Self-Driving Car Accident Dangers
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 400 collisions occurred between July 2021 and May 2022 involving vehicles equipped with auto-pilot and fully autonomous capabilities. These incidents resulted in five fatalities and a minimum of six severe injuries, with some accidents also affecting pedestrians who were unable to defend themselves.
Numerous vehicles now incorporate driver-assist technology, including models from Tesla, certain Hondas, Toyotas, BMWs, Mercedes, Cadillacs, Genesis, Volvos, Volkswagens, Chevrolets, Hyundais, Kias, Lincolns and even select Ford pickup trucks. While these vehicles do not qualify as fully self-driving cars, some of them are equipped with the necessary hardware to transition into autonomous mode once such operations become legally permissible.
Can a Manufacturer Be Held Liable for a Self-Driving Car Accident?
Manufacturers are responsible for creating and producing vehicles that ensure consumer safety. Chapter 301 of Title 49 of the United States Code outline motor vehicle safety as “…the ability of a car and its components to safeguard road users against the potential hazards arising from its structure or design. Motor vehicles and their components are required to mitigate the potential for bodily harm or fatalities resulting from traffic accidents.”
Recent incidents indicate that multiple manufacturers were aware of documented hazards but failed to offer adequate solutions. Manufacturer accountability could arise from faulty car components, equipment, or the vehicle’s technological systems. If any element of the vehicle’s design or production rendered it unreasonably hazardous for occupants, the manufacturer could face liability for damages resulting from a traffic accident.
What To Do If You Get Into A Self-Driving Car Accident
Self-driving vehicles might be unfamiliar territory for you, as well as for law enforcement officers and California Highway Patrol officers. Following an accident, it’s crucial to gather all available evidence at the scene indicating the potential involvement of a self-driving car in your collision. If you’re physically able and the area is safe, attempt to gather pertinent details. The following are steps to take if you get into a self-driving car accident:
- Stop your vehicle. Move out of traffic lanes to the shoulder, only if it is safe to do so.
- If there are injuries, call 911. If the only damage is to vehicles, you can call the police directly. In some localities, police respond to every accident scene. In other areas, accident officers or other officials may arrive.
- Collect driver information. Get the names, telephone numbers, addresses, and license numbers of every driver involved. Copy down license plate numbers as well.
- Collect passenger & witness information. Get names, telephone numbers, and addresses of any passengers or witnesses on the scene.
- Take pictures. Use your phone or a camera to take photos of the damage and the scene of the accident, including road signs, stoplights, and any visual obstacles.
- Notify the DMV. If vehicle damage exceeds $750 or there are any injuries, you must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles. Failure to timely notify the DMV may result in license suspension, even if the accident is not your fault.
- Medical Treatment. Seek medical evaluation and treatment. Be sure to save all medical records if you receive any treatment for injuries sustained from the accident.
- If you believe that you are entitled to compensation for damages sustained in an accident, contact an experienced Southern California car injury attorney. Share the information you gathered, and they will assess the situation.
Contact a California Self-Driving Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a self-driving car in California, it’s essential to connect with a skilled attorney specializing in self-driving car accidents like the attorneys at KM Law. These legal experts are well-versed in the nuances of autonomous vehicle technology and the complexities of California’s laws regarding such incidents. By consulting with the California self-driving car accident attorneys at KM Law, you can receive personalized guidance and representation tailored to your case. From investigating the accident scene to advocating for your rights and pursuing fair compensation, the attorneys at KM Law will work diligently to help you navigate the legal process and achieve a favorable outcome. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the qualified attorneys at KM Law to protect your interests and secure the assistance you need during this challenging time.
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