When news in 2018 of a self-driving car accident that killed a woman in Arizona hit the headlines, reactions were mixed.
Some were not surprised that this could happen. Others could not understand how a driverless vehicle filled with the most advanced sensors could fail to hit the brakes, resulting in the death of a woman.
The automobile driven by a computer was traveling at 38 miles per hour at the time of the accident.
As the experienced Los Angeles car accident attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers may argue, fault determination in accidents with self-driving cars is complex.
A jaywalker may not necessarily be “at fault,” especially if the self-driving car failed to identify them.
Liability in California would consider the vehicle’s sensors, the pedestrian’s actions, and potentially assign partial fault to both parties.
Establishing Fault in an Accident with a Driverless Car
Several factors must be taken into account to determine who is responsible for an accident with an autonomous vehicle.
For instance, one or more vehicles may have violated traffic rules before the accident happened. Alternatively, a jaywalker could have contributed to the accident.
Establishing liability often involves assessing the roles of various parties, such as the vehicle’s manufacturer, software developers, and, if applicable, the human operator.
Fully autonomous vehicles may place more liability on the manufacturers, while partially autonomous ones may also involve the operator or software provider.
Self-Driving Car Accident Claim Process
Self-driving car accidents, while still relatively rare, are increasing as more autonomous vehicles are tested on public roads.
Waymo vehicle involved in crash on 10 Freeway in West Los Angeles — ABC7
When they do occur, victims are sometimes unsure who is supposed to pay for the damages.
In a self-driving car accident, determining who is responsible for damages can be complex, as liability may involve multiple parties.
Victims may file claims against the vehicle’s manufacturer, the software developers, or the company that operates the autonomous technology, depending on the specifics of the incident.
If a defect in the vehicle’s design, manufacturing, or software led to the accident, the victim could pursue a product liability claim.
Alternatively, if a driver was partially controlling the vehicle, they may be liable under negligence if they failed to monitor the vehicle or intervene when necessary.
To seek compensation, victims can file for damages covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in severe cases, wrongful death.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help identify the liable parties and guide you through the complex legal and technical issues involved in self-driving car accident claims.
Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney
Whether you’ve been injured in an accident involving a driverless or regular vehicle, our team can help you navigate insurance claims and legal issues.
Our skilled and experienced lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring fair treatment, even when liability is complex.
Contact the law offices of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and receive the compensation you deserve.
Fill out our form today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards justice.