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Self-driving technology is advancing quickly, but when autonomous vehicles fail, the consequences can be devastating. Your Orange County self-driving car accident lawyer with DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo has been fighting for accident survivors’ rights for over 40 years and understands the complexities of these cases.
Contact an Orange County car accident attorney today to learn how to hold negligent manufacturers, operators, and corporations accountable for your injuries.
Self-driving technology is supposed to reduce accidents, but when something goes wrong, you are the one who suffers the consequences. If an autonomous vehicle malfunctions, misreads a traffic signal, or fails to stop in time, it can leave you with serious injuries, vehicle damage, and costly medical bills. Whether the crash was caused by faulty software, a sensor failure, or driver interference, someone should be held accountable for what happened to you.
Self-driving cars rely on software and advanced sensors to detect other vehicles, traffic signals, and pedestrians. If the system fails, the vehicle may swerve unexpectedly, run a red light, or fail to recognize a stop sign, putting you in danger. A single glitch can lead to a catastrophic crash, and when these failures happen, the manufacturers or software developers may be responsible.
Sensor malfunctions can also create blind spots in the vehicle’s detection system, making it miss obstacles or miscalculate braking distances. If the car did not detect your vehicle or a pedestrian in time, it may have caused a crash that should have been preventable. When a manufacturer puts a defective self-driving system on the road, they may be liable for the harm it causes via a personal injury claim.
Most self-driving vehicles still require a human driver to take control in certain situations, but this transition does not always happen smoothly. If a driver is distracted, delayed, or confused about when to take over, the risk of an accident increases. A failed takeover can lead to rear-end collisions, lane departure crashes, or dangerous intersection accidents.
Some drivers overly rely on automation, assuming the car will handle everything. If a driver ignored warnings to take control or misused the vehicle’s autopilot mode, they may share responsibility for the crash. However, if the car failed to properly alert the driver or switched to manual mode unexpectedly, the manufacturer may also be at fault.
Waymo robotaxis are becoming more common in Orange County, offering fully autonomous rides without human drivers. However, accidents involving Waymo vehicles have raised concerns about how these cars handle traffic, pedestrians, and sudden road hazards. If you were injured in an accident with a self-driving taxi, you may be wondering who is responsible for your damages.
One of the biggest complaints about Waymo vehicles is their tendency to stop suddenly in the middle of traffic, confusing other drivers and causing collisions. Some reports indicate that Waymo cars struggle to detect cyclists, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles, leading to close calls and dangerous situations. According to Waymo accident statistics, these vehicles have been involved in crashes where they failed to react appropriately, sometimes making the roads more dangerous instead of safer.
California law determines who can be held responsible when an autonomous vehicle causes harm. Whether you were hit by a self-driving car or injured as a passenger, these laws may impact your claim.
California Vehicle Code § 38750 sets safety and testing requirements for self-driving vehicles operating in California. Autonomous vehicle manufacturers must report all crashes and meet specific safety standards before putting their cars on the road. If a self-driving car’s software failed and caused your accident, the company that designed or tested the vehicle may be liable for your injuries.
Under California Civil Code § 1714, whoever causes harm through negligence may be held financially responsible. In self-driving car accidents, this could apply to human drivers, manufacturers, or software developers. If the vehicle’s programming was faulty or a company failed to fix a known issue, they may be responsible for the damages caused by the crash.
Under California Insurance Code § 11580.1 self-driving cars must carry liability insurance, just like human-driven vehicles. If you were injured in an accident, the self-driving car’s insurance policy may be responsible for covering your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. However, in some cases, multiple parties may share liability, including human drivers, manufacturers, and third-party companies involved in vehicle testing.
If you were injured in a self-driving car accident, you may be dealing with medical expenses, lost income, and lasting physical or emotional pain. Compensation for your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the financial losses you have suffered, and who is responsible for the crash. Whether the accident was caused by a system failure, a negligent human driver, or a combination of both, you have the right to seek damages.
You may be able to recover financial losses related to medical treatment, lost wages, and property damage. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may also receive compensation for future lost income and reduced earning capacity. The costs of rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term medical care can also be included in your claim.
A self-driving car accident can leave you with chronic pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life. Non-economic damages compensate for the physical suffering and psychological trauma caused by the crash. If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, traveling, or caring for yourself, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
In cases where reckless actions or extreme negligence caused the accident, you may be awarded punitive damages. California Civil Code § 3294 allows punitive damages when a manufacturer, software company, or operator knowingly ignored safety risks that led to serious harm. These damages are meant to punish wrongdoing and prevent similar negligence in the future.
Self-driving car accidents often involve multiple liable parties and complex insurance policies. Your self-driving car accident attorney in Orange County from DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo will fight to ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.
Discuss your legal options today to take the next step in your recovery when you fill out our quick contact form or call us to schedule your free consultation.