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An in-flight collision with a utility powerline can bring down a helicopter in seconds. Unfortunately, powerlines can be virtually invisible from the air, especially in certain lighting conditions. To give helicopter pilots a fighting chance, utility companies are supposed to mark their wires with orange balls whenever the wires are more than 200 feet above the ground. But mounting the orange balls onto the wires is expensive. So frequently, the utility company simply ignores the rule and hopes for the best. If you or a loved been involved in this sort of airplane accident anywhere in California, contact our trial attorneys.
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Utility companies always blame pilots for wire-strike accidents. The best way to level the playing field during settlement negotiations is to hire an attorney. Retaining an aviation trial firm can give you the most power during settlement negotiations, and best positions you to take your case to court if necessary.
Flying into a wire is one of any helicopter pilot’s biggest fears. Unfortunately, wire strikes are all too common. Certainly, some wire strikes are the fault of improper pre-flight planning. Other wire strikes could have been survivable had the helicopter been equipped with wire cutters – blades that slice through wires before they damage the aircraft’s rotor system and bring the helicopter down. But often, the fault lies with the utility company for failing to make their wires visible, especially in areas of known helicopter traffic.
Unfortunately, the FAA does not police the rules requiring a utility to mark dangerous powerlines. It’s up to wire-strike victims and their families to hold utility companies responsible so that other wire-strike accidents can be avoided.
At Danko Meredith Trial Lawyers, we work with professional investigators, aviation accident specialists, and air crash reconstructionists. We have the resources of a large firm but offer the personal attention of a small firm. Our attorneys can help you fight for justice and financial compensation after a helicopter wire strike accident in California. Send us a message or call (650) 453-3600 to speak to a lawyer for free near you.
