Self-driving cars may very well be the future of driving in many ways, but as these vehicles become more popular and show up on local roads more often, they also bring new legal challenges when accidents occur. There are partially autonomous vehicles on the road already, and as self-driving vehicle technology advances, the legalities around their operation need to advance too. But for now, if you’re involved in a self-driving car accident, you need to be aware of what your rights are and how a personal injury attorney can help.
What Are Self-Driving Cars?
It can be a little confusing to understand exactly what a self-driving car is and how it works.
According to Forbes, “An autonomous vehicle is broadly defined as one equipped with technology that senses the conditions around it, including traffic, pedestrians, and physical hazards, and can adjust its course and speed without a human at the controls. The terms “autonomous” and “self-driving cars” are often used interchangeably.”
There are different levels of self-driving vehicles that use technology differently. The technology involved includes “radar, cameras and laser-based LiDar, which stands for light detection and ranging,” Forbes noted. There are different tiers of autonomy, from zero use of related tech where a driver is entirely in control of all systems of the car to partially or fully autonomous functions. Some of these vehicles have drivers and some don’t, which can further complicate the legal situation around self-driving car accidents.
For example, Waymo’s commercial service, Waymo One in Phoenix, Arizona, transports passengers using driverless cars. Waymo has caused some controversy, like when a Waymo was seen swerving on the road in Phoenix in a now-viral video that evoked alarm and drew attention to recent reports of incidents involving the cars and a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation probe.
Self-Driving Car Accident Help
With these cars hitting the road in increasingly higher numbers, there’s now more of a risk than ever before that you could be involved in a self-driving car accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a self-driving car, you need experienced legal representation to navigate the challenges and intricacies of this emerging area of law. There are different parties that could be liable in a self-driving car accident – including a self-driving car company, the operator of the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle, employers who may be involved, government agencies, and more – and having a skilled attorney on your side to deal with all of those parties may be in your best interest.
If you’ve been involved in a semi or fully autonomous vehicle car crash, you may have a case and be entitled to seek justice and compensation for your pain and suffering. The team at Phillips Law Group may be able to help.
Our lawyers stay updated on the latest regulations and technology involved in car accidents. Indeed, we have been in business for more than 30 years and are well-regarded in the Phoenix, Arizona community, especially when it comes to motor vehicle accident cases. We have a history of success when it comes to securing justice for car accident victims, and we can help you fight to get the assistance and compensation you deserve.
Call Phillips Law Group
At Phillips Law Group, we provide a private, free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the unique circumstances of your case and explore your legal options. We are committed to protecting your rights and advocating for you if you’ve unfortunately been involved in a self-driving car accident.
Please contact our firm today to learn more and to schedule your free evaluation. Our team is prepared to work tirelessly on your behalf from day one of working with us. Call now to find out more!
