Sacramento Autonomous Vehicle Accident Attorney
Autonomous vehicles or “self-driving” cars have arrived and the legal issues surrounding liability for accidents involving these futuristic vehicles remain murky in many parts of the country. As Sacramento residents start to see more self-driving cars on the road, it’s important to know what to do after an accident involving a self-driving car and how to determine liability.
The Sacramento autonomous vehicle accident attorneys at Rosenthal Law understand how complicated self-driving car accident cases can be. Our firm has more than 25 years of experience handling civil lawsuits for clients in the Sacramento area and we have significant resources at our disposal to ensure we provide the best representation possible for every client, every time. Although autonomous cars are still a rare sight on California roads, these vehicles and other vehicles with self-driving features are becoming more popular across the country. When an autonomous vehicle hits another car or pedestrian, injured victims should know their rights and options for recovery.
Who Is at Fault in a Self-Driving Car Accident?
Many potential parties may share liability for an autonomous car accident. In the majority of cases, the operator of the vehicle will be liable if there was any way he or she could have prevented the accident. Most self-driving cars require a driver in the driver’s seat who can take over manual control of the vehicle if needed.
There is an expectation for a self-driving car operator to pay close attention to road conditions and assume control of the vehicle as required. Until autonomous vehicles are fully autonomous and no longer require human drivers, drivers of self-driving cars should expect to absorb some measure of liability for any accidents their vehicles cause.
In some cases, a vehicle manufacturer may face liability if a defect in the autonomous vehicle caused an accident. An error with the car’s software or physical defect may prevent the autonomous driving system from functioning correctly, causing an accident. In these cases, victims and their product liability lawyers would pursue product liability claims against the manufacturer. In other cases, the testing company responsible for quality assurance may face liability as well for ineffective or incomplete testing methods. For more information regarding liability in autonomous vehicle crashes, speak with a Sacramento car accident lawyer.
Compensation for Autonomous Vehicle Accidents
Any type of vehicle accident can result in several kinds of economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses. Plaintiffs can claim compensation for any and all medical costs resulting from a defendant’s negligence.
- Lost income. If an accident forces a victim to miss work, he or she can claim the wages lost in that time as economic damages in a personal injury claim.
- Property damage. If an autonomous vehicle destroyed or damaged the plaintiff’s personal property, the costs of replacing or repairing that property would count as economic damages in the resulting lawsuit.
- Pain and suffering. An autonomous vehicle accident, especially one involving a pedestrian victim, will likely cause catastrophic injuries. Plaintiffs can receive compensation for the physical pain and psychological distress resulting from a defendant’s negligence.
If you were injured by a self-driving car and want to know what specific damages are available to you, a knowledgeable Sacramento autonomous vehicle accident attorney at Rosenthal Law can help.
Speak with a Sacramento Autonomous Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today
Due to the unclear nature of autonomous vehicle laws in the country, anyone injured in a self-driving vehicle accident may not know their options for legal recourse. The Sacramento injury attorneys at Rosenthal Law have decades of experience handling civil claims for clients in the Sacramento area and throughout California. We believe in aggressive representation that maximizes our clients’ recovery and we offer free case evaluations, so our clients know what to expect from pursuing their claims. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers and we can let you know how our firm can help.