The Dangers of Self-Driving Cars
Cars equipped with some form of driverless, auto-drive, or automated driving technology, known as self-driving cars, are becoming increasingly common nowadays. While they can potentially offer mobility and safety for certain drivers, they also come with various dangers. If you need assistance after getting injured in an accident involving a self-driving car, it’s recommended that you discuss the specific facts of your case with a Charleston, SC, car accident lawyer.
Self-Driving Cars Are More Accident-Prone Than Human-Operated Cars
Advocates of self-driving vehicles claim that these vehicles can prevent motor vehicle crashes because they eliminate the most common cause of crashes, which is human error. However, various reports state that they are two times as likely as human-operated cars to become involved in crashes. A recent NHTSA study also reported that approximately 70% of accidents involving self-driving cars are Teslas, with Tesla reporting 273 accidents in 2022.
While the number of crashes is not particularly high, numerous Tesla vehicle recalls in recent years have caused many road users to fear sharing the road with self-driving cars and have reinforced the dangers of these vehicles.
Human Coding Errors Replaced Human Driving Errors
Any reputable programmer will tell you that software code is prone to various errors, with the risk increasing as the code becomes more complex, as it is with the automated systems used in self-driving cars. What’s worse is that manufacturers are quick to blame human error, such as misusing or abusing AI, instead of owning up to their faulty tech systems. In relation to this, there’s also a security risk because unscrupulous individuals can potentially hack into a self-driving car and gain control of it.
The Liability Laws Governing Self-Driving Cars Are Unclear
Navigating the laws governing self-driving vehicles in South Carolina requires experience and in-depth knowledge. Additionally, in motor vehicle crashes involving self-driving vehicles, it can be difficult to establish and prove liability. You will need a seasoned Charleston, SC, car accident lawyer to investigate the circumstances of the crash to establish what and who caused it and help you navigate a product liability or personal injury case.
For instance, if the investigation reveals the self-driving car’s system caused or contributed to the accident because of a faulty component or design flaw, your lawyer will pursue a product liability claim to seek compensation from the software developer, manufacturer, or another entity liable for the crash.
On the other hand, if the crash occurred due to human negligence, your Charleston, SC, car accident lawyer will hold the at-fault party liable by pursuing a personal claim. Maybe you were hit by another driver while driving a self-driving car, or a driver operating a self-driving car failed to intervene when they should have and injured you in a crash.
Seek Legal Assistance From Our Charleston, SC, Car Accident Lawyer Today
Whether you were harmed in a crash involving a self-driving car or a human-operated car, you have the right to pursue monetary compensation from the at-fault party. Talk to our Charleston, SC, car accident lawyer to find out how we can secure maximum compensation on your behalf. You can arrange your free case evaluation by reaching out to Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC online or by telephone at 864-242-9008.