Self-driving cars are revolutionizing transportation around the world. In cities, these vehicles can improve traffic flow and reduce congestion and traffic jams. By using advanced sensors and artificial intelligence, self-driving cars maintain optimal speed, avoid sudden stops, and follow efficient routes. They also enhance road safety by reducing human errors, such as distracted driving or aggressive maneuvers. Also, there’s environmental benefits because most self-driving cars are electric vehicles.
However, these vehicles aren’t perfect, and the technology isn’t accident-proof. Software glitches or sensor malfunctions can lead to errors in judgment, causing the vehicle to misinterpret road conditions or fail to detect obstacles. Poorly programmed algorithms may also make dangerous decisions, such as misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a self-driving car, you need a skilled California self-driving car accident lawyer on your side. At Deldar Legal, we help accident victims overcome their injuries physically, emotionally, and financially.
Self-Driving Cars in America
Self-driving cars are becoming more real-world and less science fiction. They can support environmental sustainability by optimizing energy usage and promoting the use of electric vehicles, which reduces pollution in densely populated areas. Companies like Waymo, the driverless division of Google’s parent company Alphabet, continue to expand their reach. Waymo currently offers fully autonomous rides for the general public in these U.S. cities:
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Austin
- Phoenix
The company says they’re also testing cars in 10 new cities. By 2026, Waymo plans to launch in Atlanta through a partnership with Uber, as well as further expansion to Washington, DC and Miami. Expansion pf service areas isn’t the only priority. The company recently announced a new 239,000-square-foot autonomous vehicle factory in Phoenix, with plans to add 2,000 more fully autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles to its fleet. Waymo’s ongoing collaborations with major automakers like Toyota and Hyundai aim to further enhance autonomous driving technology.
Who is Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident?
Self-driving car accidents are a little different than a typical accident. For example, most car accidents have at least two drivers or a driver and a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist. In this situation, you would have a driverless vehicle. How do you file a lawsuit against computer software? Determining liability in a self-driving car accident can be complex. Several parties may be held accountable, including:
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Software developers
- Maintenance providers
- Human driver (if the vehicle was in manual mode)
A California self-driving car accident lawyer can find a self-driving car liable in a crash by conducting a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the accident. We would collect all available evidence, including police reports, eyewitness statements, dashcam footage, and any video recordings from nearby traffic cameras. Then, we would review software logs and system alerts to identify any software errors or sensor malfunctions that may have contributed to the crash.
This type of investigation takes a legal team and technical experts to analyze the self-driving car’s software code, focusing on how the car’s autonomous systems responded during the incident. If the vehicle’s software made an incorrect decision, such as failing to recognize a pedestrian or incorrectly identifying a road sign, this could indicate manufacturer liability. No matter how the accidents happen, your California self-driving car accident lawyer will know what to do.
Seriousness of Injuries
Serious injuries in a self-driving car accident can instantly change someone’s life. Victims may experience life-altering consequences, such as permanent disability, loss of mobility, or cognitive impairment. Families can also suffer emotional and financial stress, especially if the victim is a primary earner. Recovery can require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. Here are a few scenarios where you may need to hire a California self-driving car accident lawyer:
- Traumatic brain injuries from high-speed impact or sudden stops
- Spinal cord injuries caused by severe collision forces
- Crush injuries if the self-driving car malfunctions and traps occupants
- Severe lacerations from broken glass or damaged vehicle components
- Internal organ damage
- Psychological trauma
The financial burden of a self-driving car accident can also be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up quickly, and lost wages can create a severe financial crisis. Even with health insurance, victims may face out-of-pocket expenses for specialized care. Those who suffer long-term disabilities may need ongoing treatment and home modifications, adding to the costs. A California self-driving car accident lawyer will help your family with everything.
Managing the Legal Process
Following the legal process is one of the biggest challenges our clients face. At Deldar Legal, we take immediate action. Once we establish liability, the aggressive negotiations with insurance companies and opposing legal teams begin. We don’t let insurers undervalue our clients’ injuries or push them into accepting lowball settlements. If the offer isn’t good enough, we’re not afraid to take your case to trial. Our lawyers prepare every case as if it will go to trial because we believe every client should receive the money they deserve.
Sometimes, taking a case to trial is the right move. A trial is a public process, which can force negligent parties (such as a self-driving car manufacturer or software developer) to answer for their actions. This accountability can also encourage safer practices in the industry. At trial, your lawyer can present all available evidence, including expert witness testimony, accident reconstruction, and technical analysis of the self-driving car’s software and sensors. We see this type of transparency strengthen cases all the time.
Finding a California Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is incredibly useful. A California self-driving car accident lawyer has the skills to fight against large corporations who own and program these vehicles. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our team at Deldar Legal will take your case to trial. Most importantly, we provide our clients with peace of mind, handling all legal aspects of the case while you focus on recovery. When you’re ready, contact us at Deldar by picking up the phone and calling (844) 335-3271 for a free consultation.