Are Self-Driving Cars Responsible for Accidents and Injuries?

 Posted on February 01, 2024 in Car Accident

Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has become more and more powerful, and it is used in a wide variety of industries. One area that has received some attention is the automotive industry, with self-driving or autonomous vehicles becoming popular with many drivers. The manufacturers of these vehicles promote these features as ways to protect public safety, claiming that leaving driving up to computer systems will result in vehicles driving more defensively. Unfortunately, this has not proven to be the case, and Tesla cars in particular have been involved in a number of car accidents over the past several years, with some of these accidents being fatal. 

People who are injured in accidents involving self-driving vehicles may be unsure about their legal options. Determining liability in these cases can be difficult, since investigators may be uncertain about whether a driver’s negligence was to blame for an accident or whether faulty vehicle technology led to a crash. An attorney who has experience addressing these issues can investigate a crash, determine the causes, and fight to ensure that an injury victim will be properly compensated for the damages they have suffered.

Investigation Leads to Recall by Tesla Regarding Autopilot Technology

A recent investigation found that the vast majority of accidents involving self-driving vehicles in recent years occurred when people were driving Tesla cars. Tesla’s Autopilot feature allows a vehicle to be operated almost completely autonomously, with little input from drivers. However, it is designed to be used on highways rather than local roads, and it may not drive completely safely in environments where traffic moves more slowly, more stops are required at intersections, and pedestrians and bicycles may be present.

Notably, Tesla provides guidelines for when Autopilot should be used, stating that it is meant for “controlled-access highways” that have clear markings, central dividers such as medians, and no cross-traffic by other vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians. However, it does not restrict drivers from activating Autopilot on roads that do not have these features. As a result, multiple car wrecks have occurred that have resulted in injuries and deaths. Investigators have identified more than 900 crashes that occurred while Tesla drivers were using Autopilot, and at least eight of these accidents have been fatal.

As a result of the investigation and pressure from government agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla recently performed a recall affecting around two million vehicles. This recall involved a software update that will alert drivers about when Autopilot may be used and encourage drivers to remain alert and focused on the road while a vehicle is in self-driving mode. 

However, auto-safety experts believe that these changes do not go far enough. Ideally, Autopilot should be restricted to use only on approved roads. Tesla’s update does not prevent drivers from using Autopilot in areas other than highways, and the company has stated that implementing systems to verify that self-driving technology is being used correctly by drivers would be too complex. Unfortunately, this means that little has been done to prevent Autopilot-related crashes from occurring, and self-driving vehicles will most likely continue to risk the safety of others on the roads.

Contact Our Plano Self-Driving Car Accident Attorneys

At Burress Injury Law, we understand the legal issues that can affect car wrecks, including in cases involving autonomous vehicles. We can help determine whether an accident occurred because a driver was negligent, because of flaws in technological systems or a car’s safety features, or because of other factors. By identifying the causes of an accident, we can ensure that the parties responsible are held liable, and we are prepared to take legal action against vehicle manufacturers or insurance companies, ensuring that an injury victim will be fully compensated. 

To learn how we can assist with these situations, contact our Allen autonomous vehicle accident attorneys today at 214-726-0016 and set up a free consultation. We encourage you to get in touch with us as soon as possible after an accident so that we can go to work to protect your rights and help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.