The Federal Aviation Administration and Florida attorneys are calling for a review of air accidents and laws governing aviation in the state of Florida. The move comes from the fact that Florida is seeing an upswing in aviation traffic, partly due to its fairly flat lands and clear weather. More travelers into the state are also contributing to more traffic, so that the state is now the country’s second busiest state in terms of air traffic, according to an MSNBC report.
More traffic in Florida, obviously, increases the likelihood of aviation accidents. This is especially the case since state regulations have actually decreased in Florida while traffic has increased. Florida, for example, has replaced abandoned mandatory runway operation reports with a voluntary online reporting system. The state has also handed over approval of expansion of private airports to local zoning authorities.
Some are worried that these two factors – increased air traffic and decreased state regulations – may contribute to higher Florida aviation accident rates. Some studies suggest that aviation accidents in Florida are already on the rise, especially in the central part of the state. Over the past 6 years, Florida has seen an average of 131 aviation accidents per year. Volusia County alone averages between 10 and 12 such accident annually.
As both Florida attorneys and aviation accident victims know, aviation accidents are serious business. Many of these accidents lead to serious personal injury and a significant number lead to fatalities. Permanent disabilities are also caused by aircraft accidents each year. The FAA is replacing its Aviation Safety Program, with its focus on preventable accidents, with the FAA Safety Team Program. This new program will stress “elusive accident causes.” It is hoped that this move will reduce the number of accidents in the state.
If you or a loved one have already been injured as a result of an aircraft, though, you need to contact a qualified Florida attorney. A good lawyer can advise you of your rights and can ensure that you get the quality medical treatment you deserve.
Call 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN) for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about your options. The Law Offices of Flaxman & Lopez can meet you at your hospital, office, or home to help support you throughout your case.