Let’s face it: autonomous vehicles are becoming more and more commonplace on Houston's roads, and accidents involving these high-tech cars are an unfortunate reality. Determining liability in a self-driving car accident can be a complex process, as the legal landscape surrounding this emerging technology is still evolving. Unlike traditional car accident cases, where fault typically lies with one or more negligent drivers, autonomous vehicle crashes may involve multiple liable parties, from the car manufacturer to the software developer.
If you've been injured in an accident involving a self-driving car, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of your rights. The experienced Houston car accident attorneys at SJ Injury Attorneys are here to help you navigate this practically-new legal world and pursue the compensation you deserve. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges posed by autonomous vehicle accidents, the team at SJ Injury Attorneys is committed to advocating for your rights and holding the responsible parties accountable.
The Spectrum of Autonomous Vehicle Technology
To understand the legal complexities of self-driving car accidents, it's essential to recognize the different levels of autonomy in vehicles. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has defined six levels of driving automation, ranging from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation).
Level 0-2: Driver Assistance and Partial Automation
Vehicles with Level 0 to Level 2 autonomy require a human driver to monitor the driving environment and be ready to take control at any moment. These specific cars may have features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Examples include Tesla's Autopilot and Cadillac's Super Cruise.
In accidents involving these specific level of self-driving cars, liability can possibly be shared between the driver and the manufacturer, depending on the specific circumstances. If the driver was distracted or failed to promptly take control when needed, they may be held partially or fully liable. However, if a defect or malfunction in the driver assistance technology contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may also bear responsibility.
Level 3-5: Conditional, High, and Full Automation
Vehicles with Level 3 to Level 5 autonomy can handle most or all driving tasks under certain conditions. Level 3 vehicles, like the Audi A8L, require a human driver to be ready to intervene when requested. Level 4 and 5 vehicles, which are not yet widely available to consumers, can operate without human input in specific or all environments.
In these types of car accidents, liability could possibly fall primarily on the manufacturer, software developer, or other entities responsible for the autonomous technology. These parties have a duty to ensure their self-driving systems are safe and reliable. If an accident occurs due to a defect, design flaw, or programming error, they may be held liable under product liability laws.
It’s important to note that the SAE has no legal force — their levels simply narrow down autonomous vehicle classification to further help you understand what accidents may occur and where liability may lie.
Investigating Autonomous Vehicle Accidents
Given the complicated liability issues in self-driving car accidents, a thorough investigation is extremely important for building a strong case.
Some key aspects of investigating an autonomous vehicle accident include:
- Preserving evidence. Gathering physical evidence from the crash scene, such as vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris, can help reconstruct the accident and identify contributing factors.
- Collecting digital data. Modern vehicles, especially those with autonomous features, generate vast amounts of data from onboard computers, sensors, and cameras. This data can provide valuable insights into the self-driving system's performance leading up to the crash.
- Analyzing system performance. Experts can examine whether the autonomous technology detected the hazard, took appropriate action to avoid the collision, and functioned as intended. This analysis may reveal software glitches, sensor malfunctions, or other issues that contributed to the accident.
- Reviewing driver behavior. In cases involving semi-autonomous vehicles, investigators will assess whether the driver was using the self-driving features properly, remained attentive, and took control when necessary.
Pursuing Compensation in Autonomous Vehicle Accident Cases
If you've been injured in a self-driving car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, pursuing a claim in these cases can be challenging, as you may be going up against large automakers and technology companies with vast resources.
At SJ Injury Attorneys, the team understands the unique obstacles in autonomous vehicle accident cases and is committed to leveling the playing field for their clients. They stay at the forefront of this emerging area of law, closely monitoring developments in self-driving car regulations and court rulings.
Some strategies the attorneys at SJ Injury Attorneys may employ to help you pursue compensation include:
- Identifying all liable parties. An experienced attorney will help by investigating the accident to determine if the vehicle manufacturer, software developer, or other entities may be held responsible for your injuries.
- Gathering strong evidence. An experienced attorney will help by collecting and preserving evidence from the crash scene, obtaining data from the vehicle's onboard computers, and consulting with experts to build a compelling case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. An experienced attorney will help by engaging in skilled negotiations with the liable parties' insurance providers to secure a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.
- Litigating in court. If necessary, an attorney may take your case to trial and present persuasive arguments to a judge and jury to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Seeking Experienced Legal Guidance
Navigating the fallout of a self-driving car accident can be a daunting process, but you don't have to face it alone. The knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys at SJ Injury Attorneys are here to guide you through every step of your case, from investigation to resolution.
