New York City Autonomous Vehicle Injuries

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionize the automotive industry. With the continuing evolution of technology bringing greater safety benefits in Automated Driving Systems (ADS), fully automated cars and trucks may soon become a reality.

However, autonomous vehicles also bring a unique set of challenges regarding regulations, policy, and liability. As increasingly sophisticated driverless cars become more common, the liability of car accidents may shift quickly to those who develop the autonomous software for these vehicles. However, conclusively determining that in an emerging technology can be a complex affair that requires an experienced team of NYC car accident lawyers.

If you were in an autonomous vehicle accident and suspect software defects to be the cause, contact our experienced New York City personal injury lawyers at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. We have attentively followed this new technology from the outset, gaining knowledge of current autonomous vehicle law and liability to determine the best options for compensation. Contact us for assistance on an autonomous vehicle claim today.

Levels of Autonomy in Self-Driving Vehicles

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), self-driving vehicles will progress through various levels of driver assistance technology as they are integrated onto U.S. roadways. In an NHTSA publication, five automation levels are determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE):

• Level Zero – No automation. The driver performs all driving tasks.
• Level One – Driver assistance. While the vehicle is controlled by the driver, some driving assist features are incorporated into vehicle design.
• Level Two – Partial automation. The vehicle has automated functions, such as steering and acceleration, but the driver must remain engaged and continuously monitor the environment.
• Level Three – Conditional automation. The driver is not required to monitor the environment but must be ready at all times to take control of the vehicle with notice.
• Level Four – High automation. While the driver may have the option to take control, the vehicle is capable of performing all driving functions under certain conditions.
• Level Five – Full automation. The vehicle can perform all driving functions under all conditions, although the driver may have the option to take control.

Changes in Liability and Insurance Claims with Autonomous Vehicles

Liability remains the number one question in autonomous vehicle crashes – who is liable in an accident, and who is responsible for payment of damages? With autonomous vehicle technology still in its infancy, it is likely that insurance companies will continue to cover drivers as the primary fault holders for accidents. However, with more driverless cars expected on the road in the not too distant future, vehicle software manufacturers are likely to assume more responsibility for injuries under theories of strict liability for defects in their products.

This branch of liability law presumes that the manufacturer owes a duty of care to its consumers to ensure their experience with the product does not potentially result in harm or any damages. If it can be proven that the faulty software was the reason for the autonomous vehicle accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for any and all damages incurred.

To learn more about this, speak to an NYC autonomous vehicle accident lawyer.

Contact Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP for Any Autonomous Accident Inquiries

If you are involved in an autonomous vehicle accident, contact Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP today. Car accidents involving driverless cars may be complex cases with several potentially responsible parties – and due to the relatively new nature of the technology, the current regulations may be up for significant interpretation from insurance companies and auto manufacturers alike. Our experienced New York City autonomous vehicle accident attorneys are skilled negotiators that have the experience to fight for your right to maximum compensation. Schedule a free consultation today.