Self-Driving Car Accident Claims

Our Los Angeles Self-Driving Car Accident Attorneys Can Fight for You

Self-driving vehicles are quickly becoming a common sight on California roads. With nearly every major automaker either developing or producing autonomous cars, the future of transportation is evolving rapidly. However, with this new technology comes a complex set of challenges—especially when it comes to safety. Despite the increasing presence of autonomous vehicles, federal regulators have not yet established comprehensive guidelines, leaving safety largely in the hands of the automakers and tech companies in Silicon Valley.

Injured by a self-driving car? Contact our experienced attorneys at (310) 231-9717 for a free consultation today!

As a result, accidents involving self-driving cars have raised critical questions about accountability. If you or a loved one has been injured by an autonomous vehicle, it’s important to know that you may be entitled to compensation. At McGee, Lerer & Associates, our experienced Los Angeles self-driving car accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. 

Have Self-Driving Cars Hurt People?

Autonomous vehicles are not without their issues. In May 2016, a high-profile incident occurred when a Tesla Model S failed to recognize a tractor-trailer making a right turn, resulting in a fatal crash. This tragic event brought national attention to the safety concerns surrounding self-driving cars but did little to slow down the development of this technology.

Some of the semi-autonomous vehicles currently on the road include:

• Google's self-driving cars
• Tesla's Model S
• Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG
• BMW's 750i
• Infiniti's Q50S

This list is far from exhaustive, as the number of autonomous vehicles continues to grow. While these cars offer new levels of convenience and technology, they also introduce potential hazards. In cases where accidents occur due to a malfunction in the vehicle’s software, the automaker may be held liable for damages. Determining fault in these cases can be complicated, but our experienced legal team knows how to navigate the complexities of self-driving car accident claims.

Regulations and Safety Standards for Self-Driving Cars

The development of self-driving cars is moving rapidly, but clear and comprehensive regulations are still in their infancy. In the U.S., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plays a central role in ensuring vehicle safety, but guidelines for autonomous vehicles (AVs) are not as well-defined as those for traditional cars.

• Current Federal Regulations: The NHTSA has issued some voluntary guidelines for AV manufacturers, but there is no standard set of rules for how these vehicles should be tested, validated, and used on public roads.
• State-Specific Guidelines: While federal regulations lag behind, states like California have established their own rules for autonomous vehicles. California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires companies testing self-driving cars on public roads to apply for permits and meet certain safety standards.
• Challenges in Standardization: One of the biggest challenges in creating regulations is the constantly evolving technology. Since self-driving cars rely on complex systems like artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, and machine learning, it’s difficult to set rigid guidelines that can adapt to future advancements in technology.
• Safety Standards: There’s also debate about how safety should be measured. Should AVs be held to the same standards as traditional vehicles? Or do they need a new set of criteria to account for the unique features of autonomous driving technology?

As autonomous vehicles become more common, it’s clear that stronger regulations are needed to protect both drivers and pedestrians.

Challenges in Investigating Self-Driving Car Accidents

Investigating accidents involving self-driving vehicles presents unique challenges that differ from traditional car accidents. While human drivers are usually the focus in conventional crashes, self-driving cars require a deeper investigation into technology and software.

• Data Collection: Unlike regular vehicles, self-driving cars generate vast amounts of data through sensors, cameras, and GPS systems. Investigators must review logs and sensor data to determine if a malfunction in the vehicle's technology contributed to the crash.
• AI Decision-Making: Autonomous vehicles rely on AI to make real-time decisions. Understanding how the AI responded in a given situation is crucial. Accident investigations often involve analyzing how the AI processed data and whether its decisions were flawed.
• Role of Tech Companies: Since many of the components of self-driving cars—such as AI software and sensor technology—are developed by tech companies, these companies often play a critical role in investigations. They may be required to provide access to proprietary data, but cooperation can sometimes be a challenge.
• Expert Witnesses: In some cases, accident reconstruction experts may be needed to piece together what went wrong. These experts can interpret the data and help determine the cause of the accident, whether it was a hardware failure, software malfunction, or human error.

The investigation process for self-driving car accidents is complex and often requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving both legal and technical expertise.

The Role of Human Drivers in Semi-Autonomous Vehicles

Not all self-driving cars are fully autonomous—many still rely on human drivers for certain tasks or to take control in emergency situations. These semi-autonomous vehicles bring about a different set of challenges when it comes to determining liability and responsibility.

