Self-driving cars are no longer the stuff of science fiction. While no fully autonomous vehicles are being sold today, more automakers are pushing the envelope to get there. So-called self-driving cars today offer advanced technology that assists the driver, reducing the stress of driving. But with every new technology comes questions about safety risks and potential accidents. How does New York law apply to self-driving car accidents? Who can be liable for a victim’s injuries?
Bonina & Bonina, PC, in Brooklyn, has Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers with experience handling car accidents involving advanced driver assistance automation. Let’s take a closer look at this technology and its risks.
The Risks of Self-Driving Cars
The primary benefit of self-driving cars is that they reduce human error and prevent accidents from happening. However, self-driving cars are not immune to accidents. The risks associated with autonomous cars differ from those of traditional cars. Self-driving cars rely on sensors, cameras, and high-tech software to operate. Unfortunately, these sensors can malfunction, which can cause accidents. Additionally, hackers can hack autonomous cars and cause them to crash.
Self-driving cars have been involved in accidents due to a variety of reasons. For instance, in some cases, autonomous vehicle sensors may get confused with a pedestrian, object, or another vehicle, resulting in an accident. Other times, it could be a software or vehicle malfunction, just like a regular car.
Despite the risks associated with autonomous vehicles, there are several advantages. Self-driving cars can reduce road accidents and deaths caused by human errors, lower fuel consumption, and reduce pollution. Drivers must remember that even if they have these features, they must be alert and in control of the vehicle at all times.
Understanding the Law Related to Autonomous Cars and Liability
New York law relating to autonomous cars and liability is complicated, but it depends on who was driving the car at the time of the accident. If the driver of the autonomous car was not the cause of the accident, the other party involved in the collision would be liable, just like any other accident. People involved in an accident with an autonomous car should consult an auto accident lawyer to understand their legal rights and options.
The complexities multiply if the driver was using an advanced driver-assistance feature of the car when the accident occurred. The technology could potentially be to blame for the accident, placing at least some liability on the manufacturer. However, the technology could have also lulled the driver into a more complacent state, making them more negligent.
Evaluating all the possible factors requires a knowledgeable and experienced New York Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer. Bonina & Bonina, PC, offers a free case evaluation when you have sustained injuries in a NYC car accident, including those with self-driving cars.
How to Handle an Accident Involving a Self-Driving Car
In a self-driving car accident, as with any motor vehicle accident, you should stay calm and contact emergency services. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and gather witness information. Also, obtain information about the vehicle’s owner, the manufacturer, and any technology used by the driver. After an accident, you should also contact a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn to help guide you through the legal process.
Bonina & Bonina, PC, has a reputation for providing exceptional legal assistance in auto accidents and has the necessary skills and experience to represent you in any self-driving car accident cases. Contact us for a free preliminary consultation on your next steps. We will fight for your rights and help you pursue adequate compensation for your auto accident injury. We look forward to helping you.