California Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyers
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Our California Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyers Are Advocates Who Stand By Your Side
California’s unique regulations governing self-driving cars highlight the need for personal injury attorneys after an accident with one. If you or someone you love gets injured in a collision with these autonomous vehicles, contact our California self-driving car accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391.
In recent years, California has emerged as a hotbed of innovation and the development of self-driving vehicles. The state’s progressive regulatory environment and research institutions have positioned it at the forefront of technology’s rapid expansion.
Companies like Waymo, Cruise, and Lyft are shifting the urban transportation landscape with their robotaxis. This move is a significant milestone for both autonomous car technology and California. However, this concept has since faced numerous challenges, including suspensions and recalls.
There are still instances where autonomous vehicles cause accidents despite the promise of improved safety, efficiency, and convenience. Residents and visitors can get injured as a result. These incidents call for continuous improvements to existing California laws.
Why Choose Our California Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyers
Our lawyers in California can be your committed advocates for protecting your rights after a self-driving car accident.
We have the skills and resources to help victims and their families pursue justice. Whether you have sustained injuries or lost a loved one due to a self-driving car, it’s crucial to consult our California accident lawyers. We don’t charge upfront lawyer fees — we offer contingency fee arrangements so finances don’t prevent you from seeking justice.
How Do Self-Driving Car Accidents Happen?
Car automation is a relatively new technology. It undergoes strict regulations before release, but it might still encounter bugs and errors that could lead to an accident.
However, we can’t attribute all incidents to the vehicle itself. Even the most advanced Tesla models today still need a human driver behind the wheel. Driver error or negligence can still contribute to self-driving car accidents in California.
Some of the most common causes we see are:
Mechanical Failures
A self-driving car, however modern it is, relies on a series of mechanical processes to run. As such, it’s still susceptible to failure due to defective or damaged parts. These components can be subject to wear and tear, leading to malfunctions that can result in accidents.
Software Issues
The development of technology has significantly enhanced the safety and convenience of automobiles. However, there are still potential dangers arising from software issues.
For example, self-driving systems could malfunction and make operational errors. The sensors assessing the surroundings may process inaccurate results or misinterpret the environment.
Any bug or issue can potentially lead to a disastrous event. A software glitch is what caused severe injuries to a woman in San Francisco. In October 2023, a robotaxi dragged the pedestrian after hitting them as it continued driving instead of stopping, per a Reuters report.
Human Error And Negligence
The ultimate goal of autonomous vehicles is to drive without human intervention. However, it’s still not a foolproof system. Operators must still be on alert and ready to take over the driving whenever needed. Moreover, most models crawling along California roads can only self-drive in certain conditions.
Weather Conditions
Our motor vehicle accident lawyers in California also handle cases where weather conditions are major contributors. It’s common for car collisions, but it may be an even bigger risk for a machine.
Sensors and cameras feed data to the self-driving car, allowing it to make sense of its surroundings. These systems can easily be compromised by weather conditions like heavy rain, fog, snow, or glare. Reduced visibility and slippery road conditions might cause steering issues, especially if the human driver fails to intervene.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Some situations on the road can pose threats to the autonomous vehicle. Examples are:
- Poorly maintained roads
- Construction zones
- Oil and slippery surfaces
- Unexpected road obstacles
Both the human driver and the self-driving system are at risk of not responding appropriately to these conditions.
Other Road Users
Self-driving cars face challenges when interacting with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists on the road. They might struggle to understand other motorists’ intentions, especially in complex situations like merging, lane changes, and intersections.
A February 2024 incident in San Francisco highlights this risk. A bicyclist was struck by a driverless Waymo car, which reportedly didn’t see the victim because a truck obstructed its view, according to CNBC.
It can be challenging to pinpoint the specific negligent party in an accident. Nonetheless, our California self-driving car accident lawyers can assist you in investigating who may be potentially liable for your injuries.
Common Injuries Sustained In An Automated Vehicle Collision
Accidents involving self-driving vehicles have consequences similar to those of regular car collisions. Some of the most common injuries arising from these incidents are:- Broken Bones — Fractures can range from hairline cracks to severe breaks requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries — The impact of a collision can damage the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It can cause sprains, strains, bruising, and contusions.
- Head Trauma — Victims might also experience concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures. These conditions can quickly escalate to long-term or permanent cognitive impairment.
- Back Injuries — Herniated discs, compression fractures, and spinal cord injuries can result in chronic pain and mobility issues. In severe cases, the victim might become paralyzed.
- Internal Damage — Trauma to the heart, liver, and other organs can lead to internal bleeding and life-threatening injuries.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
California Self-Driving Car Regulations
All manufacturers and users of self-driving cars must adhere to specific laws and regulations set by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, autonomous technology and public adoption still have a long way to go. The federal and state regulatory frameworks are still expected to evolve as both elements continue to progress.
