When there is a car accident, the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company compensate the other driver for injuries and losses. But if the accident is caused by a self-driving car, then who will be liable for injuries and losses? As of the time of writing this article, the federal government has not passed any safety regulations regarding self-driving cars.
However, many states have enacted their laws on self-driving cars, to ensure safety on the road. So, in this article, we will address questions regarding who is liable in an accident involving a self-driving car.
What Is Austin’s Autonomous Vehicle Law?
Car wrecks involving an autonomous vehicle are rare but they happen. If you are involved in one, it’s best to contact an Austin car wreck lawyer as laws regarding autonomous vehicles can be tricky.
Some self-driving vehicles are fully autonomous, while others use varying degrees of driver-assistance technology. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, autonomous vehicles are classified into levels based on their degree of autonomy:
- Level 0: Vehicles classified in this level feature no automation, leaving the driver to do everything.
- Level 1: At this level, vehicles feature minimal assistance such as power steering and power brakes.
- Level 2: Vehicles in this category are partially automated offering features such as cruise control, but the driver remains in control.
- Level 3: With level 3 autonomy, vehicles can operate without the driver’s control, but the driver must pay attention while on the road.
- Level4: Vehicles in this category are autonomous and can operate under certain conditions without the driver’s intervention.
- Level 5: Vehicles classified in this level are fully automated and can operate without a driver.
Who Is Liable For a Self-driving Car Accident?
In a situation where there is an accident involving a self-driving car, seeking compensation can be tough. Below we discuss different situations of who is liable when a self-driving car is involved in an accident.
The Driver
If a partially, not fully autonomous vehicle is involved in an accident, the human driver will be held liable for the accident. While the vehicle will warn the driver of the condition of the road, the driver remains in complete control over the vehicle.
The Vehicle Manufacturer
Similarly, the vehicle manufacturer can be liable for a self-driving car accident if a vehicle defect contributed to the crash. Austin has safety regulations regarding the design, build, and operation of self-driving cars.
The Software Company
Many automobile companies investing in self-driving cars outsource the development of the car’s software to a different company. While these software companies do a great job at delivering top-notch products, if there is a glitch in the software causing a car accident, the software company will be held liable.
A Third Party
Sometimes, an accident may not be the fault of the self-driving car or its driver, but a third-party driver. If another driver was reckless causing the accident, then the other driver will be liable for paying the compensation for injuries and loss of property.