• Fully vs. Semi-Autonomous Vehicles: Fully autonomous vehicles (Level 5) require no human intervention, while semi-autonomous vehicles (Levels 2-4) still require a driver to take over when necessary. For instance, Tesla’s Autopilot system allows the car to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically, but the driver must remain alert and ready to take control at any moment.
• Human Driver’s Responsibility: In semi-autonomous vehicles, the driver is still responsible for certain actions. If an accident occurs while the car is in autonomous mode, determining whether the driver was negligent (e.g., not paying attention) can affect the outcome of the case.
• Liability in Semi-Autonomous Accidents: The presence of a human driver complicates liability. If the driver was expected to intervene but failed to do so, the driver may share some or all of the blame. However, if the accident was caused by a failure in the vehicle's technology, the manufacturer could be held liable.
• Impact of Driver’s Actions: Investigators must carefully assess the role of the human driver in semi-autonomous vehicle accidents. Was the driver actively monitoring the vehicle? Did they fail to respond to warnings or engage the manual controls when necessary? These factors can influence the determination of fault.

The distinction between fully and semi-autonomous vehicles is crucial in understanding the complexities of self-driving car accident claims. As technology advances, the line between human responsibility and vehicle autonomy will continue to evolve, raising new legal questions.

Holding the Responsible Parties Accountable

When dealing with self-driving car accidents, establishing liability can be challenging. In many cases, the cause of the accident may lie within the software, sensors, or other technological aspects of the vehicle. This means the automaker, or even the developers of the technology, may be held responsible for the crash.

At McGee, Lerer & Associates, we understand how to gather the evidence needed to support your claim, whether the issue lies with the car’s hardware, software, or even human error in overseeing the autonomous system. We are prepared to hold the responsible parties accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Path to Compensation

If you’ve been injured by a self-driving vehicle, seeking legal representation is a crucial step. The complexities of these cases require in-depth knowledge of both personal injury law and the technology behind autonomous cars. Our team has over 40 years of combined experience, and we’ve successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients in similar cases.

Whether your case involves a self-driving car malfunction or human negligence, we are here to guide you through the process, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or taking your case to court. It’s time to explore your legal options and get the relief you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What are the common causes of self-driving car accidents?
  Self-driving car accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, including software malfunctions, sensor failures, poor decision-making by the vehicle's artificial intelligence, or improper handling of unexpected road conditions. In some cases, human error or inadequate monitoring by the vehicle’s operator may also contribute to accidents.
• Who is responsible for an accident involving a self-driving car?
  Liability in a self-driving car accident can fall on several parties, including the vehicle manufacturer, software developer, or even the owner/operator of the vehicle. If a technical malfunction or software issue causes the accident, the automaker or tech company could be held liable. However, if human error was involved, the driver may be at fault.
• Can I sue the manufacturer of a self-driving car?
  Yes, if you’ve been injured in a self-driving car accident caused by a defect in the vehicle's software or hardware, you may be able to sue the manufacturer. A thorough investigation will help determine if the vehicle had design or manufacturing flaws that led to the accident. 
• What types of injuries can result from a self-driving car accident?
  Just like traditional car accidents, self-driving car accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from minor whiplash to serious conditions like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or even fatalities. The severity of the injury largely depends on the speed and nature of the accident.
• Do I need an attorney to handle a self-driving car accident case?
  Given the complexity of these cases, having an experienced attorney is crucial. Self-driving car accidents often involve multiple parties, intricate technology, and specific laws. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
• How is a self-driving car accident different from a regular car accident?
  The key difference lies in the vehicle’s operation. In a traditional car accident, human error is often a major factor, whereas in self-driving car accidents, software, hardware, or sensor malfunctions may be involved. Investigating the cause of the accident requires understanding both the technology and legal aspects, which adds a layer of complexity.
• What should I do if I’m involved in a self-driving car accident?
  If you're involved in a self-driving car accident, the first steps are similar to any accident: seek medical attention, report the accident to the authorities, and gather evidence such as photos, witness statements, and vehicle information. Contacting an attorney who specializes in self-driving car accidents can help protect your legal rights and ensure you receive proper compensation. 

Need help after a self-driving car accident? Contact McGee, Lerer & Associates at (310) 231-9717 for expert legal support!