Driverless vehicles may still seem like a futuristic concept for many people, but the reality is vehicles with autopilot, or “self-driving” technology, have been on California roads for a few years now. And, while many people tout the increased safety of these vehicles, including reducing the chances of human error or recklessness, the truth is that this technology is too new to really determine its safety.
This issue comes up frequently for people who have been injured in a collision with a self-driving vehicle. Victims’ attorneys may need to factor in a computer operator when figuring out liability and who will help pay for the losses the victim suffered. In these complex cases, you need legal advice from a Oakland, CA driverless vehicle accident lawyer who knows how the law applies in these cases. Call Siegal & Richardson, LLP to learn more.
Regulations For Driverless Vehicles In California
Although many self-driving vehicle owners take advantage of the “downtime” when using their car’s or truck’s autopilot feature, California law still requires the operator to remain in the driver’s seat behind the wheel at all times.
Currently, fully self-driving cars aren’t legal in the U.S., even though they’re being tested in California. Unfortunately, these auto-pilot vehicles are causing serious accidents and injuries to real people! California law requires the operator to be behind the wheel, which implies that the operator should monitor the vehicle’s actions even if they aren’t fully in control. Just how much attention and interaction the driver must have with the self-driving car is a gray area of the law, though.
A Driverless Vehicle Accident Lawyer Oakland Can Help You After A Crash
Our goal at Siegal & Richardson, LLP, is to help you get justice after being struck by a self-driving vehicle. Although the process looks confusing, the legal principles are still the same: the at-fault party in a wreck is liable for the harm they cause and must make restitution to the victim for damages and losses. In these cases, there may be more than one party to blame for the wreck.
Because the technology is so new, there’s a higher chance that software bugs could affect the vehicle’s ability to safely negotiate crowded Oakland streets and busy highways. Driverless car collisions, therefore, may have multiple defendants – the car owner and the vehicle manufacturer.
Seeking Compensation After A Driverless Vehicle Accident In California
As our trusted Oakland, CA driverless vehicle accident lawyer knows, facing the aftermath of a driverless vehicle accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and mounting medical bills. If you’ve been injured in such an incident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. At Siegal & Richardson, LLP, we specialize in helping individuals navigate the complexities of driverless vehicle accident claims and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Gathering Medical Evidence
One of the most critical aspects of seeking compensation after a driverless vehicle accident is gathering medical evidence to support your claim. Medical records, diagnostic tests, physician statements, and treatment plans are all crucial pieces of evidence that demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the medical care required for recovery. Our experienced attorneys work diligently to collect and analyze this evidence, ensuring that we have a comprehensive understanding of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Establishing Causation
In addition to documenting your injuries, medical evidence also plays a crucial role in establishing causation – linking your injuries directly to the driverless vehicle accident. Through expert testimony and analysis of medical records, our Oakland driverless vehicle accident lawyer can demonstrate how the accident led to your injuries and the resulting damages. This is essential for holding the responsible parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
Quantifying Damages
Driverless vehicle accidents can result in significant damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability. By presenting comprehensive medical evidence, we can accurately quantify these damages and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses. Our goal is to alleviate the financial burden caused by the accident and help you move forward with your life.
Emotional injuries from a driverless vehicle accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Anxiety, PTSD, and depression are common after such traumatic events. We understand the impact of emotional injuries and fight for compensation to help our clients heal fully, whether it is from their physical injuries or their emotional and psychological ones as well.
Navigating Legal Challenges
Navigating the legal landscape of driverless vehicle accidents in California requires skillful advocacy and a deep understanding of the law. Our attorneys have extensive experience in this area and are committed to protecting your rights every step of the way. We know how to navigate the complexities of California personal injury law and will fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Get Help You Can Trust Now
If you’ve been injured in a driverless vehicle accident in California, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance. Contact Siegal & Richardson, LLP, today for a consultation. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. With our dedicated legal team by your side, you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind. For help after you were injured in a driverless vehicle accident, get in touch with our Oakland driverless vehicle accident lawyer now.
Call For A Free Consultation
If you’ve been struck by an operator of a self-driving vehicle, you have the right to demand compensation from the car’s operator, even if they weren’t “driving” it at the time. Because the technology is new, these cases can be more complicated than car wreck cases involving two human-driven vehicles. You need solid legal advice from an attorney who understands how the law is applied in the cases and who can properly value your claim so you get full and fair compensation. We’re on your side, protecting your rights and fighting for your interests. Call Siegal & Richardson, LLP today for a free consultation with an experienced driverless vehicle accident lawyer Oakland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a driverless vehicle still be at fault even if no one is driving it?
Yes. A driverless vehicle can still be responsible if its sensors, software, or braking system failed to work safely. Fault can come from a mechanical issue, a system error, or poor monitoring by the company that owns or operates the vehicle.
2. What happens if I partly caused the accident with a driverless vehicle?
You may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. In California, the amount you receive is reduced by your percentage of responsibility, so you can still make a claim as long as someone else also contributed to the crash.
3. Who might be liable in a driverless vehicle accident?
Liability may involve the driver, vehicle manufacturer, the software developer, or even a company that maintains or programs the system. Each case is different, and figuring out who is responsible takes detailed investigation.
4. What special evidence is needed in driverless vehicle cases?
Yes. You will likely need data logs from the vehicle, software and firmware records, maintenance and inspection reports, as well as traditional evidence like photos and witness statements. These help show how the system behaved and who might be at fault.
5. Are insurance rules different for driverless vehicle crashes in California?
They can be more complex. Normal auto insurance may apply. However, if a manufacturer or software company is involved, there might be additional or different policies. Making sure all possible insurance coverage is checked is key.
6. What if the vehicle company claims the driver was at fault?
That claim may be countered by showing the driver’s role in supervising the system, how the autopilot functioned, and whether warnings or failures occurred. The driver’s actions and the system’s design both matter when assessing fault.
7. How long do I have to file a claim after a driverless vehicle accident in California?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in California. So do not wait, reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible!
8. Can I still recover damages if the software malfunctioned?
Yes. If the software malfunction or defect caused or helped cause the crash, you can seek compensation for any losses you suffered, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You’ll just need to show the link between the software failure and your injury.
9. Are injuries in driverless vehicle crashes different from regular crashes?
They can be. However, the dynamics may differ; the type of impact, fault analysis, and involvement of multiple parties may change how the injuries happened and how the case is handled. That makes it more important to document everything and get help early.
10. What steps should I take right after a driverless vehicle accident?
First, get medical care immediately, even if you feel okay. Then report the accident to the police, preserve the vehicle and system evidence, take photos, collect witness info, and avoid speaking to insurance companies without advice. This helps protect your claim while you heal.