With the increasing number of self-driving cars on California streets comes an increased risk of accidents involving them. But whose fault is it when a vehicle without a human driver gets into a collision? If one of these cars collides with your vehicle, or if you’re riding in one and it’s involved in a crash, what are your legal options?
Turn to Demas Law Group for answers to your questions after an autonomous vehicle accident. An experienced self-driving car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and seek compensation for your injuries. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.
How Autonomous Vehicle Accidents Happen
Despite significant advances in technology, self-driving cars remain vulnerable to the same risks that affect all vehicles, as well as to new challenges unique to automation. These systems rely on constant data processing to make real-time decisions. When that process breaks down, the results can be dangerous and potentially deadly. A self-driving car crash may occur when a vehicle misinterprets its environment, reacts too slowly, or operates based on incomplete information.
Even in ideal conditions, the handoff between automated systems and human occupants can create confusion during emergencies. Because these vehicles are still learning from road exposure, unexpected or uncommon scenarios can trigger flawed responses. While the goal of autonomous driving is to reduce collisions, the current reality shows that self-driving car technology alone cannot eliminate human and environmental unpredictability.
Who Can Be Liable?
Liability is rarely clear-cut in self-driving vehicle accidents. Multiple parties may have played a role in what went wrong, and it’s possible no human occupant of either vehicle is to blame. A Waymo autonomous vehicle accident lawyer must carefully investigate the technology, the people behind it, and the events leading up to the incident to determine who’s at fault.
Some potentially liable parties in driverless vehicle collisions include the following:
- Self-driving vehicle manufacturers – The automaker may be responsible if a mechanical failure or defective component contributed to the crash.
- Software companies – Flaws in the car’s driving algorithms or updates that introduce errors can point to software developer liability.
- Operator – Fault may shift to a human occupant if they misuse or override the system.
- Other drivers – Not all collisions are caused by the autonomous vehicle. Human error from nearby drivers can still be a factor.
Laws Governing Self-Driving Car Accidents
California is one of the leading states in testing and deploying autonomous vehicles. Its laws reflect both innovation and caution. State law requires permits for testing self-driving cars on public roads. It mandates strict reporting of accidents involving autonomous systems.
However, when it comes to liability, California still applies traditional negligence principles. That means accident victims must prove that someone failed to act with reasonable care, whether that’s a manufacturer, a software developer, or a human operator.
The legal landscape is evolving, and questions often arise about how to assign responsibility in a driverless car accident. Additionally, federal guidelines continue to shift, creating a patchwork of rules that can affect how car accident attorneys, insurers, and courts handle claims.
Steps to Take After a Self-Driving Car Accident
After a crash involving an autonomous vehicle, the steps you take next can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights should be a priority, so follow these steps:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Document the scene by taking photos and videos of all vehicles, damage, and the surrounding area.
- Get witness information from anyone who saw the collision occur.
- Exchange information with all involved parties.
- Determine whether the vehicle was in autonomous mode, if possible.
- Seek medical attention even if you don’t appear to have serious injuries.
- Contact an experienced self-driving car injury lawyer.
How Demas Law Group Handles Autonomous Vehicle Claims
Your choice of an attorney to manage an autonomous car crash claim may be one of the most pivotal decisions you make in the aftermath of a collision. Demas Law Group takes pride in our extensive track record of success in car accident cases. For more than 30 years, our legal team has secured meaningful compensation for injured individuals across California, representing clients in a wide range of personal injury claims, including all types of motor vehicle accidents. In total, we’ve recovered over $300 million for our clients. As one satisfied client wrote:
“Working with Tim over the last year has been a great experience. He was on top of everything with the insurance companies and did an amazing job with my case. Highly recommended!” – Tommy D.
As a California law firm, we recognize the increasingly visible presence of autonomous vehicles on our streets. That’s why we’re committed to helping people harmed by these cars seek the justice they deserve. Our autonomous vehicle accident attorneys bring the same care, dedication, and attention to detail to these cases as we do to those involving traditional vehicles. When you trust us with your case, we’ll conduct a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Compensation Available in Self-Driving Car Accident Cases
Victims of collisions involving self-driving vehicles may be entitled to compensation for a variety of expenses and losses, including the following:
- All past and future medical bills
- Lost wages, including lost earning capacity
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Property damage, such as vehicle repair/replacement
The amount you may be eligible to recover depends entirely on the facts of your case. Demas Law Group will thoroughly review your financial and personal losses to seek an amount that fully compensates you for the harm you’ve suffered.
Areas Served
Demas Law Group is based in Sacramento and has three satellite offices in Roseville, Elk Grove, and Natomas. We’re pleased to serve clients throughout greater Sacramento and statewide.
Contact an Autonomous Car Crash Lawyer Today
If you got hurt in a collision involving a self-driving car, you may be facing significant physical injuries and financial challenges as you work to heal. Don’t add to the stress by trying to manage a claim against an autonomous vehicle company on your own. Turn to the team at Demas Law Group for the committed legal support you deserve.
Contact our office today to arrange a free case review with a self-driving car accident lawyer and learn more about your legal rights and options.
