As technology advances, and tools like self-driving cars become more prevalent, it becomes essential to understand your rights in the event of an accident involving one.
As a Waymo self-driving car accident lawyer in Grand Prairie, we help victims obtain justice for the injuries and losses they suffer due to these vehicles. Let a Grand Prairie car accident lawyer at The Texas Law Dog, founded in 2018, fight for you.
Who Is Responsible When a Self-Driving Car Accident Happens
One of the most important first questions victims must consider is liability in such an accident. A self-driving car should minimize the risk of any type of accident; however, numerous potential failures could occur, creating risks for others on the road. If you believe the self-driving car or truck on the roadway with you caused your accident, consider the following potential liable parties:
- The manufacturer of the technology could be liable: In situations where the vehicle suffers a failure due to a software or hardware breakdown or defect, the manufacturer of that component could be held liable for your injuries.
- The manufacturer of the vehicle: Accidents that occur when the vehicle is in autonomous mode but are due to mechanical failures or improperly assembled vehicles may lead to the car manufacturer being responsible.
- The driver of the car: Any situation in which the self-driving car is not in autonomous mode means the person operating it is at fault.
Waymo self-driving cars have the potential to reduce accidents and risks, but they are not perfect. What complicates car accident claims with self-driving cars is proving what happened. Our Waymo self-driving car accident attorney in Grand Prairie will investigate your case, gathering data and speaking to expert witnesses to determine who is responsible.
Vehicle Automation Levels and Liability
Depending on the level of automation applicable in the accident, liability can change significantly. Driver assistance features, for example, only aid in steering and acceleration assistance, but the driver remains fully responsible for all other tasks.
In fully automated vehicles, such as those in Waymo’s fleet, there is no human input, making the technology manufacturer responsible for any losses.
Grand Prairie Waymo Self-Driving Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Causes of Waymo Self-Driving Car Accidents
To determine fault, we must consider all factors contributing to the accident. That means looking at evidence from the onboard technology, witness statements, and cameras to determine what really happened. Examples of causes of Waymo car accidents include:
- Tech malfunctions, including problems related to sensors, cameras, algorithms within the software, and LIDAR systems
- Human error, including slow reaction time to changing conditions, distraction, intoxication, and fatigue
- Cybersecurity breaches, a growing threat for these software-focused vehicles, are a potential risk factor
- Poor communication between vehicles, which occurs when the vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems malfunction
- Inaccurate or missing localization data, insufficient mapping, or the limitations of AI-based decision making
A better understanding of these details enables our Grand Prairie Waymo self-driving car accident lawyer to work with victims to seek fair compensation. If you were one of the many people in such an accident, do not wait to contact our team for a free consultation. You may not know you have a case until you speak to our Grand Prairie personal injury lawyer at The Texas Law Dog.
Know Your Rights Under the Law
Texas has become a go-to location for the building and development of self-driving technology. As a result, the state has enacted laws to govern responsibility and expectations related to these vehicles. Under Sections 545.451 through 545.455, self-driving cars must be safe to be on the road with others. That means they must:
- Meet all federal laws and regulations related to motor vehicles
- Be registered and owners must carry insurance in at least the required amount, as all vehicles do
- Equipment standards are higher, with the requirement of having a data-recording system on board that captures data about the functionality of the system’s automated driving system
- Comply with or be capable of following all applicable traffic laws in the state
- Must provide a way for human operators to take control when there is a risk
Proving that something went wrong can be challenging, but with onboard data tools, it is possible. With the experience of an attorney who has navigated these types of accidents, you can have some peace of mind. We will get to the bottom of what happened and who is responsible.
Compensation Available in a Self-Driving Accident
Victims of a Waymo self-driving accident may seek compensation for any losses they have suffered. The value of those losses is dependent on the specific severity and complications you have. Some examples of damages you may be able to recover include:
- Medical costs associated with the incident, including any emergency or ongoing care you need due to injuries sustained
- Lost wages for time missed at work due to the medical losses or other complications from the incident
- Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Pain and suffering from injuries and trauma sustained at the scene and throughout the recovery process
- Emotional trauma and stress support and coverage for related losses
In each situation, victims face an ongoing challenge in recovering damages from a Waymo self-driving accident because the burden of proof lies with them. You must demonstrate what your losses are, placing a fair value on them, and provide evidence to back up those claims. As challenging as this is, it is critical to get it right with the help of a Grand Prairie catastrophic injury lawyer.
Insurance Companies Will Not Tell You What Is Fair
Insurance companies for self-driving technology companies or other drivers have no obligation to tell you what your losses are. As a result, you cannot trust them to inform you of what your losses are. Instead, let our team go to work for you.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Grand Prairie Waymo Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer Now
The Texas Law Dog brings decades of experience to your case. We are here to guide and support you in holding those who hurt you accountable for any losses you have.
Our Grand Prairie Waymo self-driving car accident attorney offers a free consultation to discuss your case details with you, and we are ready to start fighting for you today.
