When thinking about what the future may look like, many people consider self-driving cars. Also called autonomous vehicles, to be part of that picture. However, what self-driving cars will really be like in practice is still often debated and yet demystified. There are many factors to consider, including legal concerns, scientific technicalities, and what this may mean for traffic and infrastructure.
The Verge recently released a report about autonomous vehicles. Claiming that the data on self-driving cars released by the Department of Transportation reads more like glossy marketing. Less like hard data and facts. The DOT is soliciting volunteers to join a self-driving car testing program. Still, critics say that consumers are unlikely to get quality data from the program. Due to the voluntary nature of the study. There is also a criticism that there is no federal or state system to certify autonomous vehicles independently, and most of the certification is left up to the car manufacturers.
Which Manufacturers Have Signed Up for the Testing Initiative?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is conducting an Automated Vehicles Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing (AV-TEST) Initiative, which shows where self-driving vehicle testing is taking place. That allows those testers to voluntarily report testing information, which the NHTSA will make publicly available. Some of the data available will show where testing is and the types of vehicles that are being tested. A news release about the initiative has confirmed that nine automobile manufacturers have signed up to test autonomous vehicles: Beep, Cruise, Fiat Chrysler, Local Motors, Navya, Nuro, Toyota, and Uber.
Vehicle Crashes Involving Autonomous Vehicles
Although autonomous vehicle technology is still very new. Vehicle crashes involving autonomous vehicles will certainly be more complicated than normal collisions regarding insurance and legality concerns. That is why it is important to get acquainted with auto accident attorneys in your area that are either acquainted with or researching legal concerns with self-driving cars.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
