Tips for Surviving an Airplane Crash

I came across an interesting website today. Its’ web address is www.howcast.com and it provides "how to" advice. It provides "how to" video tips on everything from bathing a dog to sending food back at a restaurant; from determining whether you are pregnant to speeding up your metabolism. Obviously many people want to know how to do things that most of us could care less about, or already have a good idea "how to" do. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

However, as I was perusing the site, I came across a very interesting "how to" that I thought was important enough to share with my Injury Board readers. The "how to" video is entitled "How to Survive an Airplane Crash" and it provides the following important tips:

1. Pick an good seat. The site states that people in an exit row or within five rows of an exit row have the highest survival rates. Aisle seats are considered safer than window or middle seats. Research also shows that passengers who sit near the back of the plane are 40% more likely to survive a crash than those in the first few rows.

2. "Dress for Escape". The site suggests that a traveler wear pants and a non-flammable, long-sleeved shirt (denim or cotton are recommended). Flat, study, closed toed shoes are also recommended. Do not wear clothes that restrict movement, but make sure that they offer some protection from flames, flying debris, and weather or site conditions. The site also suggest that you bring a smoke hood, or a wet washcloth sealed in a plastic bag. Many crash victims survive impact, only to die of smoke inhalation. If you don’t have a "smoke hood" or a wet cloth, the site advises to breath through your clothing.

3. Memorize the layout of the plane. Once you are on board, count the seats and rows between you and the nearest front and rear emergency exit. You may have to to feel your way if the cabin fills with smoke. Take careful note of the location of flight attendant seats; that is where you will need to go to seek assistance or instructions.

4. Brace yourself. If there is to be an emergency landing, you will be instructed to "brace yourself". Keep your feet on the floor, cross your arms on the seat in front of you and lower your head into your arms. If you are in the bulkhead or exit row and there is no seat in front of you, wrap your arms around your knees and bury your head in your lap. Try to remain in that position until the plane comes to a complete stop. Remove sharp objects from your shirt or pants pocket, and, if you are earing glasses, the site recommends that you remove them.

5. Know how to undo your seatbelt. Remember that airplane seat belts open by lifting a buckle, not by pushing a button, like a car belt. While this may sound like a silly reminder, now, the site says that research shows that many airplane passengers forget this when they are in a panic, and this will delay your exit. Time is your enemy in this situation.

6. Stay on two feet; "stoop, don’t crawl". You have, most likely, been taught to stay close to the floor in a fire. On a commercial jet, this is not good advice, because, the site says, you run the risk of being trampled. Stoop, don’t crawl; you will still get air. Exit immediately; do not look for loved ones or try to assist others; this will delay you, your loved ones, and anyone else you are trying to help. Find your loved ones when you get outside the plane.

7. Run like the wind! Once you get off the plane, run like hell; run for your life; the plane might be ready to explode and you don’t want to be anywhere near it, if that happens.

It will come as no surprise that most of these crashes produce serious personal injuries or death for the occupants of the airplane. Aircraft crashes do not produce “fender benders.”

Commercial airplane crashes can result from a variety of issues:

1. Failure to appropriately consider or appreciate weather conditions. Weather conditions will change from one location to another and from one time to another. Failure to plan, or compensate for changes, can result in airplane crashes.

2. Miscalculation of fuel supply. Pilot and crew simply fails to properly calculate how much fuel is needed for a particular flight or how much they have on board before starting.

3. Mechanical Failure. The plane has a non-fuel related mechanical failure.

4. Design or Structural Problems.

5. Other Human Error. Error includes air traffic controller errors, improper loading of aircraft, fuel contamination and improper maintenance procedures.

6. Sabotage. Terrorist events, including explosive devices, shoot downs and hijackings.

If you have been seriously injured or have lost a loved one in an airplane crash, it is essential to retain an attorney who is experienced in and specializes in handling these very complicated airplane crash cases. The attorney will need to have significant knowledge of the field of aviation and the laws applicable to it. The attorney should also have significant experience in the handling, working up, trial preparation, and actual trial of airplane crash cases. This is a highly specialized field. It often takes an industry expert to locate the right attorney for you and your family. Lawsuit Financial has strategic relationships with aviation law attorneys all over the country, and would be pleased to assist you in finding an aviation legal specialist to handle your case.

Airplane crash cases almost always cause serious injury or death to their victims. Serious injury to the family provider or the sudden loss of a loved one who provided family support will not only cause emotional devastation, but, often, financial devastation, as well. An experienced attorney will investigation your claim and file, if appropriate to do so, your airplane crash lawsuit. These lawsuits are hard fought cases and take considerable time to reach appropriate resolution, no matter how experienced and talented your lawyer is. How do victims support their families with no income coming in? Airplane crash lawsuit funding will often provide the financial support you and your family need in the critical time between an airplane crash and the resolution of the litigation that results from the crash. Many victims are inclined to resolve their valuable cases too early and for too little, simply because they have been without support. Do not settle your case for pennies on the dollar, without determining whether you are a candidate for lawsuit funding. Insurance companies will deliberate delay resolution to persuade you to consider their inadequate offer. Seek your attorney’s advice on whether settlement is wise, or whether lawsuit funding makes sense as a reasonable alternative. Collaboration and consultation between you, an experienced lawsuit funding company representative and your attorney should result in the best financial alternatives for you and your family.

Here, again, is the www.howcast.com video entitle "How to Survive an Airplane Crash":

http://www.howcast.com/videos/168515-How-To-Survive-an-Airplane-Crash

Good luck, fly safely, and take appropriate and easy safety precautions before you fly. Who knows? The life you save may be your own.