After a collision with a self-driving car in Dallas, it can feel daunting to seek the compensation you need. Car accidents often leave victims with serious injuries, resulting in extensive medical bills and time away from work. Under normal circumstances, victims can pursue compensation for their losses through an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver. But what if there is no human driver?
States have had to work fast to pass laws that cover self-driving cars and accidents on public roads. Fortunately, Texas has been one of the fastest states to act and has had autonomous vehicle laws on the books since 2017. Thanks to these laws, if a self-driving car causes your injuries, there is a clear path by which you can seek compensation.
Current Self-Driving Car Regulations
Texas law allows self-driving vehicles to operate on public roads as long as they meet specific requirements. These requirements state that self-driving cars must:
- Comply with Texas traffic laws
- Be equipped with a recording device
- Have an automated driving system meeting federal safety standards
- Be registered and titled as required by Texas law
- Be covered by the applicable levels of liability insurance
The law also states that autonomous vehicle owners are considered operators regardless of whether they are physically present within the vehicle. This is crucial in accidents involving completely autonomous cars and drivers who claim not to be liable because the vehicle was in self-driving mode. It also holds owners of self-driving rideshare fleets, such as Waymo, accountable when their cars cause collisions.
Why Self-Driving Car Accident Cases Are Complicated
Self-driving car crashes are more complicated than traditional collisions for a few key reasons:
- Technological complexity – Determining the cause of the wreck can be more challenging due to the technological complexity that self-driving vehicles introduce into the equation. It may be harder to determine whether driver negligence, poor maintenance, a faulty part, or even a software defect caused the crash. These cases often require specialized knowledge from expert witnesses.
- Multiple parties involved – Depending on the cause, several parties may share liability for the crash. This can complicate negotiations and legal proceedings. For example, who’s at fault if the car runs a stop sign? Would it be the operator, software developer, or camera manufacturer? It could be some or all of them, depending on the circumstances.
- Potential for changing laws – Currently, Texas law treats autonomous vehicles like other vehicles operating on its roads. However, as autonomous vehicle technology evolves, the laws may need to evolve as well. Changing laws make cases more complex because lawyers need to stay on top of which laws applied at the time of the collision.
A typical Dallas car accident claim is challenging enough to handle on your own. Once you add in the complicated aspects of an autonomous vehicle crash, having the help of an experienced car accident attorney can make all the difference. They will have the knowledge, skills, and resources to thoroughly investigate the collision and hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Who Is Legally Responsible for Self-Driving Car Crashes?
Determining liability in self-driving car accidents largely depends on how the crash occurred. Did it happen due to operator error, a malfunction, a defect, or an external factor?
The vehicle operator may be liable in most cases. Even when self-driving modes are enabled, they are supposed to keep their eyes on the road and be prepared to intervene when necessary. However, that doesn’t mean only the operator is always at fault. Depending on the unique circumstances of the crash, other parties may be liable, including:
- The vehicle owner can be held responsible even if they weren’t in the self-driving car.
- The software developer could be liable if a software malfunction led to the collision.
- The vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider could be at fault if a mechanical failure caused the accident.
- Other drivers or the government entity responsible for maintaining the road could be liable if external factors contributed to the crash.
Every case is unique and requires an in-depth investigation to identify all liable parties. Victims can maximize their compensation by identifying these parties and collecting solid evidence.
Steps to Take After a Crash with a Self-Driving Car in Dallas
If you’re involved in an auto collision with a self-driving car in Dallas, it’s essential to take the following steps to protect your rights and maximize your potential compensation:
- Seek medical attention. Getting immediate medical care is vital after any car accident. But ongoing medical treatment is just as necessary. Continue following up with your doctor’s appointments as long as needed.
- Document the accident. Photographing the crash scene and your visible injuries directly after an accident is critical. You should also write down everything you remember about the accident before you forget.
- Track your bills. Keep records of all expenses you have related to the incident. This includes bills for treatments, medical devices, prescription medications, and repairs. Your lawyer will use these bills when calculating your damages.
- Avoid providing a statement. Insurance companies may contact you for a statement about the collision. Do not provide a recorded statement without first consulting a lawyer. These insurance companies often try to get you to say something they can use to deny or devalue your claim.
You should also contact a Dallas self-driving car accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can handle your personal injury claim from start to finish.
Need Legal Help? Call Our Dallas Car Accident Attorneys Today!
Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. has served the Dallas community with personalized and compassionate legal support for over 50 years. Since our founding in 1971, we’ve received hundreds of positive Google reviews and testimonials from our satisfied clients, including this one:
“We had an accident and the attorneys at Kraft & Associates handled the case very attentively and with kindness until the end.” – Beatriz R.
If you were injured in a self-driving vehicle accident in Dallas, Texas, contact our firm at (214) 999-9999 for a free consultation with one of our Dallas car accident lawyers. We’ll review your case, explain your options for seeking the compensation you need, and answer any questions you have about the legal process.
