Airport Accidents

With millions of travelers passing through North Carolina’s airports every year, it is not surprising that a large number of car accidents take place at or near airports. North Carolina is home to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), the busiest airport in the state. Three other international airports and several regional airports are also in North Carolina. Charlotte’s busy airport has a large variety of airlines and flight options, and the airport is the second largest American Airlines hub next to Dallas-Fort Worth. Over 46 million passengers travel through CLT airport annually. Airport visitors are busy trying to catch their flights. With the added stress switching lanes in hectic airport arrival and departure lanes areas, it is no surprise that many car accidents occur at airports.

The attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC have plenty of experience representing clients who have suffered an injury in a car accident that took place in North Carolina. Our office is in the historic John Carr Price House not far from Charlotte-Douglas International airport. Whether you received an injury in a car accident while visiting North Carolina or you are a local, our skilled car accident attorneys can help you fight for your right to compensation for your injuries. We represent clients throughout the Charlotte, Monroe, and Mooresville metropolitan areas. If you have suffered an injury in an airport car accident, contact our office today to set up your free initial consultation.

The Charlotte-Douglas International Airport employs over 18,000 people. In 2018, the airport announced that it welcomed 46.4 million passengers, breaking a record for passengers passing through its terminals. One of the fastest-growing airports in the country, CLT, is currently the world's seventh busiest airport. Accommodating 46.4 million passengers a year also requires accommodating the massive amount of vehicle traffic. The congested traffic happens as a result of passengers, employees, taxis, ride-sharing services, and family and friends who drop off and pick up their loved ones at the airport.

Many times, people stop and start quickly around airports. Drivers also unlawfully stop in the middle of a drive-through lane when they spot the person they have come to pick up. Other times, drivers pull too quickly out of a stopping lane into a drive-through lane, causing a car accident. These conditions are dangerous enough. Yet, when we account for a large number of pedestrians hurriedly trying to reach their destinations while cutting in front of drivers, chaotic driving conditions can ensue.

Many drivers who are picking up or dropping off loved ones, friends, or family members at the airport are driving distracted. Drivers are focused on looking for their loved ones on the sidewalk while attempting to drive. Looking away from the road, if only for a few seconds to spot a friend, can be enough distraction to cause a rear-end collision. Additionally, people are frequently stopping and starting with little notice, making lane changes too hastily, and swerving to get into the pickup and drop off lanes.

Driving at the airport is enough of a distraction, but when electronic devices enter the equation, distracted driving becomes an even more significant hazard. Airport drivers must content with additional distractions, such as:

• Texting
• Talking on a cell phone
• Talking to a fellow passenger
• Parenting children who are screaming or getting out of their seats
• Using navigational systems while driving
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Putting on makeup while driving

Talking on a cell phone to the person the driver is picking up is all too common. When a driver is talking to someone and looking for them, it is difficult for the driver to focus on the cars around them to avoid causing an accident.

Airport drivers are incredibly distracted by cell phones, electronic devices, pedestrians, and trying to locate a parking spot or their loved one who is arriving. Distracted drivers have an increased risk of hitting the car in front of them because they are not paying attention to their surroundings. Even a momentary driving distraction can result in a rear-end collision.

In North Carolina, car accident victims who suffered an injury as a result of another driver’s negligence may seek full compensation for their injuries. Successful plaintiffs can receive compensation to cover the cost of medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact the North Carolina airport car accident attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to set up your free consultation.