Self-driving cars are relatively new to the scene. While they have the latest technology, such as GPS, radar, computer vision, and laser vision, they are not completely error-free. Just one malfunction or error and an accident could occur.
Of course, these vehicles are still advancing, and technology is being updated. While human drivers can make mistakes that lead to accidents, the same is true with self-driving vehicles. If a self-driving car hit you at an intersection, you might be able to pursue a personal injury claim as you would with any other motor vehicle crash.
What Should I Do If a Self-Driving Car Hit Me at an Intersection?
You should respond to an accident with a self-driving car as you would with any other vehicle. Check for injuries, and if an ambulance is needed, call for one. You should always call the police to report the accident, so an accident report can be completed. Be sure to get medical care right away.
Keep all evidence and documentation. This means your medical records, medical bills, proof of missed work and lost wages, and photos of any damages and injuries. Also, get a written estimate for repairing your vehicle from a qualified auto body facility. You should consult with a personal injury attorney right away.
How Could a Self-Driving Car Hit Me at an Intersection?
Self-driving cars are created to sense or “see” their surroundings so they can navigate or maneuver through their environment and not hit pedestrians, vehicles, or other obstacles. If there is an error or a malfunction, the car might not be able to sense another vehicle in time and a collision might occur.
Also, if the sensors are not working properly, the vehicle might not see the stop sign or traffic signal, so an accident might result. Basically, a self-driving car could hit you at an intersection in the same way a traditional driver-operated vehicle could do so.
What if the self-driving car didn’t stop?
If the damages were not major and the vehicle is malfunctioning, there is a chance that it might not stop. In this case, you should immediately call 911 and notify the police. Let them know what happened, the kind of vehicle, and the direction in which it is headed. They hopefully can act fast enough to get the vehicle disabled and prevent another collision that could lead to injuries. Always be alert and be prepared to move out of the way of the other vehicle if it is at all possible.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney
If you were hit by a self-driving car at an intersection, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. Just as with any other accident, you might be able to recoup compensation through filing a personal injury claim against the other party. To get a free case review, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page. Your information will be shared with an accident injury attorney who will tell you how you should proceed.
