Technology is advancing rapidly, and new and exciting products are being introduced to the market almost daily. If you live in Chicago, you may have seen a self-driving vehicle operating on our streets.
Illinois is one of 29 states that have already enacted legislation to permit self-driving cars on their highways and streets, and more states will likely follow soon. In 2018, Illinois passed legislation allowing the Illinois Department of Transportation to initiate the Autonomous Illinois Initiative, which aims to develop, pilot, and test self-driving vehicles in the state. While many are excited about the development of this technology, others find it concerning.
The development of self-driving cars raises legitimate concerns. If you are injured in an accident with a self-driving car, who is liable for your damages? How do you go about determining and proving fault? Will insurance companies handle settlement negotiations differently when self-driving vehicles are involved?
If you are injured in a self-driving car accident, you need the assistance of an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer with deep knowledge and understanding of how these vehicles work to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
At Meyers & Flowers Trial Attorneys, our Chicago personal injury lawyers stay on the cutting edge of technology that impacts personal injury claims. We are educated on the latest self-driving car technology and legislation. We know how to gather the evidence to build your strongest case. Call (630) 912-7323 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.
How Do Self-Driving Cars Work?
Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, are vehicles that can operate without a driver or with little input from a driver. They use computer software to navigate traffic. The proponents of self-driving cars argue that eliminating human error from driving will make our highways safer. However, computers cannot make judgment calls or react as quickly as humans in emergencies.
There are various levels of self-driving cars. Some require a driver to be present in the vehicle, while others can operate autonomously without human input. These vehicles are rated on a scale of zero to five:
- At Level Zero, a driver controls all the vehicle’s major systems.
- A Level One vehicle features some autonomous capabilities, including cruise control and automatic braking.
- Level Two vehicles still require a human driver, but they have two or more autonomous features that can operate simultaneously.
- Level Three cars have autonomous safety features and sensors that alert drivers when to take control of the functions.
- A Level Four vehicle is capable of being fully self-driving in certain situations.
- Level Five vehicles are capable of fully autonomous driving in all situations.
Liability in Self-Driving Car Accidents
As in traditional vehicle accidents, the cause of the accident will determine liability. Some potentially liable parties include:
- The driver of the vehicle, if they are controlling it at the time of the accident.
- The manufacturer of a defective part or equipment unrelated to the autonomous features.
- The manufacturer of the autonomous technology if a defect in the hardware or software caused the accident.
- The auto manufacturer.
- A negligent maintenance or repair company that worked on the vehicle.
Determining the causation and liability can be particularly challenging in self-driving car accidents. However, our attorneys have the knowledge and skill to help identify all possible causes and potentially liable parties and to uncover the evidence needed to build your strongest case.
How a Chicago Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Injury claims involving self-driving cars can present unique challenges. However, an car accident lawyer in Chicago who is informed on autonomous vehicles and the laws relevant to personal injury claims involving them can protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Your attorney can investigate the accident and consult with industry experts when necessary to identify the causes and liable parties. They can uncover evidence to build your case, help establish and accurately value your injuries, and work to reach a fair settlement as quickly as possible.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to trial to help you secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Meyers & Flowers Trial Attorneys
Technology such as self-driving cars is exciting and promising. However, with new developments come new challenges. At Meyers & Flowers Trial Attorneys, we are ready for those challenges.
Our attorneys stay informed about new technologies and the laws relevant to them, ensuring we are prepared to protect the rights of our clients. If you have been injured in a self-driving car accident in Chicago, we want to help you. We have recovered over $6 billion in client compensation, and we are committed to helping you obtain the maximum compensation for your damages. Call (630) 912-7323 or complete the short form on our contact page and schedule a free consultation.