Self-driving technology is quickly becoming more common on New Jersey roads. While it might make life more convenient for some people, it also has the potential to lead to crashes. This technology is proving to be especially popular among ridesharing drivers, and this should not be too surprising. After all, these people drive all day long for their jobs. The ability to simply sit back and relax while your vehicle does your job for you is probably too good to pass up.
But what happens in the event of a crash? These situations can be much less straightforward than many people realize. The real question is simple: Who is liable? Can the manufacturers of the self-driving car be held accountable for the crash? Is the driver to blame? What about Uber, Lyft, or any other ridesharing company that happens to be “operating” the vehicle at the time of the crash? Due to the rise of both ride-sharing apps and self-driving technology, this situation might become much more common than many people realize.
Drivers Can Still Be Distracted
Contrary to popular belief, self-driving technology does not give you the freedom to read, watch videos, or even go to sleep. Even the most advanced self-driving cars still require a human operator at all times. The logic is that if something happens, a human is needed to intervene and take necessary action to prevent an accident. Self-driving cars are not perfect, and they require oversight.
This was made adamantly clear in one of the most notable self-driving crashes in American history. In this case, an Uber driver was watching a TV show on his device with the self-driving technology activated. He was not looking at the road, and he only glanced up at the road occasionally. Eventually, the car struck a pedestrian. The driver reacted only after the impact, slamming on the brakes far too late.
In this case, the driver bore full responsibility for the crash – but only because he was distracted at the time. If the driver had been keeping his eyes on the road with the self-driving tech engaged, Uber could have been held liable for the accident. Even without being held legally responsible for the crash, Uber still agreed to pay the surviving family members a settlement.
A robotics law lecturer at Georgetown University echoed this sentiment, stating: “The fact [the backup driver] was watching TV makes her an easy and maybe convenient person to accept responsibility. Remove that fact and it could easily be Uber.”
Can You Sue the Manufacturer?
In some cases, you may be able to sue the car manufacturer for self-driving crashes. Some companies – such as Volvo – have agreed to accept full responsibility for any crashes caused by their self-driving tech. But Tesla, the company that offers the most widespread self-driving tech, has indicated that the human driver will be held responsible. They have stated specifically that the human driver must be behind the wheel for “legal reasons.”
An Important Ruling in the UK
Back in 2022, the UK decided that human drivers would not be held liable for any crashes caused by self-driving technology. There was some talk about how this might set a global precedent, although there is still seemingly a strong possibility of human drivers being held accountable in the United States. It seems likely, however, that the rest of the world will have no choice but to follow the UK’s example as self-driving cars continue to become more prevalent.
Why Self-Driving Technology Might Make It Easier to Receive Compensation
For victims of Uber or Lyft Crashes, self-driving technology might actually help them recover compensation. Why? Because it effectively eliminates any discussion about the driver being at fault. Uber and Lyft often attempt to shift blame onto the individual driver while avoiding liability after crashes. This often prevents victims from receiving their fair share in terms of compensation. But when you add self-driving tech into the mix, that argument goes out of the window. You cannot blame a driver for something they could not even control.
Aside from allowing you to sue Uber or Lyft directly, self-driving technology also gives you a chance to sue another party: The manufacturer. Although Tesla may attempt to dodge liability, others, such as Volvo, willingly accept responsibility for crashes caused by their technology.
Why is this important? Because suing a big company like Tesla, Uber of Lyft is almost always more effective than suing an individual driver. Options for compensation may be limited, and you may walk away with a settlement that just barely covers your damages. In contrast, a big tech company has limitless funds to distribute. These funds can cover your medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and any other damages you may have incurred.
Of course, you will need to prove that the driver was not responsible for the crash in any way. This is a somewhat counter-intuitive process for a personal injury lawsuit. We know that in the aforementioned Arizona case, an internal camera showed that the driver was watching TV on his mobile device before the fatal accident. The same type of footage could easily show that another driver was attentive and alert before an accident – putting the blame squarely on the shoulders of the self-driving technology or the ridesharing company. Your situation depends entirely on your unique circumstances.
Where Can I Find a Ridesharing Accident Attorney in New Jersey?
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced ridesharing accident attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC. We know that these situations can become seriously complicated, especially when you add self-driving technology into the mix. While internet research is a positive first step, the only way to approach your unique situation effectively is to book a consultation with us at your earliest convenience. During this consultation, we will discuss your circumstances and develop a targeted action plan. Reach out today to get started.
