Autonomous Vehicle Accident Attorney in Phoenix

Autonomous vehicles are no longer a thing of the future.  These self-driving cars share the roads with human-operated vehicles every day.  

While autonomous vehicles can potentially eliminate human error, they could also pose a vast array of new threats to human drivers and pedestrians.  The autonomous vehicle accident attorneys at Knapp & Roberts understand the current risks imposed by self-driving cars and are closely following their development for future dangers.

If you or your loved one were injured in an autonomous vehicle accident, do not hesitate to contact our attorneys in Phoenix.  You may be entitled to compensation for any losses and medical expenses suffered as a result of your injuries.  

At Knapp & Roberts, our autonomous vehicle accident attorneys are:

• Knowledgeable and up-to-date on legal precedents in the self-driving field;
• Determined to succeed for our clients; and
• Experienced and aggressive in personal injury negotiations, arbitration, and litigation.

Your consultation is risk-free and complimentary at Knapp & Roberts, so reach out to our office today.

How an Autonomous Vehicle Accident Attorney Can Help

Autonomous vehicle accidents are difficult and complex legal claims to tackle.  It is vital to retain an experienced self-driving vehicle accident attorney to aid in:

• Accident investigation and evidence collection;
• Determination of liability;
• Insurance company negotiations; 
• Settlement; or
• A potential trial.

Without the help of an attorney, like those at Knapp & Roberts, the victim of a self-driving vehicle accident is unlikely to build the legal case necessary to receive total compensation for their losses.

Causes of Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

While autonomous vehicles are hailed for their safety and early recognition of road hazards, they are susceptible to collisions.  

The following are reported causes of self-driving car accidents: 

• Operator error;
• Lack of maintenance;
• Road and weather conditions;
• Manufacturer defects;
• Autopilot software issues;
• System failure; and
• Failure to yield control to the human driver.

With so many possible causes for an autonomous vehicle accident, it is imperative to have a collision claim reviewed thoroughly by an experienced self-driving car accident attorney.

Liability for Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

One of the most challenging legal issues in an autonomous vehicle accident is determining liability for the crash.  In a traditional car crash, blame is typically assigned to the driver responsible for the collision.

When an autonomous vehicle is a party to an accident, the list of liable parties increases exponentially and can include:

• The company that designed the self-driving technology;
• The manufacturer of the car; and
• The operator of the self-driving vehicle (regardless of their physical location).

Discovering liability for an autonomous vehicle accident requires expert investigation and analysis. 

Five Levels of Driverless Automation

There are five levels of driverless automation, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE).  These define the level at which the computer assists the human driver with the driving tasks.

• Level 0.  There is no automation, and the human driver is 100% in control of operating the vehicle;
• Level 1.  There is some driver assistance.  The computer can assist the human driver with steering, braking, and accelerating;
• Level 2.  Partial automation is available for steering, braking, and accelerating under some circumstances.  However, the human driver must monitor the driving environment at all times and perform other driving tasks;
• Level 3.  This is conditional automation.  The computer can perform all driving tasks under some circumstances.  However, the human driver must be ready to take back control at the request of the automated system; 
• Level 4.  The computer functions at high automation and can perform all driving tasks and monitor the driving environment under certain circumstances.  The human driver does not need to pay attention under these circumstances; and
• Level 5.  The car runs at full automation.  A fully automated vehicle is 100% in control of the driving.

A massive central computing system makes all of this automation possible.  It includes sensors and GPS data to make the car move smoothly through traffic.

Four Key Sensors in Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving vehicles have a combination of four key sensors continuously updating information about the driving environment.  This input is analyzed and interpreted by a central computing system and then applied to vehicle manipulation.

These sensors are the following:

• Ultrasonic sensors.  Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to detect the position of curbs and other obstacles.  These are typically located in a vehicle’s wheels, and many newer model vehicles use these for parking;
• Radar sensors.  Radar sensors, located around the perimeter of a vehicle, use radio waves to track and monitor other vehicles in real-time;
• Image sensors.  Image sensors use cameras to read traffic signs and monitor obstacles, vehicles, and pedestrians; and
• LiDAR sensors.  LiDar sensors use laser beams to define the finer aspects of a vehicle’s environment.

When technology fails, and innocent drivers and pedestrians suffer, Arizona allows compensation for their accident-related injuries.

Compensation Available in an Autonomous Vehicle Accident Claim

While no amount of money can repair the mental and emotional trauma an accident victim suffers or return their physicality to its pre-accident state; compensation can pay any accident-related medical bills and ensure funding for future needs.

Victims of autonomous vehicle accidents may receive compensation for:

• Medical bills, current, and future;
• Lost wages;
• Loss of income;
• Home healthcare;
• Emotional and mental trauma;
• Pain and suffering;
• Counseling and psychiatric care;
• Diminished quality of life;
• Loss of consortium; and
• Wrongful death expenses for the loss of a loved one.

There are time limits to file personal injury claims and receive accident compensation in Arizona.  Contact an experienced autonomous car accident attorney immediately to ensure any deadlines are met.  

Contact An Experienced Phoenix Autonomous Vehicle Accident Attorney Today

Autonomous vehicle accidents require time and dedication to investigate and pursue.  If you or your loved one were injured in a self-driving car accident, do not wait to call Knapp & Roberts.  Our attorneys will review your case and advise you of your best legal options.

Victims of preventable accidents should never pay for someone else’s mistake.  At Knapp & Roberts, we hold negligent automakers and technology companies responsible for defective self-driving systems.  This technology, while well-meaning, has yet to be perfected and is causing harm to others.

Knapp & Roberts cares and wants to help you.  Contact us at (480) 991-7677 or fill out the form below.