There are more self-driving cars on the roads than ever, and as the number of driverless vehicles increase, so does the number of accidents involving self-driving cars. In California alone, the number of accidents involving self-driving vehicles doubled from 2016 to 2017.
Just like any other accident, either party could be at fault in a crash that involves a self-driving car. So, to determine if the car company is at fault when you’re hit by a self-driving car, it must be determined who is liable for the damages that result from that crash.
If a self-driving car has hit you, you will need to consult with a personal injury attorney about pursuing a personal injury claim.
Negligence Plays a Major Role
To have a successful personal injury claim, you must prove negligence played a role. If you can show the other party was negligent, you can have a successful personal injury claim.
There are four elements of negligence. Those elements are duty, breach, cause, and damages. In this case, a driver has a duty to adhere to traffic regulations and navigate safely to prevent an accident and to keep other drivers from harm.
If that duty is breached, then an accident can occur. As an example, say the car runs a stop sign or rear-ends your vehicle when you are stopped at an intersection. You have shown that the duty was breached.
Then the third step is causation. You will need to show that the accident resulted from that breach of duty, which in this case would be that failing to stop resulted in your car being hit by the other vehicle.
You will then need to prove that the damages you suffered were caused by the accident. If you can prove negligence, then you will likely have a successful personal injury claim.
Damages that Result From an Accident
You will need to show which damages you suffered because of the accident. There are numerous damages that can result. Common damages include medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earnings, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, permanent scarring and disfigurement, disabilities, loss of consortium, property damages, and more.
Your personal injury attorney will review your claim and determine which damages you suffered. Documentation to support your claim will include the accident report, medical bills, medical records, damage repair estimates, proof of missed work and lost wages, photos of damages and injuries, and statements from any witnesses to the crash.
All damages must be included in your claim, as an additional claim cannot be filed later.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident with a driverless vehicle, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. To determine if the car maker is at fault because you were hit by a self-driving car, an attorney will investigate your claim.
Determining negligence, the cause of the crash, and the damages, your attorney will decide the best route to take. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today so you can get your claim on the right track.
Additional Resources
- Involved in a Crash With a Self-Driving Car?
- How Can I File an Accident Report Against a Self-Driving Car?
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Volvo, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
