Driverless Car Accidents

What Exactly is a Self-Driving Car?

Driverless cars are fully automated and don’t require the input of a human driver. However, like typical cars that need to be controlled by human drivers, driverless vehicles can get into accidents.

If you got into an accident involving a self-driving car, you may not know whom to pursue for compensation. Luckily, skilled personal injury lawyers in Arizona can assess the facts of the accident and help you determine liability.

What Are the Levels of Automation of Self-Driving Cars?

Self-driving cars have varying levels of automation, ranging from 0-5, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration:

• Level 0 automation: The driver is responsible for driving the vehicle, and they must steer, accelerate, or brake the car. All features are only assistive and don’t operate the vehicle. Examples are forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and emergency braking.
• Level 1 automation: A human driver can get the assistance of an advanced driver assistance (ADS) system on the vehicle to operate the steering or braking system. The human driver controls the other systems, such as accelerating.
• Level 2: An advanced driver assistance system on the vehicle can simultaneously control the steering, braking, and accelerating systems. However, the human driver must remain attentive to monitor the driving environment and perform other tasks.
• Level 3: The ADS can perform all driving tasks under some circumstances. The human driver must be ready to take over the car’s control upon being requested by the ADS.
• Level 4: The ADS can control every driving task and monitor the driving environment in the given circumstances. The human driver needs not be in control in those circumstances.
• Level 5: The automated driving system performs all the driving in all circumstances. Everyone in the car is just a passenger, and no one needs to be involved in driving.

Personal injury cases can become more complicated when driverless cars are involved. Retaining skilled Phoenix car accident attorneys to help you break down the laws and fight for your rights when pursuing compensation is in your best interest.

Who is at Fault in a Self-Driving Car Accident?

Given the complexities surrounding self-driving cars, the answer to this question is complex. For example, the vehicles’ automation level could be to blame for the accident leading to the accident, considering how they work. The ADS feature can fail to engage when it should, but the challenge would be to prove this beyond reasonable doubt.

The driver in the self-driving car could argue that a product liability or manufacturing defect was the cause of the crash, which can further complicate the claim process.

However, all drivers have an obligation to operate their cars safely. They should be careful not to endanger others on the road.

Other Parties that Could Be Liable

Self-driving cars introduce multiple variables that can significantly change the uncharted territory for law firms and insurance companies in determining liability.

After investigating a crash involving a self-driving vehicle, the following parties could also be found to be at fault:

• The car’s owner
• The backup driver
• The car’s manufacturer
• The vehicle’s software developer
• The manufacturer of the defective componen
• A third party, such as a repair shop
• The person who turned on autopilot mode
• Another company in the distribution chain of the car

Accordingly, consulting experienced Phoenix car accident lawyers can make all the difference in your case if you sustained injuries. They can use their experience to develop a precise legal strategy to demonstrate the cause of the crash and help you pursue compensation.

What Are the Most Common Types of Driverless Car Accidents?

Driverless cars can get into the following types of accidents:

• Rear-end collisions: A human-operated vehicle may fail to stop in time and rear-ends the driverless one. Alternatively, the backup driver in the driverless car may not take control of the vehicle in good time to prevent the crash.
• Sideswipe collisions: These mostly happen when a human driver-controlled car runs into the side of an automated one.
  Pedestrian accidents: Automated cars can run into pedestrians on the side of the road or fail to detect a person crossing the road.

What Damages Can I Collect in a Driverless Accident Lawsuit?

Self-driving cars can result in significant damages, and it’s crucial to understand what you’re entitled to when filing a claim. Some common recoverable damages in an autonomous driving car accident include:

Economic Damages

These entail the damages to which you can attach a dollar amount, such as:

• Hospital, emergency treatment, or medical bills
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

You can’t attach a dollar value to these losses, which include:

• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Psychological trauma
• Emotional distress
• Ongoing pain and suffering

You could also file a wrongful death lawsuit if the accident resulted in the loss of the life of your loved one. A wrongful death claim can be the means to recover the following losses:

• Loss of companionship
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of insurance
• Loss of pension

An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Investigating a Driverless Accident Case

Getting involved in an accident with a self-driving car can be confusing as you might not know who to hold liable for your injuries. Whatever the circumstances of the case, skilled personal injury lawyers in Phoenix can evaluate it and help you obtain justice by fighting for the maximum compensation after determining liability.

The Desert Star Law Group has a team of knowledgeable car accident attorneys who can help you seek damages after being in an accident that was not your fault. We fight aggressively for our client’s rights to give them peace of mind as they recover and rebuild their lives. Let us take the wheel when you’re not able to. Call us at 602-584-8957 for a FREE case assessment.