Nonetheless, our California self-driving car accident lawyers aim to stay informed and up-to-date on these developments. In the meantime, here are the current laws and regulations you should know about:
For Manufacturers
California imposes stringent requirements for the testing and deployment of self-driving vehicles. They must strictly follow these guidelines:
- Companies that are testing their self-driving cars must obtain permits from the DMV.
- They must thoroughly assess the units before releasing them to the public.
- Manufacturers must submit detailed reports on the performance, safety, and incidents related to these vehicles.
The California Vehicle Code 38750(c) also requires that autonomous technology have safety features, including the following:
- Easily accessible controls for engaging and disengaging the system.
- Visual indicator of engagement status.
- Detection and warning system of failures in the technology.
- Manual override of the brake, steering wheel, and other controls.
The DMV will thoroughly review the manufacturer’s application and reports to ensure a vehicle is fit for public use.
For Drivers And Operators
Self-driving car operators are subject to the same road rules and traffic laws as anyone else. They have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming pedestrians and other motorists. Recklessness and negligence on their part might expose them to liability if they cause incidents like bicycle accidents and pedestrian injuries.
The Different Levels Of Automation In Vehicles
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has assigned six levels of automation, depending on how much human input is needed to operate the vehicle.
- Level 0 — The car has no driving automation, and the driver is in complete control. It may have some automated features, like safety warnings and automatic emergency braking.
- Level 1 — The vehicle assists the driver in either accelerating or steering, but not at the same time. Examples are lane assist technology and adaptive cruise control.
- Level 2 — The car can control both speed and steering at the same time. This level applies to technologies like self-parking. The driver has partial control, supervising the automation system while preparing to take over if needed.
- Level 3 — A human operator is still required while the car engages in automated driving under certain conditions. Outside those set parameters, the vehicle will alert the driver to take control.
- Level 4 — The automated system is capable of operating the car in most normal driving conditions. It doesn’t need a human driver. It will implement safety measures like pulling over in a secure spot in conditions where it cannot drive.
- Level 5 — No driver is required. A car operating at this level is fully automated, having the ability to drive in all conditions.
Currently, cars with full automation are not allowed on our roads outside of testing. All vehicles must still have a human driver behind the wheel at all times. NBC Bay Area reports that a driver must be present in the vehicle in order for a traffic ticket to be issued in California. Our California lawyers can take this into account when building your self-driving car accident case.
Who Is Liable For A Self-Driving Car Accident?
Determining liability for accidents involving automated vehicles can be complicated. Multiple potentially negligent parties are unique to these incidents. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, the liable parties may include:
- Manufacturer — Car makers like Tesla or General Motors may be responsible if the accident was due to a defect in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing process.
- Technology Provider — The vehicle may use an autonomous driving system from a third-party provider. If the software glitches and results in an accident, the developer may also be liable.
- Human Operator — In California, human drivers are still required to be behind the wheel of a self-driving car. They may face liability, whether or not they were operating the vehicle at the time of the accident.
- Other Motorists — Automation technology isn’t perfect yet, so it might react dangerously to unexpected road events. Negligence may also be attributed to other motorists if they drove recklessly or violated traffic laws.
Accidents involving self-driving cars may require a thorough investigation. Our California self-driving car accident attorneys can review the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the actions of all parties and road conditions.
Comparative Negligence Laws In California
California’s pure comparative fault system proportions the damages to each liable individual or entity. Multiple parties can share responsibility for one accident. But the degree will depend on their level of contribution to the incident.
Even victims can be assigned partial liability. California law allows them to recover damages for resulting injuries. Individuals may be able to pursue compensation even if they are found to be 99% at fault. Their percentage of fault directly affects the amount of damage they can recover. For example, the court determines that a victim is 30% liable while the other parties share 70% responsibility. If the total damages of the victim amount to $100,000, they would only get $70,000 after deducting $30,000 (30% of $100,000).
Given that comparative fault laws can be complicated, it’s advisable to work with skilled lawyers in California for self-driving car accidents. They can assess all angles and look at the evidence that can demonstrate negligence of the parties involved.
Your Legal Rights To Compensation After An Autonomous Vehicle Accident
You have the legal right to pursue compensation from the liable parties after getting injured due to negligence. Our self-driving car accident lawyers can help you document the damages you can potentially claim under California laws. In general, victims may seek both economic and non-economic losses if they are applicable in their case..
Economic damages are tangible financial losses resulting from the accident. They aim to compensate victims for monetary damages that are verifiable by receipts, invoices, and other relevant documentation. These may include:
- Medical Expenses — Hospitalization, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Income — Lost wages due to missed work.
- Property Damage — Repair or replacement costs for properties damaged in a self-driving vehicle.
- Other Financial Losses — Home modifications, nursing care, and household assistance that are necessary as a result of the injury.
On the other hand, non-economic damages compensate victims for intangible losses. They’re harder to quantify in monetary terms. Some examples are:
- Pain and Suffering — Physical pain and discomfort due to the injury.
- Emotional Distress — May include anxiety and fear related to the event.
