Who Is Accountable for an Accident Caused by a Self-Driving Car?

Are you involved in an accident caused by a self-driving car? Wondering who is responsible – the car or the manufacturer of the vehicle? The answer depends on several factors. Different parties may be involved, which caused the self-driving car to crash. The technology used in manufacturing and running this car is constantly changing. Most new vehicles operating on the road in Kansas City have some driver-assisted technology or semi-autonomous features. If the technology in the car fails and leads to an accident, then the manufacturer can be held liable. But if the driver fails to operate the system properly, the driver is at fault. If you are unsure what to do, contact a well-established Chionuma law firm that will guide and help you.

Overview of Self-Driving Car Regulations in Kansas

It is essential to know about these regulations so that when you are involved in an accident, you have a clear idea of what the rules imply.

• The vehicle's driver will be liable under the law of driver negligence. If the driver cannot use the technology properly or fails to pay attention on the road, they will be liable for the damages caused.

• If the car is owned by a company or a corporate house, the company will be held liable if the vehicle was used by an employee or any person acting on behalf of the company.

• The car manufacturer will be considered guilty if there is any manufacturing defect in the vehicle or the technology used is defective. 

• As per the product liability law, all those companies involved in installing and maintaining the technology in the vehicle will also be held accountable.

What Kind of Claims You Can Make if You Are Involved in an Accident by a Self-Driving Car?

You can claim compensation on the following aspects when you are a victim of an accident caused by a self-driving car:

• Medical bills.

• Pain and suffering.

• Emotional distress.

• Wage loss.

• Property damage.

You can also claim punitive damages, but you have to prove that the accident happened because of reckless driving or the driver's willfulness. This damage ensures that the wrongdoer is held accountable and punished so that they don't commit the same mistake twice.

How to Determine Liability in an Accident Caused by a Self-Driving Car?

Determining who is liable for such an incident can be a complicated task. The answer lies in what happened. To resolve this, one must depend on experts who will conduct a thorough investigation before concluding what led to the crash. The investigation depends on numerous factors, like the speed at which the car was driving, the weather on that particular day, road conditions, and whether the vehicle had any technical glitches. Witnesses can be questioned to prove negligence claims. At the same time, data from the sensors in the car will be collected and analyzed to gauge the matter further. 

The insurance company, too, will conduct an independent investigation to determine who is liable for the accident. However, keep in mind that the investigations carried out by them and the legal experts are not the same. The insurance company is conducting the investigation because it has to pay the claim.