The emergence of self-driving cars has revolutionized the automotive industry, bringing both excitement and concern regarding liability in the event of accidents. In Missouri, understanding who may be held liable for a self-driving car accident is important if you’re involved in an accident and need to secure compensation.
The attorneys of Goza & Honnold understand the intricacies of these new technologies and the legal implications they carry. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping victims navigate the often murky waters of liability in self-driving car accidents.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident?
Determining liability in a self-driving car accident involves analyzing the roles of various parties, including the vehicle owner, manufacturer, and software developers. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, liability may rest on one or multiple entities.
Liability of the Vehicle’s Owner or Operator
The owner or operator of a self-driving vehicle may bear a large portion of the liability in an accident. If the vehicle was in autonomous mode, the owner may still be held responsible if they did not ensure that the vehicle was properly maintained or if they failed to comply with state regulations regarding self-driving cars. If the owner took control of the vehicle just before the accident, their actions may be scrutinized for negligence, further complicating liability.
In Missouri, owners of self-driving cars must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure their vehicles operate safely and effectively. If an owner neglects to perform necessary maintenance or ignores warning signals from the vehicle, they may face liability for any accidents that occur.
When the Manufacturer May Be Responsible
Manufacturers of self-driving vehicles may be held liable if the accident is attributed to a defect in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing process. If it can be demonstrated that the autonomous vehicle malfunctioned due to a flaw, the manufacturer could face significant legal repercussions. This aspect of liability is particularly pertinent as self-driving technology is still evolving, and manufacturers are continually refining their products. If a vehicle fails to perform as expected, victims of an accident may pursue compensation from the manufacturer for damages incurred.
Additionally, if the self-driving technology, including the software that powers the vehicle, fails to execute its intended functions, this could lead to liability for the manufacturer. For instance, if a software glitch prevents the vehicle from detecting obstacles, resulting in a crash, the manufacturer may be held accountable for not ensuring the reliability of their product.
The Role of Software Developers in Accident Liability
Software developers may be held liable in the event of an accident resulting from software failure. Since the autonomous capabilities of a vehicle are largely dependent on the software that guides its functions, any issues that arise from programming errors or inadequate testing can lead to liability for software developers. If it can be proven that a faulty algorithm led to a car crash, the developers could face significant legal consequences.
The responsibility of software developers to ensure the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicle operations is paramount. They are charged with creating algorithms that can process real-time data and make critical driving decisions. If a developer fails to adhere to industry standards or neglects thorough testing, they may face liability for any resulting accidents.
Can a Maintenance Provider Be Liable?
Maintenance providers may also bear some liability in the event of an accident involving a self-driving car. If a maintenance provider fails to perform necessary inspections or repairs, leading to a malfunction that causes an accident, they could be held accountable for negligence. This responsibility underscores the importance of regular maintenance and the role that service providers play in ensuring the safety of self-driving vehicles.
How Missouri Laws Apply to Self-Driving Car Accidents
Missouri laws regarding self-driving car accidents are still developing as the technology becomes more widespread. Current legal frameworks must adapt to address the unique challenges presented by autonomous vehicles, particularly in assigning liability. In Missouri, the principle of comparative negligence may apply, meaning that damages can be distributed based on the degree of fault of each party involved in the accident. This legal concept emphasizes the importance of gathering thorough evidence to support claims and determine the extent of liability for each party.
Missouri law also requires that all drivers, including those operating self-driving vehicles, carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. This requirement is crucial, as it helps ensure that victims can seek compensation for damages incurred in an accident involving a self-driving car.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Missouri
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a self-driving car, contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Missouri. An attorney can provide valuable guidance through the complexities of self-driving car liability, helping you understand your rights and the potential for seeking compensation.
Our team at Goza & Honnold is dedicated to advocating for victims of car accidents, including those involving self-driving vehicles. Call our team at (913) 451-3433 or use our contact form.