As the number of self-driving cars on the roads increases, sadly so does the number of self-driving car accidents. Drivers put their trust in automated vehicle technology that is not always reliable. If you get injured in a self-driving vehicle accident, a Las Vegas car accident attorney can help you explore your legal options for making a financial recovery.
What Is a Self-Driving Vehicle Accident?
A self-driving vehicle describes an automobile with any level of autonomous driving capabilities, from minor driver assistance to a fully autonomous and truly “self-driving” car that is driven with or without a human operator. These accidents can also involve other motor vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians in Las Vegas.
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Leading Causes of Self-Driving Vehicle Accidents
In Nevada, the cause of a motor vehicle accident must be determined before injured victims can file car insurance claims. This is because the person or party at fault for causing the crash is financially responsible (liable) for all victims’ damages.
The most common causes of self-driving car accidents include:
- Human error. Even if a vehicle is fully autonomous, it may require a human operator to supervise the technology and take control of the car when required. If the human operator is not paying attention or does not take over when prompted, he or she can be held responsible for a crash.
- Vehicle malfunctions. Faulty or defective software or hardware in the self-driving car can malfunction and cause a car accident. An example is a serious sensor malfunction (e.g., faulty cameras, lidar, or radar sensors) that results in the failure of the vehicle to sense a hazard and apply the brakes.
- Environmental factors. Bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog, can affect a self-driving vehicle’s sensors and cause car accidents. Hazardous roadway conditions, such as a construction zone, could also affect the self-driving car’s sensors and cause an accident.
If you are not sure what caused your self-driving car accident in Las Vegas, a car accident attorney can conduct an investigation to determine causation. This may involve accessing the data stored by the vehicle to search for signs of a part or software malfunction.
Liability for a Self-Driving Car Crash in Las Vegas
Determining liability in a self-driving car accident claim can be complex. Multiple parties may be involved, including the manufacturer of the vehicle or its software. The level of automation will be considered, as well as the circumstances of the crash, to determine liability.
Potentially liable parties include the human operator of the vehicle, the manufacturer, the software developer, other drivers or road users, fleet owners, and government entities. Liability will depend on which party was negligent or failed to meet the required duty of care in relation to the automobile accident.
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Help From a Car Accident Lawyer Can Ensure Fair Compensation
Successfully holding someone liable for your self-driving car accident could result in financial compensation for your medical bills, property repairs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, dealing with insurance companies can be difficult.
Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer to handle the claims process for you can prevent an insurer from taking advantage of you, helping you to achieve the settlement you deserve. An attorney can investigate the crash to determine its cause and collect evidence against the at-fault party or parties.
To get personalized legal advice about a recent self-driving car accident in Las Vegas, contact Edward Bernstein & Associates and request a free consultation.