Can I Sue the Manufacturer of a Self-Driving Car After a Wreck?

Can I Sue the Manufacturer of a Self-Driving Car After a Wreck?

Imagine you’re in an intersection, and a self-driving rideshare car suddenly accelerates into your vehicle, or a self-driving truck doesn’t respond to a lane change and sideswipes your car.

Self-driving cars and trucks are becoming a more common sight on our roads, but when these vehicles fail, they can cause devastating injuries, and leave people wondering: who’s to blame? Who can be held accountable? Here’s what you need to know.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Self-Driving Car Wrecks?

Unlike traditional accidents where drivers are usually at fault, self-driving car crashes introduce new legal questions. When a self-driving car or truck malfunctions, several parties could be liable:

• The vehicle’s manufacturer, if there’s a flaw in the car’s design or construction
• Software developers, if the autonomous system failed due to a programming error
• The company responsible for maintenance, if poor upkeep contributed to the malfunction

In these cases, liability can get complicated fast. "The amount of finger-pointing between various parties will increase tenfold because of all the technology involved." - Amy Witherite.

Can You Sue the Manufacturer? Understanding Product Liability

If a defect in the self-driving car’s hardware or software caused the accident, you may have grounds for a product liability claim. Product liability laws allow injured people to hold manufacturers accountable for defective products that cause harm.

For instance, if a self-driving car’s sensors fail to detect an obstacle, leading to a crash, the manufacturer could be liable for a design flaw. Or, if the software fails to recognize a pedestrian in time, you may have a case against the software developer. This legal avenue gives victims a path to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

When Negligence is Involved: Holding Responsible Parties Accountable

Apart from product liability, negligence can also play a role in self-driving vehicle accidents. If the manufacturer or maintenance provider was careless in building, testing, or servicing the vehicle, you may have a case. Proving negligence means showing that the responsible party failed to exercise reasonable care, which directly led to the accident.

For example, if a self-driving truck’s sensors weren’t properly calibrated and it rear-ended you, the company responsible for its maintenance might be at fault. A skilled attorney can help investigate these details to identify all liable parties and strengthen your case.

Why You Need a Self-Driving Car Wreck Lawyer

Cases involving self-driving cars are complex and require specific expertise. With the rapid pace of self-driving technology, laws are struggling to keep up. At Witherite Law Group, we understand the ins and outs of these cases because we stay on the cutting edge. Our team has the resources to investigate self-driving technology, pursue liable parties, and fight for your full compensation.
Reach Out to Our Self-Driving Car Wreck Lawyers in Dallas, Fort Worth, Atlanta, and Chicago

Holding the manufacturer of a self-driving car or truck accountable after a crash isn’t easy, but it’s possible with the right legal support. You don’t have to face these companies alone. Reach out to Witherite Law Group today.