Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog
Sharing the Road with Autonomous Vehicles
The world is becoming more and more automated. We see automation in all areas of our lives, and transportation is no exception. Autonomous vehicles are common in many large cities, and their appearance will likely increase in the future. Self-driving cars can be somewhat daunting to other drivers. You want to make sure that other vehicles, including self-driving cars, are following the laws and not causing accidents.
What are Autonomous Vehicles?
Autonomous vehicles, AVs, are also called self-driving cars. These driverless vehicles are designed and programmed to operate without a human driver. AVs utilize a variety of technologies to provide vehicles that navigate roads by themselves. Vehicles that are fully autonomous have a level 5 SAE level and do not require any human intervention for operation. These vehicles may operate in specific areas, such as cities. They may be used for passenger transport in some cases.
Autonomous Vehicle Safety
AV safety is an evolving area of consideration. All vehicles, including AVs, must comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and manufacturers must certify compliance. In regard to testing standards for autonomous vehicles, UL 4600 provides important information to ensure automated vehicle safety. Advances in technology will improve the safety of AVs. These vehicles are programmed to provide 360-degree vision and many other features that enable them to drive on the roads, even in traffic.
New Traffic Light Design Proposal
New technology to improve traffic safety includes the addition of a fourth color traffic light. White traffic lights could be added to the typical green, red, and yellow design. The white lights would be added to the bottom of traffic signals and are designed to assist autonomous vehicle operation. White lights would improve the safety of these vehicles and could be proposed for intersections where autonomous vehicles are common.
Who is Responsible for AV Accidents?
When accidents happen between any types of vehicles, the negligent party is responsible. In the case of AV crashes, as with other accidents, there must be a determination of fault. With fully autonomous vehicles, the crash may be due to various issues such as software errors, mechanical failures, or infrastructure problems. If the cause is due to a software or hardware defect, the manufacturer is likely responsible. If the accident was caused by improperly maintaining the vehicle, the owner could be liable. If some kind of infrastructure failure was to blame, the government might be at fault. In some cases, multiple factors may be at play. A complete accident investigation must be completed to determine negligence.
What to Do After an Accident With an AV
It is helpful to know what to do if you are involved in an accident with an autonomous vehicle. Call the police to report the accident immediately. Obtain information from the other vehicle. Since there is no human driver, you will need to know the license plate number and the make and model of the car. Get medical treatment for any injuries you suffered. Take photos of your vehicle, the other vehicle, and your injuries when possible. Contact an attorney to learn the steps to take going forward. If the other vehicle caused the accident, the owner, manufacturer, or other party may owe you compensation for your injuries and damages.
Call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to speak with our skilled legal team.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, are dedicated to maximizing financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car, and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life and that the effects often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, are dedicated to helping clients determine their claims’ strength and aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.theavindustry.org/blog/what-is-an-autonomous-vehicle
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/automated-vehicles-safety
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