What You Need To Know If You’ve Been Injured in a DFW Self-Driving Car Crash
Since 2011, when Nevada passed the first law permitting driverless or “autonomous” vehicles on public roads, their presence has steadily grown, with more than 20,000 currently believed to be operating across the country. Though touted as safer than human-driven vehicles, studies show that they actually have a higher crash rate per mile driven, though the injuries suffered are typically not as severe.
One report found that while human-operated vehicles average approximately four accidents per million miles driven, autonomous vehicles have more than twice that number, with over 9 accidents per million miles. A recent report found Texas ranking second nationally in the number of accidents involving autonomous vehicles, trailing only California.
What Factors Are Leading to the Rise in Autonomous Vehicle Accidents?
Autonomous vehicles may be susceptible to crashes for a variety of reasons:
- Software glitches or errors—Because autonomous vehicles rely on electronic information, they may malfunction when there are software problems or sensor failures. In addition, because autonomous vehicles use digital communication networks, they can be adversely affected by breaches of cybersecurity or malfunction of a cybernetwork.
- Human error—There’s a common misperception that all autonomous vehicles operate with no human involvement or intervention. To the contrary, autonomous vehicles are generally categorized according to six levels, with Level 0 involving no automation and Level 5 having full automation. Most autonomous vehicles on the roads are Level 2 or Level 3, necessitating human involvement in complex traffic situations, poor weather, or other extreme conditions. Accordingly, some autonomous vehicle accidents are a consequence of human error.
- Poor road conditions—Autonomous vehicles are programmed to function well on clear roads and in generally good weather. They may not be able to adjust to malfunctioning traffic signals, objects in the roadway, or severe weather patterns.
Tips for Minimizing the Risk of Autonomous Vehicle Liability in Texas
If you are driving an autonomous vehicle, it’s important that you fully understand the car’s limitations. Expect that you may have to take control of the vehicle, and be aware and attentive at all times. Just as you would if you were actually driving the vehicle, keep a lookout for traffic around you. Know exactly what you need to do to take control of the vehicle, and be prepared to assume control at any time.
In particular, watch for situations where the autonomous vehicle may be unable to respond accurately. For example, if there’s a traffic light out, or a pedestrian entering the road in the middle of a block, be ready to respond.
Contact a Dedicated Car Accident Injury Attorney in the DFW Metroplex
For more than 40 years, attorneys with the law offices of Bailey & Galyen have fought for the rights of injured people in Texas, including people who have been hurt in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents in the DFW Metroplex. We have a thorough understanding of personal injury claims and know how to effectively establish liability for negligence.
In our 40+ years in practice, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for personal injury clients. We can help you pursue full and fair compensation when you’ve suffered injury in an accident involving an autonomous vehicle. Contact us by e-mail or call our offices. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
