What Can I Do If I’m Injured in a Self-Driving Car Accident?

If you drive through city centers around California, you’re likely familiar with the growing presence of self-driving vehicles. These Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) have been approved for testing all over the state, sparking both curiosity and concern among many drivers. AV operation differs from human driving in several key aspects, and the absence of a human driver raises important questions about accident liability. You may wonder who is financially liable if you’re involved in a self-driving car accident, and the state of California is asking the same question.

If an AV is found at fault for a car accident resulting in injury in California, the company that owns the self-driving vehicle may be financially responsible for damages. AV companies such as Waymo, Cruise, and Zoox have all faced lawsuits in recent years over self-driving car accident injuries. Like other entities, they typically cover personal injury claims through their insurance policies, although they may sometimes pay out of pocket depending on the severity and circumstances of the accident. Despite ongoing advancements, AV-related concerns remain high among California residents, making it essential to understand your legal options if you’re ever injured in an accident.

Sacramento is one of the cities where AVs regularly operate. As the city looks to approve more advanced testing measures, residents should be aware of their rights to fair compensation if the worst happens on the road. United Citizen Law is a personal injury firm in Sacramento, recognized by both peers and clients for its excellence. With extensive knowledge in personal injury cases and negotiating with insurance providers, we build strong cases that help our clients get back on their feet. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your injury, we will give your claim the focused attention and expertise it deserves.

To start your injury recovery journey, call United Citizen Law at (916) 800-8457 or tell us about your case online.

Are Self-Driving Cars Safer Than Human Drivers?

Most questions about self-driving cars center on safety. Specifically, people want to know whether AVs are safer than Human Driven Vehicles (HDVs), and whether continued testing will make roads safer. As with AV regulations, the answers are complex and require careful analysis of accident data.

Recent studies show that AVs are involved in accidents more frequently than HDVs, but they are usually not at fault. This trend is largely attributed to the behavior of human drivers around AVs. Because AVs often operate with speed limitations and follow more cautious driving patterns, human drivers are more prone to making aggressive maneuvers in an attempt to pass them.

In summary, drivers should be particularly cautious of how other human drivers behave around AVs. They tend to travel below the speed of surrounding traffic, inadvertently provoking impatient or aggressive actions from HDVs. While AVs are currently less likely to cause accidents than HDVs, certain conditions make them more vulnerable to being involved in crashes.

When are Self-Driving Cars Most Likely to Cause Accidents?

According to a study published in Nature Communications, one of the primary weaknesses of AVs is their occasional inability to respond effectively to unexpected roadway events. For instance, areas affected by traffic events or work zones account for 5% of AV accidents, compared to just 1.8% of HDVs.

Abnormal roadway interruptions that can confuse AV driving systems include: 

• Construction zones
• Lane closures
• Accident scenes
• Disabled vehicles
• Spilled cargo
• Emergency vehicles with actives sirens

A larger share of AV accidents in California also occur during rainy conditions, (11% of AV accidents compared to 5% of HDV accidents) so it’s wise to keep extra distance from AVs when driving in the rain. Outside of these statistics, early AV accident data appears relatively favorable compared to HDVs. While this may offer some reassurance to concerned drivers, current AV limitations can still lead to serious accidents. If you’ve been injured in a self-driving car accident in California, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s best to consult a personal injury lawyer before taking further action.

What Should I Do If I’m Injured by a Self-Driving Car?

Having no human driver does not eliminate fault in a collision—AV companies can be just as liable for an accident as any human driver. Regardless of who is or isn’t behind the wheel, at-fault parties can be held accountable with the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer.

United Citizen Law stands out among Sacramento personal injury law firms for its unwavering dedication to client recovery. Sam Fareed and our experienced team are recognized for simplifying complex legal processes, cutting through legislative red tape, and maximizing client compensation. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Sacramento, your search for trusted representation ends here.

For expert case management and a free consultation, call us at (916) 800-8457 or describe your case online.