Accidents Involving Driverless Vehicles

11/17/2023

If you live in California, you may have already spotted a Waymo vehicle on the road and are curious to ride one yourself. In an attempt to compete with other ride-sharing services, Waymo uses autonomous vehicles instead of drivers. Although this technology is new and exciting, it can also be confusing and terrifying, especially in the unfortunate case of a collision with another vehicle or even a pedestrian. So, what happens if you're injured in a self-driving car accident? With so many new laws and regulations, it's always best to consult with a local car accident attorney who can help you better understand your legal rights.

Self-driving Car Crashes

Accidents involving driverless vehicles have been a topic of concern and interest as this technology continues to develop and become more prevalent. It's important to note that the technology behind autonomous vehicles is constantly evolving, and safety is a top priority for both the companies developing these vehicles and regulatory agencies. Besides Waymo, car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Tesla have been competing to see who will beat the other in a race to launch their self-driving car. The winner? Mercedes-Benz.

Last year, Mercedes-Benz introduced Drive Pilot, a level 3 autonomous system that has now been approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles in California. However, other manufacturers argue that a level 3 system can be confusing for drivers, thus making it unsafe to drive. For example, since Drive Pilot does not require drivers to pay attention to the road, drivers cannot be expected to avoid a collision if the vehicle is unable to do so. So what happens if there is a driverless car accident?

Self-driving Car Crashes

As the first automaker to accept liability in case of an accident, Mercedes is revolutionizing not only the automotive industry but also affecting how future policies and regulations will develop. But what if you were involved in a Waymo car accident? Laws and regulations including liability and insurance can vary by state, which is why it's best to seek legal help within your jurisdiction.

Autonomous Vehicle Accidents in California

Companies such as Waymo, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, and others are actively developing and testing autonomous vehicles. But autonomous vehicles are also raising ethical questions, such as how decisions should be made in the event of an unavoidable accident (e.g., should the car prioritize the safety of the occupants or pedestrians?).

The question of liability in the event of a self-driving car accident is an issue that is still being addressed. The long-term goal of autonomous vehicles is to reduce accidents and make transportation safer overall. However, achieving this goal is complicated.

There have already been incidents and accidents involving autonomous vehicles, but they are typically well-documented, and investigations are conducted to determine the cause. Such accidents can occur for various reasons, including technical failures such as sensor malfunctions, software glitches, or hardware failures. And while autonomous vehicles are designed to minimize human error, they may not always respond appropriately to unpredictable human-driven vehicles or pedestrians. Further, adverse weather conditions, poor road infrastructure, and unpredictable traffic situations can pose challenges for autonomous vehicles. Governments and regulatory bodies in various countries are working on establishing rules and regulations for autonomous vehicles to ensure safety. These regulations often vary by state, so it's crucial to speak with a California car accident attorney if you've been involved in such an accident.

Autonomous Vehicle Accidents in California

Los Angeles Car Accident Law Firm

If you've been injured in an accident, contact Yepremyan Law Firm to speak with a Los Angeles car accident attorney who can help you explore your legal options. At Yepremyan Law Firm, we have dedicated car accident attorneys who can walk you through the legal system and any specific laws that apply to your situation.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, we serve clients all over Southern California. We offer free case evaluations and provide 24/7 support. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.

Our firm works on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters. In other words, we don't get paid until you do. Our personal injury attorneys will maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.

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