Visalia Plane Crash Lawyer

Aviation accidents are among the most devastating events a family can face. Whether a small aircraft went down near Visalia Municipal Airport, a crop duster crashed in the fields of Tulare County, or a private plane failed mid-flight, the aftermath leaves families with unanswered questions, overwhelming grief, and mounting financial pressure. At The Wagner Law Group, our Visalia plane crash lawyers have spent over 42 years fighting for victims of catastrophic accidents across the Central Valley. We know how to navigate the complex intersection of federal aviation law and California personal injury law — and we don’t get paid unless you win.

Call us now at (833) 200-7111 for a free consultation, or Contact Us below and we will reach out to you.

Aviation Accidents in Visalia and Tulare County

The Central Valley has significant aviation activity — from general aviation at Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS) to agricultural aircraft operating across Tulare County’s farmland, private charters, and flights into and out of the region. Most plane crashes in this area involve:

• General aviation aircraft — small private planes and single-engine aircraft that operate out of Visalia Municipal Airport and surrounding airstrips
• Agricultural aircraft — crop dusters and aerial application planes operating over Tulare County fields, where low-altitude flying creates additional risk
• Charter and private flights — private aircraft transiting through the Central Valley corridor
• Flight school and training aircraft — student pilots and instructors conducting training operations in the Visalia area

Unlike commercial airline crashes, general aviation accidents receive far less media attention — but they are far more common, and the legal battles that follow are just as complex.

What Makes Aviation Accident Cases Different

Plane crash cases are not handled like car accident claims. They involve a unique combination of federal law, state tort law, and specialized investigations:

• The NTSB investigates every crash. The National Transportation Safety Board has exclusive authority to investigate aviation accidents. Their probable cause report can take months or years to finalize — but you don’t have to wait for it to file a claim.
• FAA regulations set the standard of care. Pilots, aircraft owners, maintenance technicians, and flight schools must comply with 14 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations). Violations of FAA regulations are powerful evidence of negligence.
• Multiple parties may share liability. Unlike a car accident, a plane crash can involve the pilot, the aircraft owner, the maintenance company, the aircraft manufacturer, air traffic control, or the airport itself — all at once.
• Evidence disappears fast. Wreckage gets moved, flight data gets overwritten, and witnesses scatter. Aviation accident investigations require immediate action to preserve critical evidence.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Visalia Plane Crash

Determining liability in an aviation accident requires investigating multiple potential defendants:

• The pilot — pilot error is the leading cause of general aviation accidents; reckless flying, flying under the influence, or flying beyond their certification can all establish negligence
• The aircraft owner — owners have a duty to maintain the aircraft airworthy and may be liable for entrusting it to an unqualified pilot
• The maintenance company — improper repairs, missed inspections, or falsified maintenance logs can make a mechanic or repair shop liable
• The aircraft manufacturer — defective parts, faulty design, or inadequate safety warnings can support a product liability claim against the manufacturer
• Air traffic control — ATC errors or failures that contributed to the crash can create liability against the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act
• The flight school — if an inadequately trained student pilot caused the crash, the school that certified them may share responsibility

What Compensation Can Aviation Accident Victims Recover?

Plane crash injuries are almost always severe. Compensation in a successful aviation accident claim can include:

• Medical expenses — emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care
• Lost wages and future earning capacity — if injuries prevent you from working, now or in the future
• Pain and suffering — the physical and emotional toll of surviving a crash or losing a loved one
• Permanent disability or disfigurement — compensation that reflects the lifelong impact of catastrophic injuries
• Wrongful death damages — funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship for surviving family members
• Punitive damages — available in cases of gross negligence or reckless disregard for passenger safety

California Aviation Accident Law — Key Deadlines

• Two-year statute of limitations. California gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Do not wait — evidence is time-sensitive and the clock starts immediately.
• Six months for government claims. If air traffic control or a government-operated facility contributed to the crash, you must file a government tort claim within six months under the Federal Tort Claims Act or California Government Claims Act.
• GARA manufacturer deadline. The General Aviation Revitalization Act limits product liability claims against aircraft manufacturers to 18 years from the date the aircraft was delivered — but exceptions exist for recent modifications or new components.

Why Choose The Wagner Law Group

• No fee unless we win — you pay nothing upfront
• Over 42 years of experience representing California injury victims
• Landmark verdicts, including a $72.4 million verdict in the Wal-Mart Truckers case
• 5-star rated by clients across California
• AV Preeminent rated — the highest possible rating for legal and ethical standards

If you or a loved one has been affected by a plane crash in Visalia or anywhere in Tulare County, call us today. Call (833) 200-7111 or contact us online for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a plane crash involving a family member?

Contact the NTSB and local authorities to confirm your loved one’s status. Do not speak to the aircraft owner’s insurance company without legal representation. Call a plane crash attorney immediately — evidence preservation in aviation cases is time-critical and cannot wait.

Do I need to wait for the NTSB report before filing a claim?

No. NTSB reports often take one to two years to finalize. You do not need to wait — and waiting can hurt your case. We file claims and preserve evidence independently of the NTSB investigation timeline.

Who pays compensation in a plane crash — the pilot’s insurance or someone else?

It depends on the cause. The pilot’s liability insurance may apply, but the aircraft owner, maintenance company, or manufacturer may also be liable and carry separate coverage. We identify every responsible party and every available insurance policy.

Can I sue an aircraft manufacturer if a part failed?

Yes, if the defective component was less than 18 years old or falls under one of the exceptions to the General Aviation Revitalization Act. Product liability claims in aviation cases require specialized expert analysis — we work with aviation engineers to build these cases.

What if the crash involved a government aircraft or air traffic control error?

You can still pursue a claim, but the process is different. Claims against the federal government require filing under the Federal Tort Claims Act with a strict six-month deadline. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim.

How much does it cost to hire a plane crash lawyer?

Nothing upfront. The Wagner Law Group works on a contingency fee basis — you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Your first consultation is always free.