Wisconsin car crash lawyersSelf-driving cars are supposed to be the wave of the future, and experts say they can help reduce the number of accident-related deaths and injuries that occur each year. Unfortunately, current data suggests that driverless cars may actually increase the chances of an accident. The problem with this is that fault can be a confusing thing in accidents involving driverless cars. Learn more about pursuing compensation if you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an auto accident involving a self-driving car, and discover how a seasoned personal injury lawyer can assist you with the process. 

Driverless Car Accident Statistics

Back in 2015, researchers analyzed the accident rate of driverless cars. At that time, it was determined that autonomous cars were five times more likely to crash than a human-driven car. Since then, there have been several more crashes – and one of them resulted in a fatality. Though researchers have not conducted any further analyses since the addition of those accidents, their severity and the potential legal implications of such accidents draw cause for concern. 

Who is at Fault in a Driverless Car Accident? 

Perhaps the only thing that is more concerning than the increasing rate of driverless car accidents is that the law has not yet caught up with the new technology. Fault is an obscure concept here because the “driver” is not actually operating the car – but if the owner of the car is not at fault, who is? Is it the software developer? The maker of the car itself? There are few cases to point victims in the right direction, which is why it is so critical that they have a seasoned attorney on their side. 

Pursuing Compensation After a Driverless Car Accident 

Although the law and how it applies to driverless car accidents is still developing, injured victims still deserve compensation for their losses. Damages that may be owed include: 

  • Past and future medical expenses,
  • Loss of past and future wages,
  • Past and future pain and suffering,
  • Travel costs related to medical treatments, and
  • Adaptive equipment. 

Contact Our Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyers

The seasoned Green Bay car crash lawyers at Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. always work hard to protect the best interests of injured accident victims. No matter what the circumstance, we aggressively pursue the most favorable outcome possible. Get started on your case by scheduling a free personalized consultation. Call our offices at 920-739-7366 today. 

Sources:

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/30/tesla-says-crashed-vehicle-had-been-on-autopilot-prior-to-accident.html

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2015/10/31/study-self-driving-cars-accidents/74946614/