Self-driving cars have started to hit the roads. In car accidents involving two drivers, the driver who is at fault is then liable for damages. However, with a driverless car, who could be liable? This scenario has minimal precedent to reference on who to direct liability in the event of a car accident. Continue reading to learn what to do if you are in a wreck with a driverless car.
There is existing automations in many cars already on the streets. Some of these automations are driver-assistance programs, including cruise control, lane assist, and blind-spot detection. Driverless cars take these uatomations to the next level. However, driverless cars are not completely driverless with today’s technology. While most of the work is done by the car itself, a driver or operator is still necessary to control the car. This situation includes when a driver places their car in autopilot mode.
Part of the value proposition of self-driving cars is the factor of human error is removed. But machine learning and operation is not always 100% effective either. The two leading causes of car accidents with driverless cars are car malfunction and external interference. With a car malfunction, either the software or a piece of machinery fails, leading to the car to crash if the operator is not able to prevent it. This type of failure can hold the manufacturer or the software development company depending on what piece of the vehicle actually caused the accident. External interference references to another person or vehicle causing an accident.
Ultimately, car collisions involving a self-driving car operate on a case by case basis when determining fault and who is liable to pay for damages. Even with this being the case, you should continue to follow the same steps after a car accident as you would for a driver on driver collision:
- Seek medical attention immediately after the car to make sure you do not have any injuries.
- Take photos of the crash site, keep all medical records, get witness statements, and write your own statement on the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
- Do not talk to insurance companies on your own. Even your own insurance company is looking out for their own best interest, not yours.
- Hire a personal injury lawyer if you were not the driver at fault for the collision.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you should have a personal injury attorney on your side. One of our attorneys at Glass & Robson can represent you to get the compensation and damages that you are entitled to. Having legal guidance and representation will allow you to focus on your recovery. To discuss a potential case, schedule a consultation with us today.
Sources:
https://www.accidenttampa.com/autonomous-vehicles-are-here-what-to-do-in-case-of-an-accident/
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/if-youre-hit-by-a-self-driving-car.html
https://www.hm-attorneys.com/whos-liable-in-a-self-driving-car-accident/