Understanding the Rights of Individuals Injured by Autonomous Vehicles

As technology continues to evolve, autonomous vehicles are becoming an increasingly common sight on our roads. While they promise to revolutionize transportation, they also present new legal challenges, particularly when it comes to personal injury claims. Here’s what you need to know about the rights of individuals who sustain personal injuries caused by autonomous vehicles.

The Legal Landscape

Autonomous vehicles operate using complex systems of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence. When an accident occurs, determining liability can be more complex than in accidents involving traditional vehicles.

In most personal injury cases, the at-fault party is typically the driver who was negligent. However, with autonomous vehicles, the “driver” is a computer system, raising the question: who is liable when an autonomous vehicle causes an accident?

Potential Liable Parties

Several parties could potentially be held liable in an accident involving an autonomous vehicle:

1. The Manufacturer: If a defect in the vehicle or its autonomous system caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
2. The Software Provider: If the accident was caused by a flaw in the software that operates the vehicle, the software provider could be held responsible.
3. The Human Operator: In some cases, a human operator may be required to take control of the vehicle in certain situations. If the operator failed to take control when necessary, they could be held liable.

Protecting Your Rights

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an autonomous vehicle, it’s important to protect your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Always seek medical attention immediately following an accident, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured.
2. Document the Incident: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your property.
3. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Navigating the legal landscape of autonomous vehicles can be complex. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.

At Brubaker Injury Law, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of legal developments related to autonomous vehicles. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an autonomous vehicle, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help.