Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer Serving Texas

As self-driving cars become increasingly common on Texas roads, accidents involving these autonomous vehicles are also on the rise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received reports of 419 crashes involving autonomous vehicles. Of those 156 were truly autonomous vehicles. Of those 419, there were 18 fatalities. All the fatalities were in partially-autonomous vehicles and there have been no fatalities linked to fully-autonomous vehicles. In this article our self driving car accident lawyer explains how these cases can result in liability and who they create liability for.

A self-driving car, also known as an autonomous vehicle or driverless car, is a type of vehicle that uses a combination of sensors, cameras, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced software to navigate, control, and drive itself without the need for human intervention. Self-driving cars can perceive their environment, make decisions, and perform driving tasks such as accelerating, braking, and steering.

There are different levels of automation in self-driving cars, ranging from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation). At higher levels of automation, human intervention becomes less necessary. For instance, Level 5 autonomous vehicles can operate completely independently under all conditions, without any human input.

Understanding the unique challenges and liability concerns surrounding self-driving car accidents in Fort Worth is crucial for anyone who may be affected by such an incident. If you have been injured in a self-driving car accident, contact Varghese Summersett and consult with our car accident lawyers as soon as possible. We’ll review your case and discuss the best way to proceed with your claim.

In this article, we’ll explore the various aspects of autonomous vehicle accidents, liability, and safety concerns and when you should consult with our personal injury lawyer for help.

Understanding Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

Common Causes of Self-Driving Car Accidents

While self-driving cars are designed to reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by human error, they are not completely immune to collisions. Some common causes of autonomous vehicle accidents include:

Human error

Although self-driving cars aim to minimize human error, drivers may still need to take control in certain situations. Misunderstandings, slow reaction times, or poor decisions by the human driver can lead to accidents.

Technical malfunctions

While self-driving car systems are rigorously tested and continually updated, they are not immune to technical malfunctions. Issues with sensors, cameras, LIDAR systems, or software algorithms can cause the autonomous vehicle to make a wrong decision, leading to an accident.

Inadequate communication between vehicles

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication is essential for self-driving cars to coordinate with each other. However, when communication systems fail or are obstructed, collisions can occur.

Cybersecurity breaches

Self-driving cars rely on complex software systems, making them vulnerable to hacking or cyber-attacks. A malicious third party could potentially take control of a vehicle and cause an accident.

Unpredictable road conditions

Autonomous vehicles may struggle to adapt to unexpected or rapidly changing road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or severe weather. This may cause the vehicle to make an incorrect decision, which can result in an accident.

Limitations in AI decision-making

Current AI technology has limitations in understanding complex or ambiguous situations. In certain cases, the AI system may not be able to determine the best course of action, leading to a collision.

Interaction with human-driven vehicles

Self-driving cars are programmed to follow traffic rules and drive conservatively. However, human drivers may not always follow the same rules or exhibit unpredictable behavior, increasing the risk of accidents.

Insufficient mapping and localization data

Self-driving cars rely on detailed maps and real-time localization data to navigate. Inaccurate or outdated information can lead to incorrect decisions and accidents.

Self-Driving Car Accident Statistics

According to recent data, self-driving car accidents are still relatively rare compared to traditional car crashes. Continuous research, development, and regulatory efforts are aimed at making autonomous vehicles safer and more reliable.

However, as technology continues to advance and more autonomous vehicles hit the roads, accidents are expected to grow. It’s essential to monitor self-driving car accident statistics to identify trends and inform future safety regulations.

Self-Driving Car Liability in Texas

Driverless car accident liability: Determining driverless car accident liability can be a complex process, as it may involve multiple parties, including the vehicle’s manufacturer, software developer, or even the owner of the self-driving car. In some cases, liability may be shared among these parties, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.

Our Fort Worth self-driving car accident lawyers are well-versed in the minutia of autonomous car laws in Texas and will help sort through the facts.

Texas self-driving car regulations: Regulations are still evolving to keep pace with the rapid development of autonomous vehicle technology. Currently, Texas law allows for the testing and operation of self-driving cars on public roads, provided certain safety requirements are met. However, as the technology and related legal landscape continue to change, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and guidelines.

Texas Laws on Self-Driving Cars on Public Roads

Texas has been proactive in fostering the development and testing of self-driving cars. The primary legislation governing autonomous vehicles in Texas are Sections 545.451 through 545.455 of the Transportation Code, which became law in 2017. According to the law, self-driving cars must meet the following safety requirements to operate on public roads in Texas:

Compliance with federal laws and regulations: The autonomous vehicle must adhere to applicable federal laws and regulations governing motor vehicles.

Vehicle registration and insurance: Self-driving cars must be registered in Texas and carry the required minimum amount of motor vehicle insurance or self-insurance, as specified by the state.

Equipment standards: Autonomous vehicles must be equipped with a data-recording system that captures information related to the vehicle’s automated driving system, and they must be capable of providing this data in the event of an accident.

Capable of complying with traffic laws: Self-driving cars must be capable of following all applicable traffic laws in the state of Texas.

Human intervention: Autonomous vehicles must have a mechanism for a human operator to take control of the vehicle if necessary.