Once the subject of science fiction books and films, self-driving cars have become more and more common on the nation’s roadways, including in Washington. Despite fast-paced improvements in autonomous driving technology, no self-driving vehicle is yet 100% reliable and safe. Understanding self-driving vehicles and how the autonomous technology causes or contributes to car accidents is essential when a car accident victim seeks compensation for their damages, like medical expenses, lost earnings, and compensation for pain and suffering. Make sure to contact an experienced Marysville car accident lawyer for legal guidance and support.
What Causes Self Driving Car Accidents In Washington?
Most self-driving cars are not meant to operate without the vigilant attention and hands-on operation of the driver, but instead, augment the driver’s operation. Unfortunately, some drivers fail to adhere to this requirement and instead watch movies, scroll through social media, or even sleep while the car’s autonomous technology is engaged. Unfortunately, the following types of negligence sometimes result in accidents:
- Driver inattention
- Failure to take control after sensor alerts
- Misuse of autonomous driving features
- Software defects or glitches
- Damaged or malfunctioning sensors
- Technology failures, such as sensor misreads of traffic, obstructions, and other dangers
In some cases, the investigation reveals that other drivers or unrelated entities, such as negligent road construction or road planning agencies, may cause self-driving car accidents.
Understanding Liability In Self-Driving Car Accident Cases In Washington
Self-driving, or autonomous, vehicles are equipped with sensors, cameras, radar, and advanced artificial intelligence technology to operate the car with limited input from the driver when the technology is engaged. Depending on the level of self-driving technology, the vehicle may be partly autonomous but still reliant upon the driver’s attention and guidance. These are the most common autonomous vehicles on the road; however, several U.S. cities now allow fully automated self-driving vehicles, such as Waymo self-driving robotaxis—soon to be available in Seattle.
In fault-based car accident states like Washington, an injury victim must prove the other driver’s negligence, the negligence of a third party, or a manufacturer’s strict liability for producing a defective product or technology. In defective product claims, it’s not necessary to prove negligence. Instead, a successful claim must show that the product, such as a vehicle, part, or software, has a design flaw, manufacturing error, or marketing mistake.
If an accident in an autonomous vehicle results from driver negligence, the evidence must show the following:
- The driver or self-driving taxi company owed a duty of care to the injury victim and others on the road
- They breached this duty of reasonable care through negligence
- The breach of duty directly caused the accident and injuries
- The injury victim suffered damages from the injury
Filing a compensation claim after an accident in a self-driving vehicle or in a collision with an autonomous or fully self-driving vehicle is complex and challenging. A successful claim requires an investigation and careful compilation of evidence by an experienced Marysville personal injury attorney with an in-depth understanding of the liability in self-driving vehicle cases.
How Can a Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer In Washington Help?
Washington’s pure comparative negligence laws allow car accident victims to recover compensation for their damages even if they contributed to the cause of the accident. In this case, the insurance company subtracts the injury victim’s percentage of fault from the payout on the claim. In a self-driving car accident claim in Washington, the insurance company may find reasons to delay, undervalue, or deny claims, or point fingers at other entities rather than paying out on complex claims involving as yet commonly misunderstood technologies. For these reasons, it’s crucial to hire an assertive car accident lawyer with knowledge, resources, and experience in this unique category of liability law. Contact Wells Trumbull to learn more about your legal options for financial recovery.