New Jersey Self-Driving Vehicle Accident Attorneys Helping Injured Victims Hold Negligent Parties Accountable for Injuries from Autonomous Car Crashes
Self-driving vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as technological advances occur at breakneck speed. As of last year, the industry is estimated to be worth more than $5 billion. By 2025, the market is projected to expand to approximately $45 billion in revenue and save the U.S. economy $1.3 trillion spent on traffic congestion and accidents. Autonomous cars could save up to $380 billion per year in health treatment due to accidents. Insurance premiums are estimated to reduce by 40% by 2025.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2023, there were almost 19,000 accidents per day in the U.S., an average of 771.3 accidents per hour. In contrast, self-driving cars are involved in accidents every 5,000 hours or 208 days. Because driver error contributes to the large majority of car accidents, removing the human element can help to eliminate some potential hazards, but this is not always the case. Human drivers are almost 6 times more likely to be involved in a crash than autonomous vehicles. Self-driving cars have the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives over the next ten years. However, self-driving vehicle accidents can and still do occur.
There are two kinds of automated vehicles: ADS (Automated Driving Systems) and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). ADS performs all driving tasks with minimal human intervention, while ADAS is designed to assist the driver with situations such as blind spots, cruise control, parallel parking, etc. Between 2000 and 2023, there were 3,979 accidents involving self-driving vehicles. The statistics do not indicate which driver was at fault for the accident, nor does it show which driving system was being used at the time of the accident.
With so much gray area in the realm of self-driving car accidents, identifying who is at fault, who can be held responsible, and the legal avenues that may be used to obtain compensation, it is decidedly necessary to have an experienced New Jersey self-driving vehicle accident attorney working on your behalf to ensure that your case is thoroughly investigated and your rights are advocated for. Contact Cohen & Riechelson today at (609) 528-2596 for a free consultation and review of your case. One of our dedicated team members is ready to assist you.
Investigating the Cause of a Self-Driving Car Accident to Identify Negligence in New Jersey
When can the Manufacturer be Liable for a Self-Driving Vehicle Accident?
There are many possible reasons why self-driving vehicles are involved in an accident. The most obvious is the vehicle manufacturer. Defects in engineering, building, or designing the car could be at fault for an accident. Recalls are unpopular because they give consumers the impression that the carmaker was careless or created an item that was flawed from the start. Some manufacturers limit the time to test the vehicles to stay ahead of the competition’s release dates for new products or to save money.
The Impact of Software Errors on Autonomous Vehicles
The software for these cars is precise and complex. Creating algorithms and code that match the human mind in every instance is challenging. Human drivers have 18 or more years of information gathering and practical application of that learning, with all of its diverse results and circumstances. This can lead to glitches in the software, which are known or missed during development.
The Dangers of Sensor Failures in Self-Driving Cars
One of the key components of self-driving vehicles is the sensors. These sensors are crucial for both completely autonomous and AI-assisted vehicles. They provide vital information such as the proximity to the curb when parking, when to brake at a red light, or the appropriate speed for cruise control. When a self-driving car fails to correctly identify hazards and obstacles, pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles will be in danger, and the accidents could be life-threatening.
When is Driver Error the Cause of a Self Driving Car Crash?
Driver error can also be to blame. Depending on the car’s make and model, a human driver can engage a self-driving car by touching the brake, moving the steering wheel, or flipping a switch. Drivers need to pay attention to what is happening on the road and be aware of their surroundings to take over if necessary. Ultimately, they may be responsible for accidents that could have been avoided by taking the proper precautions. For example, the owner is responsible for following all scheduled maintenance or repairs for a damaged vehicle.
When can a Third Party be Held Responsible for an Autonomous Vehicle Collision?
Under certain conditions, third parties, such as other drivers, mechanics, or dealerships, can also be to blame for self-driving car crashes.
