If a vehicle has a human driver who is supposed to supervise a car while in “self-driving” mode, the driver would usually be liable for an accident. When cars are fully autonomous, without a driver, the automaker and software developer would usually be held liable for collisions.
An accident involving an autonomous vehicle can make for a complex case and deal with emerging laws. It’s often a good idea for victims who are seriously hurt in these accidents to allow an attorney to handle their cases. The California self-driving car accident lawyers with Maison Law offer a free, no-obligation case review to all victims struck by autonomous vehicles. Contact our offices to set up a case consultation with a real lawyer.
Determining Fault After a Self-Driving Vehicle Crash
The fault in a self-driving car accident usually depends on the level of human involvement in the car. In truth, most of the self-driving vehicles on California roads still require a human’s interaction.
When a car has something like autopilot, human drivers are supposed to monitor every move when it’s engaged. Motorists are usually liable for all crashes they cause, even when they are using an auto-driving mode.
These and other driver errors could leave a motorist liable for damages and injuries in a crash:
- A human driver didn’t monitor the road properly while in self-driving mode.
- A human didn’t take back control of the car in a dangerous situation.
- A human didn’t use a “self-driving” feature in an approved situation. Most self-driving modes are meant to be used on highways and freeways. Not on boulevards and other city streets.
Fully autonomous cars are generally used in larger urban areas across the U.S. You’ll find robotaxis in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Other autonomous cars and trucks are being tested in California, but most still must have a human failsafe in the driver’s seat.
When these vehicles make mistakes, it’s the automaker or software developer (sometimes the same company) that could be liable for an accident.
How a Lawyer Can Help After You Are Struck by a Self-Driving Car
Drivers hurt by an out-of-control autonomous car can be at an immediate disadvantage when trying to get help with their medical bills and repair costs.
They’ll run up against insurance adjusters poking holes in their claim. They can also face off against company lawyers, such as those protecting Tesla, in a difficult legal case.
A skilled attorney acts as a safeguard against these and other obstacles.
Your attorney provides these and other protections:
- Conducts a full investigation into the collision. This includes gaining access to computer logs tracking when the self-driving option was being used around the time of the accident.
- Has evidence ready when company lawyers or insurance adjusters try to transfer blame in the accident, or try to downplay your injuries.
- Files your claim, while allowing you to focus on getting better.
- Demands full support for every medical bill you currently have on your desk, and for the cost of care you could require in the years ahead.
- Demands full reimbursement for your time lost at work.
- Demands full compensation for the pain you go through and the emotional trauma an accident and injury recovery causes.
- Goes over every settlement you receive to make sure it’s enough to cover your future, and rejects it to demand more if it’s not enough.
Knowing When to Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer
If a human driver or a robo-driver caused your accident, and you suffered a serious injury, it’s a good idea to discuss your options with an experienced lawyer. It’s a no-risk way to determine what your injury is worth and how to get insurers or car makers to accept full responsibility.
To find out what’s possible, take advantage of a free case review with Maison Law.
There’s no obligation for your free case review, but if you feel Maison Law can help you earn more for your claim, you don’t have to worry about having money to hire us. There are no upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement money you and your family receive.
