California Self Driving Car Accident Attorney

Involved in a self-driving car accident in California? As self-driving car companies are getting closer to developing vehicles that can operate autonomously, the roads of California become increasingly populated with autonomous vehicles that are transporting passengers from one location to another. With cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco being filled with autonomous vehicles, the likelihood of accidents involving these technologically advanced cars rises. 

Navigating the aftermath of a driverless car accident requires specialized legal expertise, given the complex web of liability issues and evolving regulations. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we specialize in representing clients involved in driverless car accidents, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Our team is equipped with the cutting-edge knowledge and experience necessary to tackle the unique challenges posed by autonomous vehicle technology, providing you with expert legal support every step of the way. Find out your rights and how a California self driving accident attorney can help.

To speak to an expert California Driverless Car Accident Attorney call (213) 927-3700 or use the online contact form.

Understanding Liability in Self Driving Car Accidents

Liability in self-driving car accidents is not as straightforward as traditional car accidents. In California, the responsibility can fall on several parties, including the human operator, the car manufacturer, or even external parties like car companies, dealerships, or repair shops. This multifaceted liability often stems from the unique nature of autonomous vehicles and their reliance on complex technology, making the allocation of responsibility in an autonomous car accident particularly challenging.

For instance, the human operator might be held liable if they fail to take control of the vehicle during an emergency, as mandated by California Vehicle Code 38750. This regulation requires that the driver must be seated in the driver’s seat and capable of taking over control when necessary. On the other hand, manufacturers can be held responsible under California product liability laws if a defect in the vehicle’s design or software contributed to the collision.

Determining fault in these cases often relies heavily on data from the vehicle’s sensors and operating system, which can provide crucial evidence. This data helps in piecing together the events leading up to the accident, making it indispensable in proving liability.

California Self Driving Car Regulations

California has been at the forefront of self-driving car regulations, implementing stringent requirements to ensure the safety of its roadways. Manufacturers are required to obtain testing permits for their autonomous vehicles, as per the California Vehicle Code. This ensures that only vehicles meeting specific safety standards are tested on public roads.

Moreover, California mandates that all autonomous vehicles have a human driver ready to take control in case of system failure. This regulation, outlined in California Vehicle Code 38750, also requires self-driving cars to have a safety alert system to notify the operator when the autonomous technology is failing, allowing the operator in the driver’s seat to regain full control of the vehicle. Manufacturers must also report any accidents involving their self-driving cars, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Steps to Take After a Self Driving Car Accident

In the aftermath of a self-driving car accident, it is crucial to take immediate and appropriate steps to protect your rights and gather essential evidence. Whether you have gotten in an accident in congested streets of Downtown LA or Union Square, a car accident involving a self-driving vehicle requires special attention to legal representation and compensation for victims and their families. First, ensure the safety of all involved by moving to a secure location, assessing injuries, and calling 911. Document the make and model of the self-driving vehicle, its license plate number, and any other identifying information.

Next, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the vehicles, the collision scene, and any visible injuries. If you are unable to collect evidence yourself, ask a witness or someone with you to help. Report the collision to your insurance company, but avoid giving a statement to the insurance company of the self-driving vehicle without legal advice, because consulting with a California self-driving car accident attorney can be invaluable, as they will need to examine the vehicle’s data recorder to build a strong case. 

How a California Self Driving Accident Attorney Can Help

A California self-driving accident attorney plays a critical role in navigating the complexities of these unique cases. They can:

• Thoroughly investigate the accident to ensure all potential evidence and witnesses are accounted for.
• Provide expert guidance and advice throughout the legal process.
• Build a strong case based on comprehensive evidence and analysis.

This comprehensive approach is essential in achieving a successful outcome in self-driving accident cases, because self-driving car accident attorneys need to look through all of the details of the case such as the location of the accident and the analysis of the steering wheel in order to file a claim properly and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Negotiating with insurance companies can also be a daunting task, but a skilled attorney can ensure that you receive fair compensation. They are adept at understanding the nuances of pure comparative negligence in California, which allows multiple parties to share fault.

It is crucial to contact a dedicated California car accident attorney immediately following an accident to safeguard your rights and benefits. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we offer personalized strategies during settlement negotiations or trial proceedings, effectively presenting your case and preventing manufacturers from exploiting lowball compensation offers for any accidents they may have caused.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of self-driving car accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation. This can include compensation for past and future medical expenses, which often form a significant part of the claim. Additionally, victims can claim compensation for past and future lost wages and benefits, especially if the accident has impacted their ability to work.

Other compensable expenses include damage to your vehicle or other property. In cases of severe accidents, expenses for modifications required to your home and vehicle may also be claimed. Pain and suffering damages account for the physical discomfort and mental distress experienced by the victims, including psychological effects such as PTSD resulting from the accident.

Notable Self Driving Car Accident Cases in California

California has witnessed several notable self-driving car accident cases that have shaped legal precedents and raised significant safety concerns. For instance, on October 2nd, a Cruise driverless ‘robotaxi’ in San Francisco hit and seriously injured a pedestrian, leading to the suspension of Cruise’s operating permit by state authorities. This incident highlights the potential dangers of autonomous vehicles and the importance of stringent regulations.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating this autonomous vehicle accident to determine its cause, reflecting the heightened scrutiny these incidents attract. Between July 2021 and May 2022, driverless cars were involved in almost 400 crashes, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries, underscoring the need for improved safety measures.