The Application of Product Liability Law when Defective Self-Driving Vehicles Lead to Accidents
Product liability law establishes remedies when a defective product harms people or property. Under New Jersey law, a carmaker, designer, manufacturer, or seller can be held liable in several ways, whether the car is entirely or partially autonomous.
Although a manufacturer may take all necessary precautions and care to build a safe product, sometimes the product may hold a previously undetected defect that causes injury to the user. New Jersey’s laws on strict liability may hold the manufacturer accountable as they invoke manufacturing and design defects.
Misrepresentation by an autonomous vehicle manufacturer falls under product liability as well. Consider a vehicle maker who claims the driver will rarely need to drive the vehicle, as the automation settings work 90% of the time. The claim is considered a misrepresentation if a driver has to turn off the automated settings every five minutes.
Another aspect of product liability is the failure to warn. Manufacturers who inadequately inform prospective buyers about how to operate or maintain their driverless cars may also be subject to liability.
Key Actions to Take Following an Autonomous Vehicle Crash
You should report the accident to the police and request a copy of their report. It will have essential aspects of the accident and help you and your attorney establish who was at fault. If possible, gather evidence immediately following your accident. Pictures, video, damages, traffic signs, and witness information are invaluable. Some intersections and businesses have video cameras that may have recorded your accident, and many residents of residential areas have doorbell cameras, which can also help.
Always seek medical attention, even if you don’t see evidence of an injury. The boost of adrenaline your body receives during an accident can mask symptoms that could surface as much as a day or two later. Getting checked out creates a paper trail and will catch hidden injuries such as hairline fractures, internal bleeding, or a concussion. Becoming an expert record keeper and include medical treatments, evidence, and estimated damage to support your claim. Never negotiate with insurance companies without representation from a qualified accident attorney. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. They may make you financial offers well below what your lawyer can prove you are entitled to.
Problems Retrieving Data Facing the Self-Driving Car Industry
One self-driving vehicle can generate up to 20 TB of data each day, depending on how far it is driven. Exabytes of data require a reliable and secure infrastructure for data storage and present a challenge for car makers. Data is stored and archived on clouds and can be retrieved, if necessary, but it is an extensive process that could take weeks. Also, if there is a motherboard malfunction or an electrical problem, valuable data could be permanently lost or corrupted.
The Strategic Role of Expert Testimony in Self-Driving Auto Accident Cases
In auto accident cases, expert witnesses can explain in layperson’s terms what happened, why it happened, and how it directly affected you. Accident reconstructionists are common in these cases because they can suggest the reason(s) for the accident using computer models, witness interviews, physical evidence, and other analyses. Vehicle safety experts, especially those familiar with self-driving cars, can provide testimony that demonstrates how a defect, design flaw, or other mechanical issue caused the accident. Software engineers may testify to glitches in programming or faulty code that caused the car to malfunction. Medical professionals such as doctors, physical therapists, and nurses can testify about your injuries, prognosis, and the impact the accident had on your well-being.
Contact Our NJ Self-Driving Vehicle Accident Lawyers for Help with Your Case
Whether your self-driving vehicle was in an accident or struck by one, you have bills, lost wages, and property damage that someone should pay for. You need a team that understands personal injury and product liability law in New Jersey and the nuances that may exist when filing a claim for an accident involving a driverless car. The skilled team of attorneys at Cohen & Riechelson will negotiate for you with the insurance companies or go to court if necessary to get you the settlement or damages award you deserve. You have our promise to handle your case with the utmost professionalism and determination.
Our lawyers have our 50 years of experience, and we understand the stress and economic strain you are under. We offer our services on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay if we don’t win. You are not just a number to our firm, as we are fully committed to providing personalized attention to your situation. We proudly serve clients in Robbinsville, Princeton, Hamilton, Ewing, Trenton, Lambertville, East Windsor, Lawrence, and other towns throughout Mercer County and New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you heal and recover from your self-driving car accident. Call (609) 528-2596 for a free consultation.
