Buffalo Self-Driving Car Accident Attorneys
Self-driving cars have, to some degree, become more and more common on our roadways. Many drivers already have vehicles with driving assistance technology, whose capabilities keep growing. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, accidents involving semi- and fully-autonomous cars can occur, resulting in injuries and fatalities to drivers and passengers.
If you have been injured in a self-driving car crash in Buffalo, call William Mattar P.C. today. Our self-driving car accident attorneys are here to help you get the compensation you need. Call our offices at (844) 444-4444 to speak to a member of our team. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to take your call.
Types of Self-Driving Vehicles
Over the years, driving assistance technology in motor vehicles has evolved. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), self-driving vehicles “will integrate onto U.S. roadways by progressing through six levels of driver assistance technology advancements in the coming years.” The six levels of automation include:
- Level 0: The driver is in full control of the vehicle;
- Level 1: An advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) can assist the driver with steering or braking/accelerating;
- Level 2: An ADAS can control both steering and braking/accelerating simultaneously under some conditions, but the driver must monitor the driving environment at all times;
- Level 3: An automated driving system (ADS) can perform all aspects of driving under some conditions, but the driver must be ready to take back driving control at any time;
- Level 4: An ADS on the vehicle can perform all driving tasks and monitor the driving environment in certain circumstances; and
- Level 5: An ADS on the vehicle can do all the driving in all circumstances, and the driver does not need to intervene.
Today, there are semi-autonomous vehicles on the roadways. Technology companies such as Tesla, Google, and several major automakers have produced semi-autonomous vehicles. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, estimates predict that level 4 self-driving vehicles could be available to the public shortly.
The Risks of Self-Driving Cars
Autonomous cars may very well be the future of on-road transportation. There are, however, potential risks. For one, most current self-driving vehicles require human intervention under specific circumstances. If the driver of a self-driving vehicle is alerted to the road and fails to take control of the system, it can lead to a dangerous accident scenario.
Malfunctioning driver assistance technology is another potential risk of driverless cars. Driverless vehicles are meant to perceive surroundings in order to make driving decisions on the road. However, as with any technology, these systems can sometimes fail. According to the MIT Technology Review, “the best driving assistance systems incorrectly perceive something in their environment once every tens of thousands of hours.”
An accident can occur if a driving assistance system goes wrong, or a driver makes an error in a self-driving vehicle. If you’re injured by a malfunctioning driverless car or were hit by a reckless driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses.
Who is Liable in a Buffalo Self-Driving Car Accident?
If you have been injured by a self-driving or semi-autonomous car in Buffalo, you must establish liability to receive compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, and other damages. Depending on the circumstances, there may be more than one potential liable party in your case, including the driver and/or the vehicle manufacturer.
Let’s say you are using driving assistance system in your vehicle when it suddenly accelerates, resulting in a serious collision. If it’s proven that the technology contributed to the accident, you may have a potential claim against the vehicle manufacturer.
An accident attorney at William Mattar P.C. can investigate your case and help determine who is liable for the accident.
Why Hire a Buffalo Self-Driving Car Accident Attorney?
Self-driving car accidents can be complicated, given the issue of liability. Furthermore, if you’ve been injured in a Buffalo self-driving car accident, you may be accumulating accident-related expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages.
An accident attorney can help ensure you achieve maximum compensation by investigating your accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with the involved insurance companies, and keeping you apprised of case developments. An attorney can also help you obtain compensation for non-economic damages, such as a loss of quality of life and pain and suffering.
Contact Our Legal Team Today
If you have been injured in a self-driving car accident, contact the legal team at William Mattar P.C. We offer No Fee Until We Win. To schedule a free initial consultation or learn more about how we can help, complete our online contact form or call (844) 444-4444 today.
