Self-Driving Car Accident Injuries
Were You Injured by a Self-Driving Car? Here’s What to Do Next
Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, are gaining popularity in the U.S. Compared to the average four-door car, they offer newer sensory functions. Not only does the vehicle sense its environment, but it can also operate without you behind the wheel. All that’s required of you is to be present, alert and in the vehicle.
Studies report self-driving cars will significantly reduce traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths. Companies like Tesla, General Motors, Audi, and BMW have invested and re-developed their self-driving vehicles. It sounds promising; however, it can become more of a legal nightmare after an accident ensues. This article will discuss liability and determining fault for self-driving car accidents.
If you’ve been injured recently, reach out to a personal injury attorney immediately. You deserve total compensation for any accidents or injuries caused by the negligence of another.
What Are the Safety Regulations?
The reality is that self-driving cars are fairly new. Congress has yet to implement safety legislation for the vehicles and states provide individualized regulations. In 2017, California permitted testing for self-driving cars and trucks for their use on public roads. The California Department of Motor Vehicles is consistently changing its policies, so check their website consistently. Two of the most notable highlights are:
California is the first state to issue the first self-driving car permit. It enables companies like Nuro to produce autonomous technology outside of testing. That means the average Californian can expect to see more of these vehicles on the road than before.
All self-driving calls must follow existing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). In addition to the FMVSS, the rules of the road apply to all drivers.
It’s only a matter of time before the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) creates additional policies that enforce performance standards to keep everyone safe. There are challenges to filing a personal injury lawsuit because there are minimal laws. The best car accident attorney at Gutierrez Law can help you make sense of the accident and help you begin the claims process while you focus on healing.
A Self Driving Car Hit Me Who Can I Sue?
The answer is not always clear. In a regular car accident, the negligent driver is usually to blame.
The courts follow this same approach to determining liability for self-driving cars if the driver had knowledge of and consented to the car being driven. If you live in Los Angeles, a common question we hear is: “Can I sue Tesla if their self-driving car hits me?”
The only time electric vehicles and other manufacturers are to blame is when a manufacturing defect is involved. In that case, the victim would include elements of a product liability claim.
If there is no driver present at the time of the crash, our next course of action would be to file a suit against the car owner, operator, and manufacturer. Drivers are almost always required to be present. All that’s necessary is ample evidence that proves the opposing parties were in the wrong.
About The Law Offices of Oscar H Gutierrez
Our law firm specializes in helping those who were injured due to an accident or someone else’s negligence. Navigating the insurance agencies and legal framework for compensation can be difficult, especially if English is not your first language. That’s why you should call the bilingual lawyers of The Law Offices of Oscar H Gutierrez to make sure you are compensated for your pain and suffering.
When you meet with one of our English-speaking and Spanish-speaking personal injury attorneys, you can tell them how your accident occurred and who might be responsible. Your attorneys will then launch an investigation into your accident and the events surrounding it to find who is responsible. If someone was negligent and their lack of care led to your injury, then they will build a case to make sure they pay your medical bills. You should contact our law firm if you were injured in a:
- Car accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Bike accident
- Rideshare accident
- Pool accident
- Dog attack
- Workplace accident
We can also help you with product liability and premises liability suits. Don’t leave your medical bills and property damage to chance; instead, hire a law firm that can win you the maximum settlement. Contact our office for a free consultation at 323-999-3500 or email us at contact@gutierrez.legal.