Who’s Liable for Self-Driving Car Accidents in Las Vegas Nevada?

September 14, 2020 | Ed Bernstein
Who’s Liable for Self-Driving Car Accidents in Las Vegas Nevada? Technological advancements benefit our everyday lives, however, they may also pose some legal and ethical dilemmas. Self-driving cars will soon be mainstream and widely available on the market. Understanding who would be liable in the case of an accident involving a self-driving car is essential to protect the parties involved. These complex cases should be handled by the best personal injury lawyers in Las Vegas in order to get the compensation you deserve. 

The Dilemma Behind Self-Driving Cars

Studies conducted by insurance companies show that at least 77% of the total car accidents happening around the world are due to driver errors. These account for almost half of the deaths of individuals aged between 16 and 24.  However, when it comes down to self-driving cars or autonomous vehicles, who should be held responsible for such accidents? While there is only a limited number of these vehicles in circulation today, accidents have already been recorded. These were mostly the result of the car's inability to identify obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles in the way.  Until the sophisticated technology behind it is perfected, these accidents are bound to happen, so preparing in advance is crucial. In any case, you should always call a personal injury lawyer after a car accident, whether the collision involved a standard or self-driving vehicle. Our Las Vegas lawyers are experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle collisions and will help you with your claim.

They Still Need Human Input

Today, self-driving cars are still not totally autonomous. While they can navigate roads and cities without the need for a physical driver, they do require human input in some situations. In fact, in some vehicles, if the car deems a situation too dangerous or there is a possibility of impact, it might send signals for the driver to take control.  Some accidents involving self-driving cars can still be attributed to the driver failing to take control when needed. In this case, the driver is likely to be at fault. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, the most important thing to do is to get in touch with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer. Experts in the matter can help you resolve the dispute and get you the compensation you deserve.  Why Suing the Manufacturer Is Hard Besides suing an at-fault driver, another option is to sue the manufacturing company that produced the self-driving car involved in the accident. However, this can be particularly hard without having an experienced attorney who can help determine the cause of the accident.

Looking at the Future

Currently, self-driving car accidents happen much less frequently compared to accidents involving standard vehicles. These types of cars may eventually be available to most consumers, increasing the risk of being involved in such accidents. Laws and regulations to establish who is at fault in these collisions are likely to be developed in the future, but for now, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney.  If you have been involved in a self-driving car accident and require help, get a free consultation today by calling Edward M. Bernstein & Associates in Las Vegas at 702-240-0000.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ed Bernstein

Edward M. Bernstein, Esq. is the owner and founding partner of Edward M. Bernstein & Associates, and one of the most recognizable figures in Nevada. Ed is one of state’s premier personal injury attorneys and has hosted The Ed Bernstein Show for over 31 years. He has served the Las Vegas community for decades with dozens of community appointments and terms of service. In the year 2000, he was Nevada’s Democratic nominee for the United States Senate.

Ed received his B.A. from Long Island University in 1971 and his J.D. from Widener University in 1975. Since then, Ed’s professional accolades include numerous publications, honors and awards, court appointments, and has been named one of America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators.