Unfortunately, identifying the at-fault party for a self-driving vehicle accident can become challenging since a computer, not a person, may have caused the crash. What happens when you get hit by a self-driving motor vehicle?

 Determining Liability

Proving the cause(s) of a self-driving vehicle accident and identifying the party or parties at fault may require evidence such as:

  • Police accident reports
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Accident scene photographs
  • Surveillance and traffic camera footage
  • Data from the self-driving vehicle’s computers
  • Accident reconstruction expert reports and testimony

 Who Can You Hold Liable for a Self-Driving Vehicle Accident?

 Depending on the circumstances of an accident involving a self-driving vehicle, you may hold various parties accountable for your injuries and losses. A car accident attorney can help you pursue legal claims against potentially liable parties such as:

  • The Self-Driving Vehicle Manufacturer – The developer or manufacturer of the self-driving vehicle may be liable for an accident caused by a defect in the vehicle’s equipment or the software controlling the self-driving features.
  • The Person Controlling the Self-Driving Vehicle – In most cases, self-driving vehicles undergoing testing must have a human behind the wheel to intervene in an emergency. That person may bear responsibility for the crash if they could have prevented it by taking control of the vehicle.
  • Third Parties Whose Negligence Contributed to the Accident – Other drivers or parties may cause or contribute to a self-driving vehicle crash.

 Insurance and Compensation

 Liable parties or their insurers may pay injured victims of self-driving vehicle accidents compensation for financial and personal losses they incur due to injuries and property damage, including for:

  • Medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses
  • Long-term disability care costs
  • Ongoing and future losses of income
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering or trauma
  • Lost enjoyment and quality of life due to disabilities, disfigurement, or scarring

 Contact a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Today

 If you suffered injuries in an accident with a self-driving vehicle, get the legal help you need to pursue accountability. Contact Atterbury, Kammer & Haag today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with our legal team to discuss your options for compensation for your harm.