Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

Autonomous vehicles are a growing concern. 

"The lack of established performance measures and testing standards for automated vehicles raises concerns about the safety of driverless tractor-trailers on the road" - Amy Witherite

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not created clear performance and testing guidelines for autonomous vehicles, which means the public is left facing inconsistent testing standards set by manufacturers. This lack of comprehensive oversight contrasts sharply with the stringent safety measures seen in aviation and railroads. 

"The ongoing issues and fatalities related to Tesla's Autopilot system serve as a wake-up call for the potential dangers of driverless technology." - Amy Witherite

Who can be held liable for an autonomous vehicle accident?

In an autonomous vehicle accident, several parties could potentially be held liable, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Here are the key parties who might be responsible:

Vehicle Manufacturers:

Manufacturers of autonomous vehicles may be held liable if defects or failures in their technology contributed to the accident. This includes issues with the vehicle's software, sensors, or hardware components.

Example: If an autonomous vehicle's collision detection system fails due to a software bug, and this malfunction leads to an accident, the manufacturer may be liable for producing defective technology.

Self-Driving Vehicle Software Developers:

Companies responsible for developing the software that controls the autonomous vehicle can be held accountable if their programming errors or design flaws lead to an accident.

Example: If the vehicle's navigation system incorrectly directs the vehicle into oncoming traffic due to a software glitch, the software developer could be found liable for the resulting collision.

Vehicle Owners:

The owner of an autonomous vehicle may be held liable if they have failed to maintain the vehicle properly or have ignored manufacturer-recommended updates and maintenance.

Third-Party Service Providers:

Companies that provide third-party services, such as mapping or data services, can be liable if their services contribute to the vehicle’s malfunction or accident.

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Shops:

Shops that perform maintenance or repairs on autonomous vehicles could be liable if negligent repairs or improper maintenance contribute to the accident.

Other Drivers:

In some cases, the actions of other drivers on the road can contribute to or cause an accident involving an autonomous vehicle. This includes instances of reckless or negligent driving.

Government Entities:

Government entities responsible for road maintenance or traffic management may be held liable if poor road conditions or inadequate traffic signals contribute to the accident.

Fighting for you with cutting-edge technology.

At Witherite Law Group, we leverage the latest technology to build stronger cases to make sure you get the best possible outcome. Our investment in advanced tools gives us a significant edge, especially in complex cases like autonomous vehicle and truck wrecks. Here’s how we use technology to your advantage:

Drone Technology for Scene Investigation:

We deploy drones to capture high-definition aerial footage of accident scenes, providing a comprehensive view that traditional photography can’t match. This helps us recreate the conditions of the wreck and gather critical evidence from all angles, whether it’s an intersection accident or a truck wreck on the highway.

Dashcam and Black Box Analysis:

Many commercial trucks and vehicles are equipped with dashcams and black boxes that record crucial data, such as speed, braking patterns, and even driver behavior leading up to the accident. Our team is skilled at retrieving and analyzing this data to pinpoint exactly what went wrong—and who’s responsible.

CRASH Audio and Video Forensics:

Our in-house CRASH team includes audio and video experts who meticulously review body cam footage, dashcams, and other recordings to uncover critical details. Whether it’s a small but significant sound or a conversation captured in the background, our forensic analysis can reveal evidence that others might miss.

Rapid Response Team (RRT):

Our Rapid Response Team uses cutting-edge technology to gather real-time data immediately after a wreck. From cell phone tracking to drone deployment, we can be on-site quickly to secure valuable evidence before it’s lost, ensuring no detail is overlooked in your case.

Advanced Legal Research Tools:

We use state-of-the-art legal research tools to stay ahead of the curve on evolving laws and regulations, particularly in emerging areas like autonomous vehicle technology. This allows us to craft innovative legal strategies tailored to your specific case.

Get Witherite Law Group on your side for your autonomous vehicle accident claim.

Technology and automotive companies should be held liable when they cause harm. Contact Witherite today to get your self-driving car or truck accident case started. Reach out now to get expertise on your side.