Motor vehicles with driver-assist technology can help reduce the risk of car crashes caused by distracted driving, fatigued driving, and drunk driving.
However, these vehicles are not fully autonomous vehicles. They require a human driver to be in control of the vehicle.
If you are injured in an accident with a self-driving vehicle, you need a Philadelphia self-driving car accident lawyer to help you file a claim.
The accident lawyers at Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers have over 80 years of combined legal experience fighting for the rights of accident victims.
Contact our law firm or call us (215) 875-7030 for a free consultation with a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.
How Our Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys Help You if You’ve Been Injured in a Self-Driving Car Accident
The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers have represented accident victims in Philadelphia, PA, since 1985.
Our law firm works with clients to obtain fair and just settlements for their accident claims.
We understand that a motor vehicle crash can cause financial hardship, so we fight for maximum value for your injury claim. Our lawyers recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
When you hire our legal team, you can expect us to:
- Investigate the accident to identify who is liable for your damages
- Identify all insurance coverage and file insurance claims
- Work with you and your medical providers to document your damages
- Handle all aspects of your personal injury claim, including settlement negotiations with the insurance company
- Keep you updated on all developments in your case
- Pursue every legal course of action to get you the money you deserve
If necessary, our attorneys in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit to hold the party responsible for your pain and suffering accountable for their actions.
Contact our office to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney.
How Common Are Self-Driving Car Accidents?
Self-driving cars have been involved in numerous accidents since companies first began testing the vehicles on the open road.
Some of the accidents are caused by human error, but other self-driving accidents result from malfunctions or design flaws.
For instance, a self-driving Uber SUV killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona. The vehicle struck and killed the woman as she was walking her bicycle across the road.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the vehicle’s driving system designed to detect objects could not determine if she was a pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle.
The system did not include provisions for jaywalking pedestrians, the NTSB report said. The fatal accident is just one of several accidents involving self-driving vehicles.
Overview of Self-Driving Car Accidents
Autonomous vehicles are not the subject of science fiction any longer. Many companies are testing fully autonomous vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that vehicles with a fully autonomous mode are not yet available for consumers to purchase in the United States.
However, many vehicles have driver assistance technology that can parallel park and maneuver out of tight parking spaces with the touch of a button. Some vehicles can maintain lane control without driver input in the autonomous mode.
What Are Common Causes of Self-Driving Car Accidents?
Some accidents involving automated vehicles are caused by a defective design or a malfunction in the driving system. However, human error plays a role in many self-driving car accidents.
The driver of the automated vehicle may not take control of the car when required, or another driver may cause an accident.
As with other motor vehicle accidents, dangerous driving behaviors can be factors in the cause of the crash, such as:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failing to obey traffic laws
- Drowsing driving
- Improper lane changes
- Impaired driving
- Tailgating and aggressive driving
Determining the accident’s cause is a critical step in recovering compensation for damages caused by the accident.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Self-Driving Accidents
There have been fatal accidents involving self-driving vehicles. There have also been minor accidents involving property damage. However, a self-driving car accident has the potential to cause severe injuries.
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, an accident victim could sustain:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations and scarring
- Soft tissue injuries
Whenever you are injured in a car crash, see a doctor as soon as possible. Documenting your injuries is crucial. You must be able to prove that the crash caused your injuries to recover compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and other damages.
Who is Liable for a Self-Driving Car Accident?
If a driver is responsible for causing the crash, the driver can be held financially liable for damages.
However, in a self-driving car crash, the car’s manufacturer, software designer, or another party could be liable if a malfunction or defect in the vehicle or its software contributed to the cause of the crash.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Philadelphia Car Wreck Lawyers
Accident cases involving self-driving vehicles are complicated personal injury cases. There may be numerous parties involved in the case, including government agencies, large corporations, insurance companies, and other drivers. It is best to consult with a Philadelphia personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Call our office today to schedule your free appointment with one of our lawyers. You do not need to take on these parties alone. Put our experience, skills, resources, and experience to work for you.
