As technology continues to grow and advance, there may come a day when highways are filled with self-driving cars. Self-driving taxis are already in use in some places, and autonomous driving is being implemented in automobiles across the country. However, this raises some interesting questions about liability in self-driving car accidents.
Google, Tesla, Uber, and other tech giants are implementing self-driving technology to better society, but what happens when autonomous vehicles cause accidents? Many Americans (93%) are concerned about self-driving cars. In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that self-driving vehicles are more than twice as likely to be involved in an accident as traditional vehicles.
Filing a car accident claim and determining self-driving car crash liability can be difficult. Car Accident Lawyers can help you to determine who’s responsible for self-driving car accidents. Experienced legal teams recommend working with Englander Peebles to build a strong case and receive guidance on how to recover damages in self-driving car accidents.
New Autonomous and Self-Driving Technologies
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) acknowledges that most car accidents are caused by human error. Since car companies are introducing driver-assistance technologies, cruise control, emergency braking systems, backup cameras, blind-spot detection, and lane assistance are standard features in most new vehicles.
Most self-driving vehicles on the road today have autonomous modes, but they still require a driver. However, drivers with self-driving cars must be ready to take over when necessary. If they are not, this may cause an accident. In some cities, fully autonomous robots hit the roads and transport passengers to their desired destinations.
These are the six levels of autonomous driving according to The Society of Automotive Engineers:
- Level 0 has no automation, and drivers do everything.
- Level 1 drivers operate with minimal assistance except power brakes or power steering.
- Level 2 automation includes cruise control, but the driver remains in control.
- Level 3 cars can operate without the driver’s control, but the driver is still necessary and must be ready to take control at any time.
- Level 4 vehicles can operate under certain conditions without driver intervention, but the driver can take control if they wish.
- Level 5 vehicles are fully automated and can operate without a driver.
Who’s Responsible for Self-Driving Car Accidents
Although most cities don’t have Robotaxis yet, and most drivers won’t encounter a self-driving vehicle, they’re becoming more common each day. If you’re unfortunate enough to be hit by one, car accident lawyers can help you recover compensation. If you’re involved in a self-driving car accident, the following parties may be liable:
Drivers
Since most autonomous vehicles are not fully self-driving, if you’re involved in an accident with one, it’s most likely the driver was at fault. If human drivers do a poor job of supervising their vehicles or aren’t prepared to step in when the software fails, then they can be held liable in self-driving car accidents. If the driver ignores warning signals or is distracted, they can be held liable for the accident.
Auto Manufacturers
If a product defect causes a self-driving car accident, then the vehicle or part manufacturer could be held liable. Automakers and distributors are legally responsible for the safety of their parts and products. Auto manufacturers can be held strictly liable if the car contains a design, manufacturing, or marketing defect that causes an accident.
Self-Driving Software Providers
Most autonomous vehicles use intricate software created by companies apart from the vehicle’s manufacturer. Design flaws and software glitches could also be responsible for accident injuries. If driverless software causes an accident, the software designer can be liable for damages caused by the accident.
A Third Party Self-Driving Accident
If you’re involved in a self-driving car accident, sometimes a third party could be to blame. This can occur if the other driver is speeding, running a red light, or driving recklessly. Reckless drivers, hazardous property owners, and unkept roadways could be liable.
Car Accident Lawyers Help With Self-Driving Car Crashes
Recovering damages in a self-driving car crash will require thorough investigations to determine who is responsible. Car Accident Lawyers have experience analyzing who’s at fault and holding negligent drivers, autonomous vehicle manufacturers, software designers, and third parties liable. If you get into a wreck with a self-driving vehicle, personal injury law professionals recommend consulting with Englander Peebles for a free consultation.