The growing popularity of self-driving cars in Seattle is something that has created additional legal challenges when it comes to self-driving car accidents. As more and more self-driving cars are on the road, these car accidents will become more common simply due to the numbers. If you are the victim of a self-driving car accident in Seattle, Washington, there are certain things you need to know about liability and how you can receive compensation.
At NBF Accident Law, our auto accident attorneys can help you navigate the complex process of filing a car accident claim in relation to a self-driving car accident. Our attorneys will help you gather crucial evidence, negotiate with involved parties, and decide on a settlement amount that will help you make a full recovery.
Establishing Liability in Self-Driving Car Accidents
One of the biggest challenges with these types of accidents is self-driving car liability. Because self-driving vehicles operate on their own to a certain extent, it can be challenging to know who is liable for the actions that caused the accident.
The good news is that human liability is still taken into consideration even when the accident involves a self-driving vehicle. After all, self-driving vehicles still require human operation as there aren’t any on the road as of right now that are fully autonomous.
Human Liability
When it comes to self-driving car liabilities, one of the first things that is looked at is the human aspect. The current autonomous vehicles on the road still require a human operator, which can often result in the driver being at fault in some way.
The driver may not fully understand how their vehicle operates, which resulted in them not supervising it correctly. For instance, some drivers assume that a self-driving vehicle can truly drive itself and do not provide any supervision, which can result in an accident. Even now, autonomous vehicles are still unable to react as quickly as a human driver.
Manufacturer Liability
One aspect of Seattle self-driving cars that can make these accidents a bit more complex is that the manufacturer could also be found liable. Because autonomous vehicles are able to operate on their own to a certain degree, their system has to be perfectly operational and thoroughly tested. If there is an issue with the autonomous system, the vehicle may not drive correctly or it may have glitches that could contribute to an accident.
In a situation where the manufacturer is liable, both the victim of the car accident and the driver of the self-driving vehicle could file a claim against the manufacturer.
How Self-Driving Cars Are Impacting Insurance
Some areas of the United States have taken the precaution of regulating self-driving cars and how they need to be designed. However, further federal government regulation is still required and will most likely start to take effect as autonomous vehicles become more popular and widely acceptable. It is believed that insurance coverage will also follow suit to provide better options for those involved in self-driving car accidents.
One area that will most likely change is that drivers will need to carry both personal liability and manufacturer liability when operating self-driving vehicles.
Because self-driving car accidents are more complex in nature, you need to take the additional step of hiring legal representation. A car accident attorney in Seattle will be able to represent you and act as your advocate when negotiating a settlement and building a substantial case. They can also help you determine whether you should file a claim against the driver or the manufacturer depending on the evidence.
How to Build a Strong Case After a Self-Driving Car Accident
There are many changes that need to be made regarding regulations and insurance coverage as self-driving vehicles are becoming more common. However, there are still certain things you can do today to better protect yourself and prove liability if you are the victim of an accident involving a self-driving car in Seattle.
Here are some steps you need to take to thoroughly document evidence and build a strong case to get you the settlement you deserve:
- Technical data: Autonomous vehicles are often equipped with data recording capabilities that allow them to monitor how the vehicle is operating. You will want to access this information to get a better picture of what happened before and during the accident.
- Witness statements: Gathering witness statements is crucial for building a case that is in your favor after a self-driving car accident. Witnesses can attest to seeing any reckless behavior that may have led to the accident.
- At-the-scene evidence: If possible, directly after the accident is when you should begin gathering evidence to support your case. This includes taking photos of the damage, injuries, and any areas at the scene of collision that could help prove liability.
- Medical documents: If you were injured in a self-driving car accident, medical documentation will be one of your best types of evidence. Things like doctor’s notes, emergency room reports, and medical bills will all be helpful in building your case.
- Legal representation: If you are involved in an autonomous vehicle accident, one of the first things you need to do is hire a car accident attorney in Seattle. They will be able to help you file your claim, uncover evidence, and negotiate with other parties, including insurance companies.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney at NBF Accident Law
Self-driving car accidents can pose a variety of legal challenges when it comes to liability and insurance coverage. If you are a victim of one of these accidents, there are specific steps you need to take when filing a claim to get the compensation you deserve. Understanding the different factors involved in these kinds of accidents will be crucial, as well as hiring experienced legal representation.
At NBF Accident Law, our car accident lawyers will fight purposefully and tirelessly to ensure that you get a favorable outcome. We will help you file your claim, locate essential pieces of evidence, and negotiate with insurance providers.
Contact us today at 206-923-8888 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys in Seattle, Washington.
