The rapid development of self-driving cars brings new challenges to road safety and accident liability. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a self-driving vehicle, you may be wondering where to turn for legal help.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we understand the complexities of these cases. As your Hartford self-driving car accident lawyer, we will fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Self-Driving Car Accidents
Self-driving cars are no longer just a futuristic concept; they are on the roads today, with companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Uber leading the way. Autonomous vehicle accidents still happen despite the promise of increased safety and convenience.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 392 crashes involving automated vehicles in 2021 alone, with many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
While self-driving technology aims to reduce human error, accidents can still occur due to system malfunctions, poor road conditions, or human oversight. When these accidents happen, determining who is at fault becomes complicated.
That’s where we come in. As a self-driving car wreck attorney in Hartford, we will investigate the accident and identify the parties responsible, whether the manufacturer, software developer, or another driver.
Liability in Self-Driving Car Accidents
One of the most challenging aspects of self-driving car accidents is determining liability. Traditional car accidents are typically straightforward, with one or more drivers being held responsible.
However, in self-driving car accidents, multiple parties could be involved, including:
- The Manufacturer: If a defect in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing caused the accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
- The Software Developer: Autonomous vehicles rely on complex algorithms and artificial intelligence. The developer could be at fault if the software fails, leading to an accident.
- The Vehicle Owner: Even in a self-driving vehicle, the owner must ensure the car is well-maintained. The owner may be partially liable if poor maintenance contributes to the crash.
- Other Drivers: If another driver acted negligently, they could be held accountable, just like in any other car accident.
Our team of experienced auto accident lawyers in Hartford will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the responsible party or parties, ensuring you receive the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Connecticut Laws on Autonomous Vehicles
Currently, Connecticut does not have specific laws governing the operation of autonomous vehicles. However, existing traffic laws still apply, and the operator (whether human or autonomous) must adhere to state regulations. The state allows for limited testing of autonomous vehicles under strict guidelines.
According to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the pilot program for testing autonomous vehicles in certain cities, including Hartford, mandates that a licensed driver must be behind the wheel and able to control the vehicle at any time.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a self-driving car, it’s critical to work with a Hartford injury attorney who understands these evolving laws and can apply them to your case.
Compensation in Self-Driving Car Accidents
Victims of self-driving car accidents have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and damages. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling complex accident cases and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
In a self-driving car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Covering current and future medical costs related to your injury.
- Lost Wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you can recover compensation for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical and emotional trauma you’ve endured.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal property.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one in a self-driving car accident, we could help you pursue a wrongful death claim to cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Our team will evaluate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong claim to secure maximum compensation. We pride ourselves on being a dedicated accident lawyer in Hartford, Connecticut, and we’re committed to helping you every step of the way.
How We Can Help
If you’ve been involved in a self-driving car accident, you need an experienced self-driving car wreck attorney in Hartford who can navigate the complexities of these cases. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we offer comprehensive legal representation, and our goal is to take the burden off your shoulders during this difficult time.
Here’s how we can help:
- Investigation: We’ll thoroughly investigate the accident, including obtaining police reports, witness statements, and vehicle data to determine fault.
- Expert Testimony: In complex self-driving technology cases, we may work with industry experts to analyze the vehicle’s autonomous systems and identify potential failures.
- Negotiation: We’ll negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If necessary, we’ll take your case to court and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
Our team of experienced Hartford injury attorneys is well-versed in handling high-tech car accident cases. We’ll work diligently to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable.
Self-Driving Cars: Statistics and Safety Concerns
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that self-driving cars might only prevent about one-third of crashes if their primary function is to eliminate human error. The NHTSA reported that over 90% of crashes are caused by human error, but removing the human driver won’t necessarily solve every problem. Self-driving cars still struggle with complex driving scenarios, poor weather conditions, and road hazards.
In Connecticut, where weather conditions such as snow and ice are common, self-driving cars face additional challenges. Our Hartford self-driving car accident lawyers understand how these factors can impact liability in a crash.
Why Choose Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers?
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we have a proven track record of helping clients in Hartford and across Connecticut with complex accident cases. When you choose us as your accident lawyer in Hartford, you benefit from:
- Experience: We have years of experience representing clients in all types of car accidents, including those involving autonomous vehicles.
- Dedication: We are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Our goal is to provide compassionate, personalized legal service. We understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate a legal claim while recovering from an accident, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a self-driving car accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. The laws surrounding autonomous vehicles are still evolving, and these cases require an attorney with the knowledge and experience to handle them effectively.
Contact Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a self-driving car wreck attorney in Hartford. We’re ready to fight for you and help you get the compensation you deserve.
