Understanding the basics of car accident liability can help us determine who to blame. At Compass Law Group LLP, our attorneys have handled all sorts of self-driving and rideshare accidents. We’ll go over the basics of how self-driving cars work, common causes of accidents involving self-driving cars, and who is liable for the damages.
Before we can get into liability, we must first define what a self-driving car is. The reality is that very few of these cars are actually 100% automated, and most of them still require a certain level of driver or operator intervention.
The person behind the wheel still needs to be aware of their surroundings and make adjustments to keep the car safe on the road. The Society of Automotive Engineers identifies 6 levels of vehicle automation on a scale from 0 to 5:
As of right now, there are no cars above level 3 on the road. However, some companies are starting to test Level 4 and 5 automated cars. We may start to see fully automated cars on the road in the future, but for now, there is still a level of driver engagement behind the wheel. This also means that who is at fault in a self-driving car accident remains a complex question, as the legal system must determine liability between the driver, manufacturer, and software developer.
When it comes to self-driving car accidents, your first response may be to start pointing fingers. However, it’s important to note that there’s more than one cause of car accidents, even if it involves a self-driving car.
Pinning liability can get tricky, and the first step is to determine the cause of the accident. Some common factors that cause an accident involving a self-driving car include:
Once we know the cause of the accident, we’re one step closer to identifying the liable party. It can get complicated to pin down one specific party, especially when it comes to self-driving cars. However, there are a handful of potential parties you can narrow it down to in most cases.
The parties that are most often found to be at fault for a self-driving car accident include:
Even cars with the highest levels of automation currently on the road require some level of driver interaction to keep the car moving safely. The driver still needs to be aware of their surroundings so they can react in the event something happens. If the driver is negligent in this responsibility, they can be held liable for the damages caused by the accident.
Malfunctioning hardware, improper safety protocols, and defective software can quickly lead to a fatal accident. The manufacturer has a duty to sell a product that functions as it should while keeping the user safe, and failure to do so can make them the liable party.
While some companies, such as Volvo, have publicly stated they will accept liability for any accident involving one of their self-driving cars, it will still be a fight to prove liability for other manufacturers.
Automated features on a car, such as steering, require complicated software to read the situation and calculate the proper course of action. If this software malfunctions and causes an accident, some could argue that the software developer should be held liable. The specifics start to get murky the more you break it down, but a case can be made in some situations.
In some circumstances, you could make the argument that the car owner is responsible for the accident. They have a responsibility to keep up with vehicle software updates and regular maintenance. If they fail to fix a known mechanical issue that leads to an accident, the blame could fall on them.
Since self-driving cars are a recent development, the legal system is working to figure out exact policies for these wrecks. Courts are working to adapt current personal injury laws to accommodate the new technology.
In general, courts have recently ruled that self-driving cars require a level of collaboration between the driver and the vehicle, meaning liability can be split between multiple parties.
For example, if a sensor fails to register another car and there’s a crash, liability could be split between the car manufacturer and the driver. While the car’s software failed, the driver was still responsible for paying attention to the surroundings and intervening to prevent the accident. As a result, both parties could be held partially responsible for the damages.
Just like how the legal system is adjusting its policies, insurance companies will also need to shift their coverage options to account for self-driving cars.
Drivers may still need liability coverage, but people who own self-driving vehicles may need to invest in additional policies, such as product liability insurance in the event the car’s software fails. Drivers may also have higher insurance premiums if they own a self-driving car.
We’re currently in a transition period as companies work to figure out how self-driving cars play into current insurance policies and regulations. Nothing is set in stone yet, and we’ll have to see how insurance companies move forward.
If you’ve found yourself in a car accident involving a self-driving car, the steps to follow afterward are similar to those of an accident involving a standard car. Take a deep breath and keep a level head, as panicking or getting angry won’t help the situation.
Here are the basic steps you should follow to keep yourself and others safe after an accident:
Figuring out who is at fault for an accident involving a self-driving car is tricky due to how recent the technology is. Self-driving cars are a new development in the world of transportation, and the legal system needs time to adjust its policies accordingly to accommodate them.
Self-driving technology continues to change as time goes on, meaning policies will also continue to change and adapt with time. There may be some growing pains during this transitionary period, but the right parties will be held liable for their actions in the end.
If you’ve found yourself in an accident involving a self-driving car, contact Compass Law Group, LLP. Our team of attorneys in the Los Angeles area has worked on these types of cases before, and we’ll make sure you get the justice you deserve. We’ll guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights until we win. Get in touch with us to book a consultation and see what your legal options are.
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After 10 accidents and 9 attorneys, the client met Simon, who stood out for his honesty and clear communication. Years later, after another accident, the client called Simon and was impressed by his professionalism and follow-through. Simon explained everything, connected him with top doctors, and kept every promise. It was the first time the client felt truly supported—highly recommending Simon and Joseph for their integrity and dedication.
Jacob was rear-ended by a big rig and left nearly paralyzed for a year. He found Cooper Law Group, and Joseph and Simon personally helped him through the legal process. Over two years, they ensured he got the medical care and surgeries he needed, helped repair his car, and secured the compensation he deserved. He highly recommends them for truly fighting for their clients.
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8200 Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Floor. Beverly Hills, CA 90211
866.765.6051
8200 Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Floor. Beverly Hills, CA 90211
866.765.6051
8200 Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Floor. Beverly Hills, CA 90211
866.765.6051
8200 Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Floor. Beverly Hills, CA 90211
866.765.6051
8200 Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Floor. Beverly Hills, CA 90211
866.765.6051
8200 Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Floor. Beverly Hills, CA 90211
866.765.6051
8200 Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Floor. Beverly Hills, CA 90211
866.765.6051
8200 Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Floor. Beverly Hills, CA 90211
866.765.6051