Self-driving cars, or autonomous vehicles, have gained considerable attention in recent years as they transition from being mere concepts to tangible developments, particularly in California.
The rapid improvement of the technology behind self-driving vehicles has sparked the interest of various companies seeking to enter this industry with innovative products. While significant strides have been made in this field, there has been particular interest in the application of self-driving technology to commercial vehicles. However, lawmakers in California have approached the prospect of autonomous trucks cautiously. This cautiousness has prompted the creation of legislation, most notably California Assembly Bill 316 (AB 316).
What is a Self-Driving Vehicle?
Self-driving vehicles are certainly an exciting prospect, but not everyone knows how they actually work. These vehicles are on the cutting edge of technology, especially in California, and they have some features that make them a popular choice for getting around. Self-driving vehicles, for example, use special sensors, cameras, and computer programs to drive themselves. They can even be programmed to follow a specific route or respond to operator requests.
Here are the main things that make self-driving vehicles work:
- Sensors – These vehicles have special sensors like LIDAR, radar, and cameras that help them detect what’s around them. They can see other cars, people, and obstacles, as well as traffic signs and lights.
- Mapping – Self-driving vehicles have detailed maps of the area they’re driving in. These maps tell them about the roads, traffic signals, and other important stuff they need to know to navigate safely.
- Decision-making – The vehicle’s computer uses fancy algorithms to make decisions based on the sensor data and the map. It knows when to slow down or stop at a traffic light, or when to change lanes to avoid something in the way.
- Control – The vehicle is controlled by an electric motor and special parts that steer, brake, and make it go faster. The computer uses these parts to control how the vehicle moves.
- Monitoring – The self-driving vehicle keeps an eye on its surroundings the whole time to make sure everything is safe. If it sees any problems, it can warn the passengers or take action to fix it, like slowing down or stopping.
It’s important to remember that self-driving vehicles are still being improved and are not perfect yet. While there are benefits to using them, they are still a work in progress. So, accidents can still happen, at least for now.
Understanding California AB 316
California AB 316, enacted on April 24, 2023, prohibits the use of self-driving commercial vehicles on public roads under specific conditions. These conditions include:
- The vehicle weighs over 10,000 pounds and is used primarily for testing purposes.
- The vehicle is used for transporting goods or passengers.
- The vehicle lacks a human safety operator.
In essence, AB 316 bans the utilization of self-driving commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks, that don’t have a person in the vehicle to act as a “safety operator” in the event of a malfunction.
Lawmakers supported this law because they understand the difficulties of sharing the road with trucks and the possible dangers of self-driving technology. Looking closer, these challenges could potentially include:
- Making the technology reliable – Self-driving trucks need to work well and be able to handle different road situations, like bad weather and busy traffic. They need to be able to sense what’s happening around them and make the right decisions to stay safe.
- Ensuring safety – Safety is really important when it comes to self-driving trucks. They need to be designed and programmed to avoid accidents and keep everyone on the road safe. This includes having systems in place to prevent crashes and respond to emergencies.
- Figuring out the rules – Laws and regulations need to be made to govern self-driving trucks. Things like who’s responsible if there’s an accident and what kind of licenses are needed for these vehicles need to be decided.
- Getting people on board – People need to trust and accept self-driving trucks. They may worry about losing jobs or have concerns about privacy and security. It’s important to address these concerns and show people the benefits of this technology.
- Updating the infrastructure – The roads and infrastructure may need changes to accommodate self-driving trucks. This could include adding special lanes or improving communication systems.
Obviously, the biggest concern with self-driving trucks would be the safety issue. That said, understanding your options if you’re injured in an accident with one of these vehicles can be crucial to your recovery.
Options For Self-Driving Truck Accident Victims in California
If you’ve been in a self-driving truck accident in California, you may wonder who is responsible for your injuries or damages. In normal car accidents, negligence falls on the other driver, but in self-driving truck accidents, multiple parties can be held liable:
- The manufacturer of the self-driving truck.
- The company that owns the truck
- Other drivers involved
- The software developer
- The city or municipality
Depending on the details of your accident, one or more of these parties may be responsible for your injuries or damages. Common damages in these accidents include things like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Loss of enjoyment in life or companionship
- Funeral or burial expenses, in the event of a fatal accident
Vehicle accidents in California often result in injuries, and the complexity of a self-driving truck accident can make the situation more stressful. Our experienced California truck accident lawyers can help determine who is at fault for your injuries and guide you through your legal options.
Contact Maison Law Today For a Free Consultation
Self-driving trucks and vehicles are advanced in technology, but accidents can still happen. Whether the accident was due to software glitches or other drivers, we offer comprehensive legal assistance to ensure you receive the compensation and support you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
