Traditional car accident cases in Arizona assign liability to the at-fault driver, whose insurance company will then pay for property damage and personal injuries the crash caused. What happens, however, if the other vehicle doesn’t have a driver? Autonomous vehicles are still largely unregulated, making legal matters after disastrous accidents fuzzy in nature. The autonomous driving vehicle accident lawyers at Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A. can lend clarity to these complicated crashes in Phoenix, Arizona. We can help you puzzle through issues such as liability and recoverable damages during a free case evaluation at our local law office.
Who Is Liable in an Autonomous Vehicle Accident?
Liability is one of the most difficult questions to answer in autonomous driving vehicle accidents. The party legally responsible for the crash is the one that is most at fault. In other words, the party that is accountable will be the one guilty of the act of negligence but for which the crash would not have happened. You can have many parties that may be involved in an autonomous vehicle collision, including:
- The vehicle’s manufacturer
- An auto part manufacturer
- The creator of the autonomous technology
- The passenger or operator of the vehicle (if there is one)
- The company or individual that owns the vehicle
- The company that employs the use of the autonomous vehicle
- A third-party driver
- The city in charge of roadway maintenance
As you can see, liability for these accidents is a big question that often requires assistance from car accident attorneys in Phoenix to answer. You may need a full-blown investigation of your crash, especially since autonomous vehicles are relatively new. The legalities behind these accidents aren’t well-established due to the novelty of autonomous vehicles. It is largely up to state courts to decide liability in these unique cases.
Current Autonomous Vehicle Technologies
Autonomous vehicle technologies are coming into their own as technology finally catches up with imagination. Major companies such as Tesla, General Motors, Waymo, Volkswagen, Ford, Uber, Toyota, Audi, and others have all begun to experiment with different levels of vehicle autonomy, from computer chips that permit driver-assist technologies to total driverless capabilities.
Next-generation autonomous vehicles can fully operate themselves, while others have moderate levels of autonomy. Many luxury vehicles already possess features such as automated cruise control, braking, parking, and lane control. If a vehicle with any level of autonomous technology caused or contributed to your recent car accident, you need a Phoenix personal injury attorney to help you sort through liability. You may be able to hold the vehicle operator, company, or innovator of the technology responsible for your damages.
Recent Cases/Accidents Involving Autonomous Vehicles
While vehicles that drive themselves certainly spark the imagination, companies have experienced drawbacks, accidents, and potential hazards during roadway tests. For instance, a recent accident in Tempe, Arizona ended in the death of a pedestrian. An Uber-owned self-driving Volvo struck the pedestrian, a 49-year-old woman by the name of Elaine Herzberg, as she was walking across the street.
In another autonomous vehicle accident, a Californian motorcyclist is filing a lawsuit against General Motors (the first claim of its kind) for its autonomous Chevrolet Bolt that suddenly veered into his lane, striking the motorbike. The experienced autonomous vehicle lawyers at Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A., unfortunately, see the incident rate of autonomous vehicle accidents increasing in the next few years as more of these vehicles hit the road. If you ever need legal help with an autonomous vehicle claim, contact us for assistance.
What Damages Can You Recover in Arizona?
The damages, or compensation awards, you could receive in a personal injury claim involving an autonomous vehicle include payment for your damaged vehicle, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Find out what your case could be worth during a free consultation at Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A. Our team of Phoenix attorneys can help with even the most complex autonomous vehicle accident claims in Arizona. Call (602) 254-6071 now to request your free review.