Self-driving cars and car accidents: next steps after a crash
Self-driving cars created by Google have been on the streets of California for a few years. Now, there may be competition. There are rumors that Apple is now in discussions with the DMV about a self-driving car. Now, Google, Uber and Apple soon may all have their own self-driving vehicles on the road.
If self-driving vehicles continue to operate on our streets, the potential for complexities will increase when a crash occurs. While most car crashes are caused by human errors such as texting, distracted driving, fatigue or alcohol consumption, it doesn’t mean that accidents will be eliminated because of self-driving vehicles.
What happens if you are in an accident with a self-driving vehicle? How does your claim change? What should you do after an accident with a self-driving vehicle?
While self-driving cars are currently legal in California, it can be anticipated that there will be changes in legislation regarding autonomous cars and how accidents will be handled.
If you are involved in a crash with an autonomous car, it is important you take pictures of the accident scene and try to gather information from other eyewitnesses (if possible). The more information you can gather, the better (especially considering that evidence can quickly disappear after a crash).
At Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP, we have remained in the forefront of these changes. We blogged about Google’s self-driving vehicles when they became legal just a few years ago.
Even if your crash is minor, it is in your best interests to work with an attorney who is knowledgeable of the nuances in the law and has experience handling unique car accident claims. Working with a car accident lawyer will likely help your claim.