Driverless Cars
Driverless cars might be safer than other cars, but they are not accident-proof. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), truly driverless cars do not yet exist. What is available is the technology to help people drive more safely by alerting them of dangers and sometimes braking or steering the car for them. However, the driver behind the wheel is in charge and liable for any driver-assist car accident that takes place while they are driving. Even “driverless” cars are only as safe as the driver.
Driving can be dangerous, even with advanced autopilot technology. If you were injured in an accident with a driverless car, you have legal options. A car accident lawyer from our team can help you build your case. Call our firm at (954) 633-8270 to get started.
How Can Driver-Assistance Technology Make Cars Safer?
According to the NHTSA, driver assistance technology is an umbrella term that includes many distinct features available on newer vehicles that can help prevent collisions. Some features warn drivers of an imminent crash while others prevent them. Here are some of the available options:
- Collision Warnings: Vehicles may come equipped with sensors that detect potential forward collisions. The sensors can also detect vehicles, objects, or people behind your car while it is in reverse. Sensors may alert you when you start to shift outside your lane or when a vehicle enters your blind spot.
- Collision Intervention: These technologies alter your vehicle’s motion to avoid a crash. Vehicles may be equipped with an automatic braking system, which brakes your car for you when there is an imminent collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian. The brakes may also apply if you are about to hit something while in reverse. Blind spot intervention steers or brakes the car for you to prevent a collision with something in your blind spot.
- Driving Control Assistance: Driving control assistance is just what it sounds like: technologies that help you drive more safely by controlling your car. Automatic cruise control helps your vehicle maintain a constant distance from the car in front of it. Lane centering and lane-keeping assistance help you stay in the center of the lane, steering it back whenever it veers toward either side.
- Other Systems: Other options available on some vehicles include automatic high beams, which switch the car’s headlights between high and low beams as necessary, backup cameras that provide a clear view behind the vehicle, and automatic crash notification, which sends a message to emergency responders after a crash.
These safety features can make a driver aware of hazards, but it is up to the driver to move the car to avoid a crash.
Damages Available After a Driverless Car Accident
If you were hurt in an accident with a car using driver-assist technology, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The damages you can recover may pay for your:
- Medical bills, such as ambulance bills, emergency room treatment, diagnostic imaging, surgery, doctor’s appointments, rehabilitation services like occupational or physical therapy, and prescription medication
- Property damage, such as the expense of replacing or repairing your vehicle
- Loss of income, such as the tips, wages, and salary that you miss because you cannot work permanently or temporarily because of your injuries
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain you endured
If you lost a loved one, you may be able to recover damages for wrongful death. Depending on the state you live in, you could recover damages for loss of earnings, loss of parental companionship, instruction, and guidance, loss of support and services, loss of companionship and protection, and mental anguish. You can also recover the cost of your relative’s medical care and funeral expenses.
Working With a Lawyer Can Help Your Driverless Car Accident Case
A Fort Myers car accident lawyer can assist you in countless ways after a car accident, even if the other driver had driver-assist technology in their vehicle. A lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident
- Identify the responsible party
- Estimate the value of your damages
- Handle paperwork for you
- File an insurance claim for you
- Sue the at-fault driver
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Can Help You After a Driverless Car Accident
If you were hurt or lost a family member in a car accident caused by a driverless car, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, vehicle repair or replacement, and other expenses related to the accident. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney with the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can build your case. Call our team today at (954) 633-8270 to learn more.
