Self-Driving Car Accidents in Los Angeles
With self-driving vehicles becoming more commonplace in Los Angeles, the future of car accident law is here. Self-driving car accidents have a complex and unique set of challenges. It is important to consult with an attorney if you have been injured by a self-driving car and have questions about accountability. An experienced car accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you protect your rights.
Top Causes of Self-Driving Car Accidents
Self-driving car accidents in Los Angeles may be caused by driver error, like the majority of motor vehicle collisions. However, there is the added possibility of an issue with the vehicle’s autonomous features that may contribute to the crash.
Common causes of self-driving vehicle accidents include:
- Human errors, such as inattention or distraction
- The driver failing to take over when directed
- Overreliance on the self-driving technology
- Technological errors and software mishaps
- Issues with the vehicle’s sensors
- The vehicle misjudging speed or distance
- Poor vehicle performance in bad weather or complex environments
In many cases, self-driving car accidents are traced back to a combination of issues with the technology and the human operator, despite federal safety guidelines for self-driving vehicle manufacturers put in place by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These vehicles rely on complex systems such as artificial intelligence, which can be difficult to standardize.
Who Is Liable for a Self-Driving Car Accident in Los Angeles?
Determining who is responsible for a self-driving car accident in Los Angeles requires an investigation into the cause of the crash. Investigators will analyze evidence such as eyewitness accounts, police reports and the vehicle’s data recorders to determine what caused the accident. This will inform the decision regarding who is liable, or financially responsible, for the wreck.
The Human Operator
Most self-driving vehicles are not fully autonomous. They still rely on human drivers to supervise the self-driving technology, handle certain complex tasks and take control in emergencies. It is the human driver’s responsibility to pay attention to the vehicle’s alerts and notifications, and to be ready to take control of the car at any moment.
The Vehicle Manufacturer
If an investigation finds that a self-driving vehicle experienced a technological malfunction that caused the crash, some or all of the blame can go to the vehicle’s manufacturer. This includes the manufacturer of autopilot software or technology that went awry. Companies that operate fully autonomous vehicles in Los Angeles, such as Waymo, can be held entirely liable if their vehicles crash into other cars, bicyclists or pedestrians and cause injury.
How Can a Self-Driving Accident Attorney in Los Angeles Help?
Handling a self-driving car accident claim can be difficult, as these cases involve many complex legal and liability issues. The best way to deal with this type of case is by contacting an experienced car accident attorney for assistance.
A local Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be there for you every step of the way, guiding you through an insurance claim or lawsuit in pursuit of justice and financial compensation. A lawyer will have the ability to go up against powerful adversaries on your behalf, such as self-driving vehicle manufacturers. With a lawyer by your side, you will be able to focus on what matters: healing and recovering. For more information about how a lawyer can help with your self-driving accident case in Los Angeles County, contact Rose, Klein & Marias LLP for a free consultation.