With the recent rise of the production and widespread use of self-driving cars, motorists need to educate themselves on the existence and dangers of such vehicles. Knowing what cars drive themselves can help you be more cautious around such vehicles and may even help you avoid a serious collision.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, we provide the information you need to keep yourself and other drivers safe. That said, if you’ve been injured in a crash caused by the owner of a self-driving car, an Indiana car accident lawyer from our team can help you pursue the damage you need to cover your medical bills and other related losses.
Cars That Have Self-Driving Capabilities
According to data that has linked autopilot and driver-assist technologies to crashes, cars that drive themselves present a significant danger to other drivers on the road. Due to the safety issues surrounding such vehicles, it can be helpful to educate yourself on what cars drive themselves.
That way, you’ll be able to exercise caution when driving near vehicles that are self-driving. When you are driving, make sure to stay safe and be prepared to practice defensive driving techniques when sharing the road with the following vehicles:
- Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y
- Cadillac CT6 and Escalade
- Audi A8, A7, and A6
- BMW 5 Series and 7 Series
- Volvo XC90, S90, and V90
The above-mentioned vehicle models are only a few examples of automobiles that boast self-driving and driver-assist technologies. While such features offer convenience to motorists, they can also lead to motor vehicle accidents.
In addition, accidents caused by self-driving cars can be confusing to file a claim for. Victims of such incidents might not be sure whether they should aim to hold the driver of the self-driving car responsible for their injuries or if they should take legal action against the manufacturer of the vehicle.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
Determining Liability After an Accident With a Self-Driving Car
Unfortunately, simply knowing what cars drive themselves isn’t enough to protect yourself from an accident. However, if you have been in a collision with a self-driving vehicle, you can expedite your physical and financial recovery by filing a claim with the at-fault party.
That said, you’ll need to work with an experienced attorney to determine who is at fault for your car accident. A knowledgeable lawyer can investigate your accident, work with auto industry experts, and analyze relevant evidence to determine who should be held liable for your injuries and accident-related losses.
Once your attorney has conducted a thorough investigation of the incident, they’ll ideally be able to prove that one of the following parties is liable:
- The person operating the vehicle with self-driving capabilities
- The company that manufactured the vehicle
- The maker of any faulty parts used in the vehicle’s construction
- Other businesses involved in selling, maintaining, or modifying the vehicle before the incident
- External parties like an auto repair shop or maintenance provider
Compensation Victims Can Receive After Accidents With Cars that Drive Themselves
If you’ve been injured in a collision with a self-driving car, you’re probably worried about paying your medical bills, making up for lost wages, and dealing with the emotional trauma from the incident. Fortunately, a successful personal injury claim can account for all of these losses and more.
A skilled attorney can file a strong claim or civil suit on your behalf and fight for the following damages:
- Current, ongoing, and future medical expenses
- Cost of prescription medications, assistive medical devices, and physical therapy sessions
- Vehicle repair and replacement costs
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
Filing Deadline for Self-driving Car Accident Cases
The damages mentioned above can help you deal with the effects of your accident and provide the financial support you need to stay afloat during your recovery period. That said, you’ll only be able to benefit from these damages if you work with an experienced attorney and follow all the filing requirements that apply to your unique case.
One of the most important filing requirements to keep in mind after a car crash is the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4 gives you two years from the day of your crash to submit a civil suit against the at-fault party. Failure to act quickly could stop you from getting the remedies you need to move forward with your life.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Highly Skilled Indiana Car Accident Attorney
Auto accident cases involving cars that drive themselves can be complicated and time-consuming. To get seasoned legal representation, you need to investigate your crash, prove fault, and file a claim within the statute of limitations. Consider working with a car accident lawyer from Vaughan & Vaughan.
A trusted attorney from our team can advise you further on what cars drive themselves and provide the advocacy you need to win your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights after an accident. If we find you have grounds for a claim, we’ll work tirelessly to get the results you’re looking for.
