maximize their profits by understaffing and overbooking.

What to Do Immediately After an Airplane Crash

If you ever find yourself in an airplane crash, taking immediate action can significantly increase your chances of survival and help protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

1. Prioritize Your Safety

If the crash is survivable, leave the plane as soon as possible. Fire and smoke can spread rapidly. Smoke inhalation is a major cause of post-crash fatalities. Use a cloth to cover your nose and mouth. Once outside, get at least 500 feet away to avoid explosions or fuel fires.

2. Assess Injuries & Seek Help

Look for injuries and assist others if you can do so safely. If you have access to a phone, dial emergency services or signal for help.

3. Follow Emergency Procedures

If the plane crashed in water, locate flotation devices and remain calm. Rescuers often arrive quickly—follow their instructions.

4. Document the Scene

If possible, take photos or videos of the crash site, injuries, and any visible safety hazards. This can be crucial evidence for legal claims.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation. Some injuries (like internal bleeding or concussions) may not be immediately obvious.

6. Don’t Sign Anything – Contact an Attorney

If negligence played a role (pilot error, mechanical failure, etc.), you may be entitled to compensation. A Morgan & Morgan attorney can help investigate the crash and pursue legal action. If the airline or airport asks you to sign something, have a lawyer look at it first.

Common Causes of Plane Crashes

What causes plane crashes? Plane crashes can result from a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

Pilot Error

Despite extensive training, pilot mistakes remain one of the leading causes of aviation accidents. Misjudging weather conditions, failing to follow safety protocols, or making incorrect flight adjustments can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Mechanical Failures

Aircraft are complex machines that require rigorous maintenance. A failure in the engine, landing gear, or other critical components can cause a plane to crash. In some cases, mechanical failures stem from manufacturing defects or poor maintenance practices.

Weather Conditions

Severe weather, including thunderstorms, heavy winds, and icy conditions, can make flying dangerous. While pilots and airlines take precautions to avoid dangerous weather, sudden changes in conditions can be unpredictable and hazardous.

Air Traffic Control Errors

Air traffic controllers are responsible for guiding planes safely through the air and on the ground. A miscommunication or mistake in providing clearance can lead to mid-air collisions or runway accidents.

Bird Strikes and External Factors

Birds, drones, and other foreign objects can interfere with aircraft operations, particularly during takeoff and landing. While planes are designed to withstand minor impacts, severe strikes can cause significant damage.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Plane Crash?

Determining liability in aviation accidents can be complex and often requires extensive investigation. Potentially responsible parties may include:

Airlines

Airlines are responsible for maintaining their aircraft and ensuring the safety of their passengers. If negligence is found in maintenance, pilot training, or operational decisions, the airline may be held accountable.

Aircraft Manufacturers

If a plane crash is caused by a defect in the aircraft’s design or manufacturing process, the company responsible for producing the plane or its components may be liable.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party companies hired to perform maintenance on aircraft must adhere to strict safety standards. Failure to detect or fix mechanical issues can result in legal responsibility for a crash.

Air Traffic Controllers

If an error made by air traffic control leads to a plane crash, the government agency or private entity overseeing air traffic control operations may be held accountable.

Third Parties

Other potential liable parties could include airport authorities, weather service providers, or even passengers whose actions contributed to the accident.

Legal Rights of Plane Crash Victims and Their Families

Victims of aviation accidents, as well as their families, have the right to seek compensation for their losses. Some of the damages that may be recoverable include:

Medical Expenses

For survivors of plane crashes, medical treatment can be extensive and costly. Compensation may cover hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

Wrongful Death Compensation

For families who have lost a loved one in a plane crash, wrongful death claims can provide financial relief for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Pain and Suffering

Victims who experience trauma, emotional distress, or physical pain as a result of a plane crash may be entitled to non-economic damages.

Loss of Income and Future Earnings

If a victim is unable to work due to injuries sustained in a crash, they may be eligible for compensation covering lost wages and future earning potential.

When Should I File a Lawsuit After a Plane Crash Accident?

Although filing a lawsuit can help you recover compensatory damages after the plane crash (economic and non-economic damages), you should not rush to sue, especially without an attorney. An experienced aviation lawyer can help you understand your options. As strange as it sounds, even though plane crash lawsuits are time-sensitive, there are times when it is more beneficial to wait for a while before filing a lawsuit.

For example, filing a lawsuit as you undergo treatment might not be a great idea unless you will need that treatment for the rest of your life.

That said, most jurisdictions will give you up to two years from the date of the accident to take legal action against the other party. If you do not take legal action within two years, you will automatically lose your right to sue.

Remember that the statute of limitations for filing a plane crash accident lawsuit not only varies from state to state but also depends on who you intend to sue. If you intend to sue the government, the statute of limitations is usually shorter.

Contact a Morgan and Morgan aviation lawyer to understand your options.

Should I Negotiate for a Settlement Directly With the Airline?

After an aviation accident, the liable party might reach out to you to negotiate a settlement. This can be very tempting—why should you turn down an opportunity to close the case and walk away with a briefcase full of cash? In addition, why should you turn down such an offer when you have pending bills to pay due to the airplane accident? 

The truth is that airline companies make billions in profits every year. These companies can afford some of the industry's best defense attorneys and skilled negotiators. These professionals are not there to serve your interests; they only care about protecting the liable party from settling. And, if they must settle the case, they will ensure that they only part with the lowest amount possible.

So even though negotiating with the insurer or airline can be tempting, you should not consider it if you do not have an attorney. An experienced aviation attorney understands the tactics these companies use when negotiating a settlement. In addition, they can help bring claims you did not know you were eligible for.

Can I File a Lawsuit if the Airline Accident Occurred Outside the United States?

Yes, you can bring the lawsuit to the US even if the accident occurred outside the country. The Montreal Convention allows you to bring such a lawsuit in the US regardless of the location of the accident.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Plane crash cases require a legal team with experience in aviation law, personal injury, and wrongful death claims. At Morgan & Morgan, we have the resources and expertise to fight for the full and fair compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life.

For over 35 years, Morgan & Morgan has fought For the People—not the powerful—and recovered over $23 billion in the process. And as the nation’s largest personal injury law firm with offices in every state, we may have a lawyer near you who can help.

Our legal team can conduct thorough investigations into the cause of the crash, work with aviation experts to determine liability, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight to secure maximum compensation for victims and their families.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a plane crash, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation.