Self-driving cars are a new and exciting form of transit for many people, but that does not mean they are always the safest. There are many self-driving vehicle dangers we are finding as the tech develops.
As the tech develops, so do laws around these cars, so if you are unsure what to do if you have been injured by these cars, reach out to the team at Wagner Reese, LLP. Our top-rated lawyers are prepared to fight for your case, including taking your claim to trial. We have a long record of success and excellence, including eight of our attorneys being listed in the Super Lawyers® or Rising Stars lists.
Learn more about personal injury cases at wagnerreese.com
The rise of self-driving cars and their potential impact on road safety
Self-driving cars use artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensors to pilot vehicles without input from the driver. Once you set the GPS to your destination, the car should be able to navigate there. However, this tech is still developing.
That means there are certain issues that can arise as self-driving cars become more common. Unfortunately, we have already seen several accidents caused by glitches, driver errors, and manufacturing defects.
These accidents can turn deadly quickly, especially if the growth of self-driving cars continues without legal ramifications being placed to protect road safety for all drivers and passengers.
The current state of self-driving car technology and its limitations
Currently, self-driving car technology is actively being tested on the roads. Some companies like Tesla are already advertising their vehicle’s ability to pilot themselves. However, that does not mean this technology is perfect.
For example, AI cannot reproduce the exact mentality of a person. That means it will not have the same priorities for human safety as a person, for example. This technology is also fallible, meaning that issues can halt the program suddenly, leaving you unexpectedly behind the wheel.
The programs used for this self-driving vehicle boom are also unregulated. That means there are few regulations in place to ensure that certain safety measures are being taken. That means these vehicles can vary wildly in quality and the specific technology being used for them.
Common dangers and risks associated with self-driving cars
Unfortunately, certain hazards of autonomous cars have already cropped up. For example, one common risk is for these vehicles to incorrectly read traffic signs. You may have seen a self-driving car speed through a red light rather than stopping.
Other risks of driverless cars include issues of safety measures in sudden emergency situations. For example, one study showed that self-driving vehicles may be less likely to detect children and people of color, meaning that these vehicles are more likely to cause injuries because of this.
Legal implications and challenges in accidents involving self-driving cars
One of the biggest design and legal challenges with self-driving cars is that the AI is open source. That means these vehicles are pulling from many sources that may have their own biases. That creates issues with how these self-driving cars may react to certain situations.
Because of this, researchers and legislators are seeking out new policies for regulating pedestrian detectors and the AI used for these vehicles. Because of this, the legal landscape is currently in flux with regard to self-driving cars. Laws may change quickly, and making sure that you seek out lawyers like ours who can keep you up to date on these newest changes is important.
The importance of legal representation and the role of Wagner Reese, LLP in handling self-driving car accident cases.
Unfortunately, self-driving car accident cases are a new reality that many of us are adjusting to. Now, you may need to know how to handle the aftermath if you are hurt by a self-driving car.
Because these laws are still adjusting and updating to meet our current needs, getting legal representation is vital. With the guidance of an attorney, you can stay up-to-date with the current legal standing of your case and what you can do to get compensated after a self-driving car accident.
You can also check out our blog post on how to claim compensation after a car accident. We go into detail about what you can expect from your attorney and the steps needed to make your claim a success.
Tips for staying safe and cautious while sharing the road with self-driving cars
While self-driving cars may be potential hazards on the road, that does not mean there are no steps you can take to protect your safety. If you are following road safety rules, you may be able to avoid an accident. If you are unable to avoid an accident, these steps can still help to protect you from worse injuries and help you avoid accepting fault for the accident.
Avoiding accidents can be difficult, as you cannot account for the actions of every single driver on the road, but there are steps you can take to drive defensively and protect yourself when on the road. Below are a few steps you can take to stay safe while on the road with self-driving cars:
- Stay vigilant of other cars around you
- Always watch for pedestrians
- If another vehicle is acting erratically, slow down and put distance between you and the other vehicle
- Never drive while drowsy, distracted, or under the influence
- Keep your speed under the limit
These tips may not always prevent a self-driving car accident, but they can help you reduce your chances of injury. If another driver endangers and injures you, however, you can seek out the aid of Wagner Reese, LLP.
Our award-winning team of attorneys is here to help when you are hurt in a self-driving car accident. Our founding partners have been listed among Indiana’s Top 25 Super Lawyers® and Best Lawyers® honorees, and we are here to take our decades of experience and recognition to support your claim. We offer free consultations, so if you are in need of help, reach out by calling 866-828-0308 or filling out our online contact form.