- PTSD — This can develop after a traumatic event, like an accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — Loss of the ability to engage in previously enjoyed activities.
- Loss of Consortium — Accident’s effects on family members, like loss of support and affection.
Remember, victims may be able to seek compensation for their injuries. Our California self-driving car accident lawyers can guide you through the options available to you, depending on the facts of your case.
Statute Of Limitations For Filing Personal Injury Claims In California
Filing legal action immediately after a self-driving car accident is advisable, as certain deadlines apply when it comes to pursuing compensation. According to the California statute of limitations, plaintiffs only have a two-year deadline to file personal injury claims. Missing this crucial filing deadline may result in losing your right to seek compensation.
The time limit generally starts from the date of the accident. However, some situations may justify an extension. Talk to our car accident lawyers who handle self-driving car accidents to figure out your deadlines and applicable exceptions.
What To Do After A Self-Driving Car Collision
Experiencing a motor vehicle accident can be disorienting. However, you must stay calm and take immediate steps to protect your well-being and legal rights.
Here’s what you should do after a self-driving car collision:
- Prioritize Safety — Move to a safe location away from traffic. Check for any injuries and anyone who might need medical attention.
- Contact Law Enforcement — Call 911 right away. Wait for the police to arrive so you can file an official report. Make sure you also submit yourself to an initial assessment by the paramedics, whether or not you feel fine.
- Gather Information from Witnesses — Collect the details of all parties and witnesses, including their names, contact details, and insurance policy information.
- Collect Evidence — If you’re physically able, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Focus on crucial details, such as the involved vehicle(s), injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs.
- Go to the Hospital — Even if you don’t feel immediately injured, it’s important to get adequately checked in a hospital. Some injuries may not be initially apparent, especially brain injuries.
- Notify Your Insurance Company — Be prepared to provide all the relevant information to your insurance provider. However, stick only to the basic facts. Don’t provide any opinion during all your communications, even when you’re on hold on a call.
- Consult Our Attorneys — Talk to our self-driving car accident lawyers in California right away. Your prompt action allows us to advocate for your rights and start the investigation immediately.
Self-Driving Car Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received 367 reports of Level 2 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) crashes between July 2021 and May 15, 2022.
Tesla reported the most crashes, which isn’t surprising given that it has plenty of automated vehicles on the road. The NHTSA reported that the following automakers had the most reported Level 2 ADAS crashes from July 2021 to May 15, 2022:
- Tesla — 273
- Honda — 90
- Subaru — 10
- Ford Motor Company — 5
- Toyota — 4
The majority of the recorded incidents involved self-driving cars colliding with stationary objects and other automobiles, such as passenger cars and SUVs. Unfortunately, some of these crashes also injured vulnerable pedestrians. If you’re injured in a self-driving car accident, reach out to our California lawyers. We can look into your case and help you determine what your possible legal options are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driverless Car Accidents
Are Self-Driving Cars Liable For Accidents?
Liability will usually fall on the manufacturer or developer if their negligence contributed to the incident. In some cases, the human driver or other parties might be responsible instead.
What Evidence Do I Need In A Self-Driving Car Injury Claim?
Building a solid injury case typically involves gathering the following evidence:
- Documentation of the accident scene, including photographs and videos.
- Statements from eyewitnesses.
- Vehicle data from the self-driving car’s onboard systems.
- Medical records, including hospitalizations, the doctor’s findings, and bills.
Our self-driving car accident lawyers in California can gather valuable evidence that can help your case. We can also consult other experts for insights when we work to establish your claim.
When Should I File A Self-Driving Car Accident Claim?
The best time to act is right after getting into a self-driving accident or discovering your injury. California imposes a two-year deadline for claims. After that, you might forfeit your right to pursue compensation. There are also other benefits, such as:
- Maintaining the freshness of evidence.
- Having access to witnesses.
- Protecting your case from insurance adjusters from day one.
What Should I Consider When Hiring A Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer?
Look for important qualities, including knowledge, experience, and compassion. You can assess if a California lawyer has these qualities through research and getting an initial consultation with them. You can ask questions about the cases they handled and if they have experience handling a situation like yours. Inquire if they are familiar with specific laws and regulations that may apply to your case.
Another way to find the right lawyer is by reading reviews. Google Reviews, Yelp, and other platforms usually contain client feedback that shows their experience with their lawyers.
Speak To Our California Self-Driving Car Accident Attorneys
An accident involving automated vehicles requires a comprehensive understanding of the technological, legal, and medical aspects. Victims might be unsure what to do next, but Arash Law can help.
Our California lawyers understand the unique challenges you might face in a self-driving car accident. We are here to assess your situation and look into specific laws and regulations relevant to your case. Our team can help you pursue the compensation that may be available based on the circumstances surrounding your self-driving car accident.
Reach out to us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our contact form for your free initial consultation. We represent clients throughout California, including those in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco, Sherman Oaks, San Diego, and Pasadena, among others.
