In the confusion of realizing the other car in your accident was driving itself, it can be hard to know what to do after a self-driving car accident. This step-by-step guide can help you build a strong case for financial recovery. A car accident lawyer can help you prove the at-fault party’s liability, which will prove your right to recover damages.
You do not have to take on this challenging type of car accident claim alone. Consider getting a personal injury attorney to represent you. Most law firms will review your self-driving car accident claim at no cost to you. They will describe your rights as the injured party and the liable party’s obligations and explore compensation against the car maker if a manufacturing flaw or defect caused or contributed to your accident.
This Step-by-Step Self-Driving Car Accident Guide Can Help You Seek Compensation
Getting compensation for a car accident involving an autonomous vehicle follows many of the same steps as an accident with two traditional cars and drivers. Accordingly, you should consider hiring a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer who can handle all the moving parts of your insurance claim and lawsuit for you.
File a Police Report Even if the Accident Is Seemingly Minor
While mandatory under certain circumstances, requesting an accident report is always a good idea. It allows a police officer to create an objective report containing details of the accident and depictions and descriptions of the accident scene.
Plus, both insurance providers (yours and the at-fault party’s) will require a police report when filing a claim.
Collect Evidence at the Accident Scene Whenever Possible
If your injuries permit, collect (or document) any evidence, including witness contact information and the other driver’s insurance details. Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, any visible injuries, traffic signs, and road and weather conditions.
Notify Your Insurance Company About the Accident Immediately
Following the guidelines outlined in your policy, file a claim with your insurance company. If you have an auto accident lawyer, they will file your claim and handle all communication with the insurance adjuster on your behalf.
Investigate the Cause of the Autonomous Vehicle Accident
The steps to take after a self-driving car accident include investigating why the accident occurred. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), self-driving vehicles still require supervision from a human driver, meaning human error can contribute to these types of accidents.
The investigative steps after a self-driving car accident include identifying its cause and the negligent party.
How Can Human Error Cause a Self-Driving Vehicle Accident?
Autonomous vehicle technology still relies on human drivers. Driving errors can cause an accident in the following ways:
- Being distracted by objects or people inside or outside of the car
- Drivers taking control of the car (or failing to do so) at an inappropriate time
- Drivers misunderstanding or disregarding vehicle signals, warnings, and prompts
Driving errors can also include disregarding traffic signs and signals. Your evidence collection will identify any driver actions that played a role in the accident.
Types of Vehicle Malfunctions That Can Cause a Self-Driving Car Accident
While not fully automated, self-driving cars can cause or contribute to accidents due to the failure of one or more sensors. Sensors can fail to see or perceive people, objects, or obstructions in the road. According to Reuters, some self-driving cars can also experience a glitch called “phantom braking”—when the car brakes for no apparent reason.
A car accident attorney will know how to build the strongest possible evidence collection to support your injury claim.
Types of Recoverable Damages in Self-Driving Car Accident Claims
Florida Statutes § 768.81 allows you to request economic and non-economic damages for a negligence-based accident. Economic (tangible) damages include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital admission
- Assistive medical devices
- Current loss of income
- Future lost earnings
- Treatment-related travel costs
- Property damage
- Diminished property value
Recoverable non-economic damages may include:
- Disabling injuries
- Physical disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Families who lost a loved one can seek wrongful death damages, including funeral costs, medical bills, and lost financial and emotional support. A wrongful death lawyer Fort Lauderdale will pursue these damages for your family, representing you with kindness and compassion.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Right to File Your Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida
The state imposes a time limit on all car accident lawsuits. After your accident with a self-driving car, you generally have two years to take legal action, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11.
This statute of limitations applies to personal injury and wrongful death cases. However, certain circumstances of your case may change the filing deadline, making it hard to comply on your own. An experienced attorney will be familiar with the statute of limitations and its potential fluctuations, so they can file your lawsuit on time and in the appropriate legal venue.
Call (954) 633-8270 to Get Legal Support for Your Self-Driving Car Accident Case
If you’re wondering what to do after an autonomous vehicle crash, we can help. Our car accident lawyers will investigate the accident, prove its cause, and fight for your financial recovery.
Learning what to do after a self-driving car accident starts with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Get yours today by contacting one of our team members at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today.
