With the rise in technology, self-driving cars are no longer a new thing. Learn more about “Effective Insights On Things To Do If Hurt By An Auto-Car.”
Several companies have introduced self-driving vehicles, such as ride-share and delivery services, in select urban areas. If you happen to live in one of these cities and encounter one of these cars, you may find yourself wondering about the proper course of action. In case of an accident, who is responsible, and who should you contact?
What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident with a Self-Driving Car
Whether you are a pedestrian or driving another vehicle, it’s important to understand how to handle a situation if you are involved in a collision with a self-driving car. Knowing your rights and responsibilities is key. Here’s what you need to know about sharing the road with autonomous vehicles.
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Effective Insights On Things To Do If Hurt By An Auto-Car
Where Are Self-Driving Cars on the Roads?
The legal status of autonomous vehicles in the U.S. is still unclear due to the varying laws in different states.
Self-driving technology also operates at multiple levels of automation. Levels 4 and 5, which are the focus here, allow a vehicle to function fully independently without a human in the driver’s seat. Several companies have begun deploying these fully autonomous vehicles in public areas.
For example, Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, leads the self-driving taxi industry. By 2024, approximately 700 autonomous vehicles will be operating in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta.
Cruise, a General Motors-owned company, also operates fully autonomous cars in Phoenix, Houston, and Austin. Despite setbacks—like a crash in San Francisco that resulted in a person being dragged 20 feet—Cruise has been able to resume services in certain cities.
Other companies, including Zoox, Mobileye, May Mobility, and Nexar, are testing or preparing to launch self-driving vehicles, with some partnering with ride-sharing giant Lyft.
If you live in one of these cities, you’re likely to spot one of these autonomous vehicles on the road. But what happens if you are involved in an accident with one, either as a pedestrian or in another car?
Who Is Responsible for Crashes Involving Automatic Cars?
Waymo’s crash-test data reveals that autonomous vehicles are four to seven times less likely to cause injury in an accident compared to human-driven cars. However, accidents can and do still happen. Since 2019, there have been 3,979 reported incidents involving autonomous vehicles.
Determining blame in an accident with an autonomous vehicle might rely on various aspects, including the extent of automation, the setting of the occurrence, and the regulations in existence. Often, the manufacturer or the company operating the vehicle could be held liable if a design flaw or system failure contributed to the crash.
Manufacturer Liability: If a malfunction in the self-driving technology—such as a software or hardware issue—led to the crash, the manufacturer may be held accountable under product liability laws.
Operator Liability: In the case of semi-autonomous vehicles where a human driver is supposed to monitor the vehicle, the driver may be partially or fully responsible if they fail to intervene in time.
Third-Party Liability: External factors such as road conditions, other drivers’ actions, or even cyberattacks could shift blame to entities other than the vehicle’s manufacturer or operator.
Other Driver Liability: If you are found to be at fault for the accident—such as by making an unsafe maneuver that the self-driving car could not avoid—you would be held responsible, even if no other human drivers were involved.
What Should You Do If You’re Hit by a Self-Driving Car?
If you’re involved in a crash with a self-driving car, your actions should be similar to any other accident. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Ensure Your Safety: If possible, move to a safe location and avoid any further danger.
- Call Emergency Services: Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical attention for any injuries.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any injuries. Make sure to record the make, model, and license plate number of the self-driving car. Collect contact details from any witnesses.
- Get Information About the Vehicle: Identify the company responsible for the self-driving car, whether it’s the operator or the tech firm behind the vehicle.
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out, as some issues may only become apparent later.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurer as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Make sure to supply them with any required paperwork.
Legal Considerations and Seeking Assistance
When involved in an accident with a self-driving vehicle, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Since autonomous vehicle technology is still evolving, so too are the regulations surrounding it, making the claims and legal process somewhat complicated.
- Consult with an Attorney: Seek legal advice from an attorney with experience in personal injury or product liability. They can help assess fault and guide you through the claims process.
- File a Police Report: A written police report will be necessary for any insurance or legal claims.
- Understand Local Laws: Autonomous vehicle regulations vary by state and country, which can affect how blame is determined and how claims are processed.
Conclusion
Crashes involving automated vehicles can be complicated, with fault possibly lying on numerous parties. By understanding what to engage in and acting swiftly, you can safeguard your rights and guarantee you receive the money you deserve. As autonomous vehicle technology continues to develop, new legal and ethical challenges will emerge, making it essential to stay informed and prepared. Stay safe on the roads!
