Recently, one of Google’s self-driving cars crashed into a bus, introducing doubt about these cars to many who were assured that they operated safely out on the road. While the crash itself fortunately did not result in anyone being injured, the incident raises the question of who, exactly, would be responsible in these types of accidents, given that these cars are technically driverless. If there is an accident, and there are injuries involved, who, specifically, is responsible for those damages? And would the responsibility be shared by an insurance company?
Consumer Protection Laws
Our law is very much focused on human control—specifically—over vehicles. The concept of negligence is based on human responsibility and neglect, whereby if the human driving the car fails to exercise a reasonable duty of care, they can be held liable for someone’s medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
However, the law also allows for lawsuits to be brought based on vehicle defects that operate entirely outside of human error—or alongside it. Manufacturers, software creators, car dealerships—all can be held responsible if something goes wrong with the car itself—aside from the driver—under negligence for product defects. These types of claims are usually based on state laws and theories of negligence, as well as strict liability. A driver’s duty typically is not affected by how technologically advanced a car is, but rather whether they created a foreseeable risk of harm or damage.
Thus, negligence claims still apply to driverless cars and whoever is responsible for the mistake that led to the accident. In this particular instance, the software running the car assumed that the bus would slow down and allow the Google car to merge, and was wrong about that assumption.
Other Accidents
Sources reveal that other driverless cars have been involved in additional accidents. In fact, between September 2014 and May 2015, at least four driverless vehicles that were being tested by companies on the roads were involved in accidents; two of them due to the car itself being in control, even though they were driving at under 10 miles per hour. Other sources indicate that Google’s cars specifically have been involved in approximately 11 accidents.
Vehicle Accident Attorneys
Each year, thousands of Americans are injured in accidents. They cause serious spinal cord, traumatic brain, and other types of personal injuries. Our auto accident attorneys have helped many victims in New Orleans, Kenner, Metairie, and throughout Louisiana get help for their injuries. We will work to ensure that your rights are protected and that your financial needs are met if you’ve been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident case.