Self-Driving Vehicles: What to Expect for the Future of Injury Claims and Auto Accidents

The possibility of self-driving vehicles is quickly becoming a reality. Many U.S. companies are competing in the marketplace to provide autonomous vehicles.

With the growing popularity of self-driving cars, traffic collisions involving these vehicles will inevitably increase. This raises interesting questions about legal claims following these car accidents.

How will self-driving vehicles affect injury claims and auto accidents? Below, we will explore several important issues related to this question.

Different Levels of Self-Driving Cars

Many people think there’s only one type of autonomous vehicle. But not all self-driving cars are created equal.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are five different levels of self-driving systems. Level one systems are the least advanced, and level five systems are the most advanced.

Level one systems require human drivers to handle many of the common driving functions. Level five systems can operate without human assistance.

Legal liability is one of the most important issues in car accident cases involving autonomous vehicles. The question of fault becomes more complicated with various levels of driving system autonomy.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash with a self-driving car, do not hesitate. Speaking with a knowledgeable car accident attorney will help to determine who is liable in your case.

Determining Liability

When a crash involving a self-driving car occurs, many different parties may be at fault.

If manufacturing defects caused your collision, you might be able to recover financial damages from the vehicle manufacturer. However, most self-driving vehicles require assistance from the human driver.

Therefore, drivers owe a duty of care to other motorists on the roadway. If the other driver failed to operate their vehicle in a safe and legal manner, they should be held responsible for their negligence.

Proving Negligence

Proving negligence in a self-driving car accident case involves showing that:

• The liable party owed you a duty of care
• The at-fault party breached their duty
• The breach was the cause of the damage
• You sustained actual harm from the accident

Speak with a knowledgeable traffic collision attorney to pursue the damages that you are rightfully owed. If you have been injured in an accident involving a self-driving car, you have the right to pursue compensation.

The accomplished team at Harlan Law will review the facts of your case and fight tirelessly on your behalf. Contact our firm today!