Driverless Car Accident Lawyer

Touted by innovators within the field of automotive technology as the safest form of transit, autonomous vehicles — also commonly referred to as self-driving or driverless cars — have the ability to transport passengers without the input or manual control of a human driver. By reducing the presence of human control, driverless cars aim to increase roadway safety. However, autonomous cars pose safety hazards both to drivers of non-autonomous cars and pedestrians alike due to a number of causes which pertain specifically to the driverless vehicle. If you have been hit by a self-driving car or if an accident with a driverless vehicle resulted in the death of a loved one, contact personal injury lawyers in Orlando with 911 Biker Law.

What Is An Autonomous Vehicle?

According to the Florida Statutes § 316.003, an autonomous vehicle is equipped with autonomous technology — or technology installed on a motor vehicle that has the capability to drive the vehicle without the active control or monitoring by a human operator. A self-driving car is characterized as a vehicle that can sense its surroundings and drive from a predetermined starting point to an ending point using one of six levels of automation — from level zero (no automation) to level five (full automation).

Autonomous Vehicle Laws In Florida

In the State of Florida, self-driving cars legal issues are dictated by House Bill 311. which was signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in order to remove barriers to the advancement of autonomous vehicles within the state. Beginning on July 1, 2019, self-driving vehicles have been allowed on Florida roads without any safety driver in the vehicle. The bill also notes that human passengers within driverless cars are exempted from laws regarding texting while driving and other types of distracted driving so long as the automated driving system is engaged and the vehicle is in operation. Contact our personal injury firm for more information about Florida driverless car laws or to discuss your case with an Orlando accident attorney.

House Bill 311 “exempts autonomous vehicles and operators from certain prohibitions; provides that human operator is not required to operate fully autonomous vehicle; authorizes fully autonomous vehicle to operate regardless of the presence of human operator; provides that automated driving system is deemed operator of autonomous vehicle operating with system engaged; authorizes Florida Turnpike Enterprise to enter into agreements to fund and operate facilities; provides requirements for insurance and operation of on-demand autonomous vehicle networks; revises registration requirements for autonomous vehicles; provides for uniformity of laws governing autonomous vehicles.”

Are Self-Driving Cars Safe?

The creation of driverless cars aims to create safer roads in which the occurrence of driver error — as well as texting accidents, pedestrian accidents, drunk driving accidents, and wrongful death — is minimized. Autonomous cars exist within the following categories, each of which features different degrees of human driver control and operational abilities

If you were injured in a self-driving car accident, call our Orlando personal injury lawyers.

Vehicles with level zero, or no automation, include those in which all functions are controlled by a human driver at all times, even if assistance from safety intervention systems is provided to the driver. Level one (driver assistance) autonomy provides that in certain driving modes, the car may either take control of the steering wheel or the pedals for cruise control or parking assistance. Level two (partial automation) comprises cars that may autonomously control both the pedals and the steering wheel under certain conditions but with overall human control.

Level three (conditional automation) vehicles include certain modes which allow the car to take over full operational responsibilities, but human drivers are considered the fallback system. With level four (high automation) vehicles, cars can drive themselves full time while under the correct circumstances, but human intervention may be requested if a complex situation arises. Level five (full automation) driverless car technology comprises full-time automation of all driving tasks on any road under any conditions, whether or not humans are on board.

Self-Driving Car Injuries

As with traditional automotive accidents, driverless car accidents may result in a wide range of severe injuries — such as the following — and even death to passengers of driverless vehicles, drivers of non-autonomous cars, and pedestrians alike. If an accident involving a self-driving car resulting in injury to you or the death of a loved one, contact 911 Biker law to discuss your case.

Pedestrian fatality
Driver fatality
Second and third-degree burns
Spinal cord injuries
Brain trauma
Internal bleeding

Organ damage
Broken bones
Torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles
Abrasions, contusions, and lacerations
Whiplash

What Causes Driverless Car Accidents?

Despite claims of high safety of autonomous vehicles, as touted by self-driving car companies, self-driving car accidents have occurred in Florida, claiming the lives of both pedestrians and drivers on the roadway. Common causes of accidents which involve driverless vehicles include, but are not limited to, the following.

Inadaptability to unexpected road conditions
Mechanical failure
System software malfunctions
Sensor and camera malfunctions

Operational malfunction due to extreme weather conditions
False sense of security among drivers
Failed GPS and mapping updates

Who Is Liable In A Driverless Car Accident?

Regarding self-driving vehicles, Florida law requires self-driving car companies to provide liability coverage of at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage, in addition to other required minimum coverage. In addition, House Bill 311 requires “proof of financial responsibility to respond to a claim for damages arising out of a motor vehicle accident for owners or registrants of certain fully autonomous vehicles that are not subject to the insurance requirements described” within the bill. In determining the liability of a driverless car accident, each case is unique and depends upon a wide range of factors, including the car, the driver, and the technology, among other details specific to the case. Following an autonomous vehicles accident or driverless car death, proving liability is a complex process which requires the expertise of a personal injury attorney. Both professional investigation and analysis is required of every detail regarding the accident in order to properly determine the cause of the accident as well as liability of the at-fault party. With regard to accidents involving self-driving cars, parties that may be liable include manufacturers of self-driving cars, operators of partially autonomous vehicles, or drivers of non-autonomous vehicles, among other potentially liable parties.

The most effective way to recover compensation from an accident with an autonomous car is with the help of the personal injury attorneys with 911 Biker Law. We will evaluate all of the evidence involved and help you determine the most effective method in which to proceed in order to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.