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Once an invention of science fiction, now an affordable reality; self-driving cars are commonplace on our roads. While these high-tech vehicles promise a “hands-off” approach to the daily commute, accidents involving these autonomous rides have ushered in a host of complicated legal issues surrounding liability. Ultimately, who is at fault for a wreck caused by a self-driving car?

While many of these vehicles are marketed as “self-driving”, they are not entirely autonomous. Drivers still have a responsibility to pay attention to the road and react quickly to ensure the safety of others. In this article, we examine the laws surrounding autonomous car wrecks and explain how an attorney may be able to assist with your personal injury case if you were hurt in a collision with one of these vehicles.

Autonomous Car Wrecks: Who Is at Fault?

If you were involved in an accident with an autonomous vehicle, you may be wondering who is liable for your injuries. In most cases, the operator of the self-driving car would likely be held liable if it can be shown that he or she could’ve taken actions to prevent the wreck. This is because most self-driving vehicles require a driver in the driver’s seat who can take control over the car if necessary.

Contrary to popular belief, most commercially available “autonomous” cars are not entirely self-driving. For instance, Tesla’s Autopilot system is considered to have “Level 2” vehicle autonomy by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In other words, while the vehicle can brake, steer, and accelerate by itself, the operator is required to pay full attention to the road at all times and be prepared to take over driving tasks to avoid an accident. Vehicle autonomy is graded from Level 0 (no autonomy) to Level 5 (fully autonomous).

However, the driver might not be the only liable party. If it’s clear that the accident happened due to a defect in the vehicle’s “autopilot” system or a mechanical failure, the manufacturer may also be on the hook for your losses. In such situations, the injury victim could pursue a product liability claim against the car’s manufacturer.

As with any personal injury claim, as the claimant you will need to gather evidence to prove that the driver and/or manufacturer was responsible for causing the accident. A skilled car accident attorney will know which types of evidence will help demonstrate liability, causation, and damages, and can take steps to obtain such proof before it becomes unavailable.

Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Attorney in California

If you were injured in a collision with a self-driving car, you may be wondering how to proceed with your personal injury claim. As “autonomous” vehicles are a relatively new addition to our roads, pursuing compensation for accidents involving these types of cars can quickly get complicated.

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we can investigate the wreck and help you build a convincing personal injury case. During your free consultation, our compassionate attorneys will take time to answer your questions, explain the laws that may be relevant to your case, and discuss how they might proceed with your claim. To schedule a consultation with a California car accident attorney, reach out to us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or by clicking through to our online contact page HERE.