Who Is At Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident?

As self-driving cars become more commonplace on the roads, it’s essential to know who may be held liable in the case of an accident. Are the car manufacturers responsible? The software developers? The passengers in the car? In this blog, we’ll look at who exactly could be held liable for an accident involving a self-driving car.

The Manufacturer

Several parties could be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by a self-driving car accident. One such party is the manufacturer of the vehicle itself. They would likely be held accountable if any design flaws or manufacturing errors contributed to the crash. Additionally, if a defect in the vehicle’s sensors or computer system were to blame for the crash, they could also face legal consequences.

The Owner

Another possible party that could be held liable is the vehicle’s owner. This person will likely bear some responsibility if there is no clear-cut answer as to who was responsible for causing an accident. This is especially true if it can be proven that they could have properly maintained their vehicle or updated its software regularly.

Other Responsible Parties

Finally, depending on the circumstances surrounding an accident, other parties may also find themselves being sued. This includes software developers and tech companies whose products and services make up part of a self-driving car’s operating system. Additionally, it’s possible another individual had control over the operation of the self-driving car. For example, a taxi company or ridesharing service—then they too could face legal action from those affected by an accident involving one of their vehicles.

Have Questions About Your Case?

While current laws do not specifically address self-driving cars, it is likely only a matter of time before greater clarity emerges regarding who can be held responsible in these cases. Understanding who could potentially face liability in these situations will help drivers stay informed and better protect themselves against any unexpected legal issues resulting from a crash. Allow the team at Strong Law, P.C. to step in and help when you need it most.

To get in contact with our team of attorneys, call us at (417) 887-4300 or visit our website to fill out a contact request form.