When news of a self-driving car accident that killed a woman hit the headlines, the whole world almost came to a standstill. People could not understand how a driverless vehicle filled with the most advanced sensors could fail to hit the brakes, resulting in the death of a woman. The automobile driven by a computer was traveling at 38 miles per hour at the time of the accident.
As the experienced Los Angeles car accident attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers may argue, the self-driving vehicle could be at fault, but only if the pedestrian crosses the road in the right places. A jaywalking pedestrian is likely to be at fault even when a driverless car caused the accident.
Still, it remains a challenge to come up with a conclusion about what happened.
Establishing Fault in an Accident with a Driverless Car
Several factors must be taken into account to determine who is responsible for an accident with an autonomous vehicle. For instance, one or more vehicles may have violated traffic rules before the accident happened. Alternatively, a jaywalker could have contributed to the accident.
A driverless car can only be held liable depending on the operator of the wheel of a partially driverless car, driver of the car, and the manufacturers of the driverless car. Still, the jury can decide on a specific percentage that each party should share if multiple cars contributed to the accident.
Self-Driving Car Accident Injury Settlement Process
Accidents associated with self-driving vehicles are becoming common, which is why victims may not understand who is supposed to pay for the damages. Fortunately, the victims can file a personal injury lawsuit against the company behind the driverless vehicle for the damages under product liability laws.
But if a driver was on autopilot mode when the accident happened, they may be sued for negligence. If you get knocked by a driverless car, you are allowed to file a lawsuit to get compensated for:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
Family members who have lost someone in a driverless vehicle accident can also file a wrongful death lawsuit to receive compensation for damages. This should cater for the funeral expenses, loss of income and financial support through the death of a loved one.
Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney
Whether you have been knocked by a driverless or a regular vehicle, you need to understand how the claim process works. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we have helped several victims of car accidents to get compensation for all the losses and personal injuries sustained.
Our skilled and experienced lawyers understand how the law can be interpreted to your disadvantage and make justice elusive even when you were not at fault. This is why it is imperative to have the best legal team by your side. We endeavor to ensure you get a just and fair treatment regardless of the situation.
Contact the law offices of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and receive the compensation you deserve.