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For more than 40 years, our Washington, DC aviation accident lawyers have secured billions of dollars in personal injury and damages settlements, including multimillion-dollar recoveries in complex cases involving private, commercial, and charter aircraft. With a deep understanding of federal aviation regulations (FAA and NTSB) and decades of experience litigating against major airlines, manufacturers, and maintenance contractors, our board-certified trial lawyers know how to uncover the evidence needed to determine fault and hold negligent parties accountable.
Member of the Board of Governors of the American Association of Justice and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Patrick M. Regan, and our other nationally recognized partners have successfully represented victims of plane and helicopter accidents and other aviation-related disasters, including the tragic American Airlines Flight 5342 crash. We are not afraid to go after powerful aviation corporations or insurance companies to obtain full compensation for your losses.
Have you or a loved one suffered losses due to an aviation accident? Contact Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation, and one of our attorneys will call you back. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If we don’t win your case, you won’t pay any fees.
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Liability depends on what caused the plane crash. It could involve the airline, pilot, manufacturer, or maintenance crew. Some airplane crashes result from multiple failures, making it important to investigate all possible causes.
These cases are complex. That’s why our lawyers work with aviation experts, engineers, and investigators to uncover what went wrong.
Parties who may be liable include:
Manufacturers: Design flaws or defective components.
Airplane Pilots: Pilot error, including poor judgment or fatigue.
Maintenance Contractors: Neglecting necessary inspections or repairs.
Air Traffic Control: Communication errors or failure to provide proper guidance.
Government Agencies: In some cases, a failure by federal entities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may be involved.
Because Washington, DC is a hub for government and international travel, these cases are often especially complex.
In 2024, the National Transportation Safety Board recorded 179 fatal aviation crashes nationwide, resulting in 306 deaths. That national concern became a local tragedy in January 2025, when a mid-air collision over DC claimed 67 lives.
At Regan Zambri Long, our respected Washington, DC personal injury lawyers understand both the federal regulations and the local resources that affect these claims. We are at the forefront of this litigation, with founding partner Patrick Regan, who is widely recognized for taking on catastrophic cases and achieving successful outcomes, leading efforts to secure justice for victims and pursue reforms that improve aviation safety. Patrick M. Regan and Chris Regan currently represent the families who were impacted by the January 2025 American Airlines Flight 5342 crash.
As a member of the Board of Governors of the American Association of Justice, a Fellow of both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and a past president of the DC Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Patrick Regan brings nationally recognized trial expertise to this and every case, ensuring those who are liable are held acountable.
Aviation accidents can happen for many reasons, and most involve more than one contributing factor. Some of the most frequent causes include:
Identifying the cause of a crash is central to building a strong case. Our attorneys work with aviation experts and investigators to determine exactly what went wrong and who is responsible.
Victims of plane crashes may be entitled to compensation when negligence or mechanical failure plays a role. Whether the flight was commercial, charter, or private, airplane crash victims and their family members often face overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. Compensation helps ease the financial burden during an already devastating time.
The damages available depend on the type of crash, the extent of injuries, and who is at fault. Families who lost a loved one may also file a wrongful death lawsuit. Victims in Washington, DC aviation accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
Lost wages: Lost income due to injury or death.
Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional anguish.
Loss of companionship: For families in wrongful death claims.
Funeral and burial expenses: Compensation for these costs in fatal airline crashes.
Disability or disfigurement: For plane crash survivors with life-altering injuries.
Loss of future earnings: If victims can no longer work due to injuries.
Because Washington, DC, is home to major airports and government agencies, aviation claims often involve large-scale damages and multiple responsible parties. Our team builds strong cases with expert testimony, thorough documentation, and a relentless pursuit of full and fair compensation.
Aviation accident claims often fall under federal jurisdiction, making them far more complex than typical injury cases. Washington, DC crashes in particular may involve:
International treaties or cross-state issues, especially for commercial airlines
Complex technical evidence and federal regulations
Claims under the Montreal Convention for international flights
It can take months—or even years—for federal investigations to conclude. But that doesn’t mean you should wait to speak with an attorney. Early legal action helps preserve evidence and protect your rights from the start.
At Regan Zambri Long, we begin our own investigation immediately. Our attorneys know how to work with federal agencies while managing these long, complex proceedings. We stay with you every step of the way. Contact us today.
We understand legal action may feel overwhelming, especially while recovering or grieving. Our process is structured to minimize stress and give clients peace of mind.
Here’s what to expect when you work with our law firm:
In-depth investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation, collecting records, consulting aviation experts, and analyzing evidence.
Filing claims: We pursue every responsible party, including those operating in DC’s airports.
Negotiation or trial: We aim for a fair settlement, but we’re prepared to go to court. But if a trial becomes necessary, our attorneys are seasoned litigators with a strong record of courtroom success.
Our firm has earned national recognition for representing catastrophic injury victims, including those in aviation accidents. Based in the heart of Washington, DC, we proudly serve both residents and visitors. Whether your crash involved Reagan National, Dulles, or BWI, our lawyers are prepared to act quickly.
With nearly 200 years of combined legal experience and more than $1 billion recovered, our credentials include:
Our law firm offers free consultations. There is no fee unless we win.
Airplane accidents are traumatic events. Plane crash survivors and their families need immediate support. Taking the following steps after a crash will help to protect your rights and strengthen your claim:
For family members dealing with a wrongful death claim, grief counseling and support services are also available through local non-profits and hospitals.
Generally, DC law gives you three years to file a personal injury claim, though exceptions apply in aviation cases involving federal jurisdiction.
If the accident occurred at a DC-area airport, local airport authorities may also be investigated along with federal agencies like the FAA.
Yes. If your flight to or from DC was international, your claim may fall under the Montreal Convention, which provides compensation rights for international travelers.
Yes. Aviation accident claims involve federal law, local courts, and specialized regulations. A DC-based lawyer ensures familiarity with the unique complexities of cases in the nation’s capital.
You may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit in DC courts. This can cover funeral costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
Airplane crashes change lives. If you or a loved one were injured in an airplane crash in Washington, DC, or the surrounding region, our attorneys are ready to fight for you. We handle the airline’s insurers, federal regulations, and complex litigation—so you can focus on recovery.
Our Washington, DC attorneys have the experience, compassion, and skill to guide you through the process. We take on the airline’s insurance company, other parties, and complex cases—and we don’t back down.
Call us for a free consultation. We’ll review the facts, explain your rights, and help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve.
Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.