Common Injuries in Self Driving Car Accidents

Self-driving car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including:

• Whiplash
• Concussions
• Fractures
• Soft tissue injuries (sprains and strains)
• Broken bones
• Lacerations

Passengers and pedestrians are at risk of these injuries.

More serious injuries can involve:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage, which may have long-term impacts such as chronic pain and disability
• Internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding

These are potential consequences of severe self-driving car accidents, including the possibility of a self-driving vehicle accident, in the self-driving car future.

Choosing the Right Self Driving Accident Attorney

Selecting the right self-driving accident attorney is crucial for navigating the legal complexities of autonomous vehicle cases. It is important to choose an attorney with a proven track record of success in handling such cases. They should possess an in-depth understanding of both the technical aspects of autonomous systems and the relevant laws.

Moreover, the attorney should be capable of addressing the unique legal challenges posed by self-driving car technology. Access to expert witnesses who can analyze technical data from the accident is also a valuable asset.

Why Do Self-Driving Car Accidents Happen?

Self-driving car accidents can occur due to various reasons, including system limitations and failures. External factors such as missing or damaged highway dividers, barriers, and excessive construction can contribute to these accidents, because the sensors in the self-driving car did not account for these obstructions. So for instance, if there was extensive roadwork around Santa Monica, then the self-driving car may have trouble traversing through these obstacles and would likely stop in place until these obstructions are moved. 

Human factors also play a significant role as well. Distractions from cell phones, complacency, and over-reliance on autopilot capabilities can lead to a variety of accidents. Additionally, drivers’ failure to place their hands on the wheel as recommended by the manufacturer can result in loss of control.

Who Is Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident?

Determining liability in self-driving car accidents involves examining ordinary negligence and negligence per se. Ordinary negligence occurs when the plaintiff alleges that a reasonable person would have acted differently in the same situation. Negligence per se, on the other hand, implies that the conduct was inherently negligent, eliminating the need to prove that a reasonable person would have acted differently.

Operating a self-driving car does not absolve the driver of responsibility in a crash. Under California’s rules of the road, drivers are still expected to be in control of their vehicle. Injured victims can pursue a personal injury case against the driver of a self-driving car by establishing that they were negligent.

What Are the Self-Driving Car Laws in California?

California’s self-driving car laws mandate that drivers:

• Stay vigilant and maintain control of the vehicle at all times.
• Minimize distractions to focus fully on the driving environment.
• Monitor the autonomous vehicle’s actions closely.
• Be prepared to intervene immediately during emergencies.
• Confirm that the vehicle adheres to safety standards and legal regulations.

California has been a pioneer in allowing self-driving vehicles on public roads since 2012, with the DMV’s Autonomous Vehicles branch setting stringent regulations for their testing. Despite the advancements, full self-driving vehicles are not yet permitted for public use, emphasizing the need for drivers to be prepared to take control.

Dangers of Self-Driving Cars to Pedestrians And Other Motorists

Self-driving cars pose significant dangers to pedestrians and other motorists due to their unpredictable behavior and potential technology malfunctions. As a pedestrian or cyclist, you are at risk of:

• Being backed over by an autonomous vehicle
• Collisions at intersections involving driverless cars
• Incidents during merging or lane changes where the vehicle fails to detect other road users
• Failure of driverless cars to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
• Sudden and unexpected acceleration by autonomous vehicles
• Collisions initiated by driverless cars

These risks are compounded by the fact that driverless cars often do not understand human behavior and can behave erratically due to road debris or technology malfunctions. This can be especially problematic in areas such as Downtown LA, Koreatown, and Hollywood where there is always a large influx of people on a daily basis. 

Other motorists face similar dangers, including the potential for collisions due to equipment design flaws and technology malfunctions. The false sense of security that driverless car owners sometimes feel can also contribute to accidents, as they may not fully understand that there is no truly autonomous car yet.

WCTL Is Here to Help With Your Driverless Car Accident

Navigating the aftermath of a self-driving car accident in California can be daunting due to the complexities of liability, regulations, and legal processes. Understanding who is liable, the regulations in place, and the steps to take after an accident is crucial for securing the compensation you deserve.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we recognize the unique challenges and distress that arise from driverless car accidents. To support you during these difficult times, we provide a compassionate and thorough approach to your legal needs. You can benefit from a free, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation with us, ensuring you understand your options without any initial financial burden.

Our services are contingency-based, meaning you will incur no out-of-pocket costs—we only get paid if you win.

If you’ve been involved in a self-driving car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our California Self driving Car Attorneys. You can contact us at (213) 927-3700 or via our online contact form to start your journey toward justice and recovery

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Driving Car Accidents in California 

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident?

In a self-driving car accident, liability can fall on the human operator, the car manufacturer, or external parties like dealerships or repair shops, depending on the circumstances. All these entities can potentially be held liable for different aspects of the accident.

What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Self-Driving Car Accident?

After a self-driving car accident, immediately move to a safe location, assess for injuries, call 911, document the scene, and report the collision to your insurance company.

How Can a California Self-Driving Accident Attorney Help Me?

A California self-driving accident attorney can assist you by investigating the accident, handling the claims process, negotiating with insurance companies, and providing guidance on pure comparative negligence. This can help you navigate the legal complexities and seek appropriate compensation for your situation.

What Types of Compensation Can I Claim After a Self-Driving Car Accident?

After a self-driving car accident, you can claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.

Are There Free Consultations Available for Self-Driving Car Accident Victims?

Yes, West Coast Trial Lawyers offers free consultations for self-driving car accident victims, with no out-of-pocket costs for the client.