Trucking & Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Texas Aviation Accident Lawyer
Ron McCallum is a 32-year ATP-rated pilot who also happens to be one of Texas's most accomplished trial lawyers, giving him a command of flight data, maintenance logs, and air traffic control transcripts that other attorneys simply don't have. He represents victims of plane, helicopter, and airline crashes connected to DFW International Airport, Dallas Love Field, and across the country.
ATP-rated commercial pilot with 32+ years of flight experience, a credential no competing Dallas firm can match in aviation cases.
The Only Trial Lawyer Who's Also Flown the Plane
Aviation law requires more than a law degree. When an aircraft goes down, the NTSB investigation can take a year or more to produce an official report, and by then critical evidence can be gone. Ron doesn't wait. As an active pilot, he reads flight data, maintenance logs, and air traffic control transcripts the way other attorneys read case files, and we work with former FAA investigators to reconstruct the crash well before any official report is released.
- ATP-rated pilot with 32+ years of flight experience as a charter captain, chief pilot, and flight instructor.
- Certified Flight Instructor ratings: CFI-A, CFI-I, CFI-II, and MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor).
- AOPA panel attorney, one of a select group of lawyers recommended by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
- Member of the Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association.
$867,880
Recovered in an aviation injury case. See this result and others on our
notable results page, and read more about Ron's full pilot and litigation background on our
about page.
Types of Aviation Accidents We Handle
Private Plane and General Aviation Accidents
General aviation crashes, involving small private aircraft, are among the most common aviation accidents in Texas and often stem from pilot error, mechanical failure, or poor maintenance.
Commercial Airline Accidents
Commercial airline crashes are rare but involve complex claims against airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and sometimes federal agencies, often spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Charter and Air Taxi Accidents
Charter and air taxi operators are held to different regulatory standards than major commercial airlines, and crashes in this space often reveal shortcuts in maintenance, pilot training, or scheduling pressure.
Helicopter Accidents
Helicopter crashes, common in medical transport, tour, and offshore oil operations around Texas, often involve mechanical and regulatory issues distinct from fixed-wing aircraft.
This page covers aviation and aircraft accidents specifically. For the full range of injury cases we handle, visit our Dallas personal injury hub.
air safety responsibilty begins on the ground. Justice happens when we hold the responsible accountable.
Aviation crashes are profoundly devastating events that not only result in tragic loss of life but also carry intricate complexities that often point towards preventable circumstances. The causes behind such catastrophic incidents can vary widely, ranging from pilot error—where human judgment and decision-making come into play—to mechanical failures, where the very machines designed to keep us safe let us down due to flaws or malfunctions. Additionally, regulatory violations, which may stem from inadequate oversight or failure to adhere to safety protocols, further complicate the landscape of aviation safety.
Each crash not only leaves a trail of grief and sorrow in its wake but also highlights the critical need for thorough investigations that delve deep into every aspect surrounding the incident. Such investigations must analyze flight data, maintenance records, and even pilot training procedures to uncover the root causes effectively.
Furthermore, these tragic events often necessitate aggressive litigation to ensure accountability for those responsible—be it airlines, manufacturers, or regulatory bodies. It is imperative that we treat each aviation accident not merely as an isolated incident but rather as a call to action. By embracing rigorous investigative practices and advocating for stringent safety regulations through litigation when necessary, we can work towards a future where such tragedies are less frequent and lives are preserved.
At McCallum Law, we pride ourselves on offering a unique and unparalleled blend of legal expertise paired with extensive real-world aviation experience in every case we tackle. Ron McCallum is not merely a trial lawyer; he is also a seasoned pilot, bringing an impressive background that enhances our firm's capabilities.
With over 32 years of hands-on experience as an aviator, charter captain, and chief pilot, Ron possesses an in-depth understanding of the aviation industry that few can match. This profound knowledge equips our firm with a critical advantage in aviation crash litigation, enabling us to navigate the complexities of such cases with remarkable precision and insight.
Our clients benefit from this dual perspective—one steeped in both legal acumen and practical aviation experience—ensuring that their cases are handled with the utmost competence and care.
Aviation Crash Case Challenges and How We Overcome Them
& How We Overcome Them
Determining Fault and Assigning Accountability
Most aviation crashes stem from multiple factors, including pilot error, air traffic control mistakes, and mechanical failure. The NTSB investigation into what happened can take a year or more to produce a final report, so we don't wait. Our firm works with aviation engineers, former FAA investigators, and flight data analysts to reconstruct the crash and assign legal responsibility well before any official findings are released.
Low or Nonexistent Insurance Coverage
Many pilots and small airports carry too little insurance, or none at all. We identify every available source of compensation, from the aircraft owner's policy to coverage held by airports, maintenance providers, and other liable parties.
Manufacturer Liability and the General Aviation Revitalization Act
Federal law shields aircraft manufacturers from liability once a plane is more than 18 years old under the General Aviation Revitalization Act, a rule that covers most aircraft currently in service. When GARA blocks a claim against the manufacturer, we pursue parts suppliers, maintenance providers, and repair stations whose negligence contributed to the crash and who aren't protected by the same 18-year shield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be held responsible for an aviation crash?
Liability depends on what caused the crash. In many cases, responsibility falls on:
• Aircraft manufacturers if a defective part or design flaw contributed to the accident.
• Private plane owners or charter companies for maintenance failures or pilot negligence.
• Commercial airlines for inadequate safety procedures or operational failures.
• Air traffic controllers for communication errors or regulatory violations.
📍 Texas law holds aircraft operators and aviation professionals to strict standards. If you were affected by a crash in Dallas or nationwide, we’ll investigate every possible source of liability.
What kind of compensation can I recover?
Aviation accident victims may be entitled to medical expenses and long-term care, lost wages and future earning potential, and pain and suffering. Our Dallas wrongful death lawyer team also pursues wrongful death benefits for families who've lost a loved one in a crash. In Texas, you typically have two years to file a lawsuit, so don't wait to start your claim.
How long do I have to file an aviation injury lawsuit?
• Personal injury claims – 2 years from the crash date.
• Wrongful death lawsuits – 2 years from the victim’s passing.
• Government-related claims – May have shorter deadlines.
📍 With aviation crashes often involving federal and state laws, acting quickly is crucial. We handle cases in Dallas, across Texas, and nationwide.
Do you only take cases in Texas?
No—while McCallum Law is based in Dallas, we handle aviation crash cases nationwide.
📍 In Texas, we frequently represent cases involving:
• DFW International Airport (DFW)
• Dallas Love Field (DAL)
• Private and charter flights statewide
