How Common Are Self-Driving Car Accidents?
According to Forbes and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), self-driving vehicles are more than twice as likely than traditional vehicles to be involved in accidents. Approximately 70% of all Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) crashes are Teslas.
How Do Driverless Vehicles Work?
Self-driving cars have high-end technology that makes them operate with little driver assistance. However, that technology concerns many Americans. According to Forbes, 93% of people in the U.S. are worried about the safety and technology malfunctions, as well as other aspects, of self-driving vehicles.
Self-driving cars utilize technology to navigate to and from locations that the occupants set. Some are partially automated and still need some driver interaction. They use sensors and other technology to operate primarily without human interaction.
Some of the crash avoidance technology used in driverless vehicles includes:
Ultrasonic Sensors
Ultrasonic sensors are active sensors, much like radar or sonar. They work by using ultrasonic waves that measure distances between objects. They are particularly good at detecting approaching obstacles within close range. They make good parking sensors and can pick up hazards like traffic cones and barriers.
RADAR Sensors
RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) sensors use radio waves. The system consists of a transmitter that produces electromagnetic waves, a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, a receiver, and a processor to determine the properties of objects that are sensed.
Radio waves are sent out, reflect off objects, and return to the receiver. The processor then uses that information to determine the object’s location and speed.
RADAR sensors operate well over long distances, conditions, and environments. They are also not sensitive to dirt and other debris because they do not have any mechanical moving parts.
LIDAR Sensors
LIDAR (Light Imaging Detection and Ranging) is a type of surveying technology that uses laser light pulses that are very precise. The light pulses used by LIDAR can easily pick up pedestrians, other vehicles, and objects in the roadway at any speed.
LIDAR is better at detecting small objects thanks to its short wavelength. It can build an exact 3D monochromatic image of an object to avoid.
Limitations on this technology include usage at nighttime or in bad weather. Additionally, this technology is quite a bit more expensive than RADAR.
Common Injuries in Self-Driving Car Accidents
Based on reported incidents, common injuries in self-driving car accidents seem to be similar to those in regular car accidents, including:
- Whiplash: This is a neck injury caused by a sudden jolt to the head and neck. It can cause pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Soft tissue injuries: These are injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can cause pain, swelling, and bruising.
- Broken bones: These can occur in any part of the body, but are common in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Head injuries: These can range from mild concussions to more serious injuries, such as brain bleeds.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can be very serious and can lead to paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These serious injuries affect how the brain works. TBIs can be caused by a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, or from an object that pierces the skull and enters the brain.
Who Is Liable for a Self-Driving Car Accident in Lancaster?
Determining liability in a self-driving car accident is complex because there are several parties who could be responsible, depending on the circumstances.
Car Manufacturer
If the accident is caused by a defect in the self-driving system or the car itself, the manufacturer could be liable. This applies to situations where the car malfunctioned due to faulty design, manufacturing issues, or software bugs.
Software Developer
Like the car manufacturer, the company that designed the self-driving software could be held responsible if a software glitch caused the accident.
Human Driver
In some self-driving cars, there may be a human driver who can take control under certain conditions. If the accident happens while the human driver is in control and they were negligent (e.g., distracted, intoxicated, etc.), they might be liable. There could also be shared liability if the self-driving system malfunctioned, but the human driver failed to take corrective action when possible.
Other Parties
Depending on the specific situation, other parties could also be liable. For instance, a road maintenance company could be responsible if the accident resulted from poorly maintained roads.
Possible Compensation for a Self-Driving Car Injury Claim in Lancaster
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a self-driving car, you may be eligible for compensation for various damages, including economic and non-economic losses, such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and medical equipment costs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Damages for Self-Driving Car Accidents
Self-driving car wrecks can result in fatal injuries, especially if they involve a bus accident, truck accident, or multiple car accident. If your loved one died in an autonomous vehicle accident, then you may be able to recover compensation for their wrongful death. This can include financial recovery for funeral expenses, burial costs, and lost monetary support.
A self-driving car attorney in Pennsylvania can explain the state’s wrongful death and survival laws and how they apply to your case.
How Can Self-Driving Car Accidents Be Prevented?
Many self-driving car accidents can be prevented in the same manner that traditional crashes would be addressed. However, there are some steps that manufacturers and the government can do to work towards safety, including:
- Enhanced software development: Better algorithms and machine learning capabilities will allow self-driving systems to react to complex situations and make safer decisions.
- Stronger, more crash-resistant materials: This can help absorb impact and minimize injuries in unavoidable collisions.
- Advanced safety features: Existing technologies like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning can be further improved and integrated seamlessly.
- Smart infrastructure: Communication between self-driving cars and infrastructure like traffic lights and road signs can improve coordination and prevent accidents.
- Standardized road markings and signage: Clear and consistent road markings will make it easier for self-driving systems to interpret their surroundings.
- Clear legal guidelines: Establishing clear rules and regulations for self-driving car operation and liability in case of accidents is essential.
- Rigorous testing procedures: Self-driving cars should undergo extensive testing in controlled environments before public deployment.
- Public education: Educating people on how to interact with self-driving cars on the road can promote safer interactions.
- Driver training for transition period: As self-driving cars become more common, there will need to be training for human drivers to share the road safely.
Have You Been Injured in a Self-Driving Car Accident? Call Atlee Hall Today
If you or a loved one were injured by a self-driving car and its driver, you need to contact an autonomous vehicle lawyer right away. Laws about fault and liability are still being ironed out in this industry. Due to the complexity of the legal field, you need someone you trust by your side.
The Pennsylvania self-driving car lawyers at Atlee Hall stay up to date with current technology and laws involved with autonomous vehicles. We will determine what happened and help you get the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Call 717-393-9596 today or contact us for a free consultation with a Lancaster, PA car accident lawyer.
Areas We Serve
Our self-driving car lawyers in Pennsylvania are based in Lancaster, but we take cases across the state as far west as Allegheny County.
Where Were You Injured?
- Lancaster County
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- Dauphin County
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- Lycoming County
- Mifflin County
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