Personal Injury Vs. The Car of Tomorrow: Is the Law too Light on Automakers?
Self-driving cars are robotic vehicles that are capable of traveling from one place to another without a human driver. As one of the latest developments in AI technology, the vehicle is touted as the future of a safer and more convenient riding experience. Automated Cars: Making Roads Safer Statistics from the Association for Safe International Road Travel show that more than 1.25 million people die from road accidents every year. This leaves about 20-50 million road crash victims injured or disabled. Driverless technology aims to reduce error on the road by replacing human perception with more accurate computer systems and sensors. These include radars, cameras, GPS, and artificial intelligence. Footage from Tesla, in fact, shows the impressive capability of autopilot features in avoiding accidents. Research suggests that self-driving cars can help by improving road safety. They are, after all, able to control the steering, acceleration, and braking capabilities of a vehicle without a driver. Moreover, self-driving technology can also make drivers and pedestrians less prone to road safety problems like speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and more. A Long Way to Perfecting Driverless Tech The technology isn’t without its issues. Last March 18, 2018, a self-driving SUV hit a 49-year old woman in Arizona. She is the first recorded pedestrian fatality from an autonomous vehicle. Preliminary reports about the accident indicate that the machine was operating the car at the time of the collision and that the car was traveling at 40 MPH at a 35 MPH zone. The death of the pedestrian is a reminder that driverless car technology still has a long way to go before it can become the norm when we travel. So, as carmakers push for the large-scale deployment of driverless cars in the country, the possible legal implications of instances the technology does fail should be considered, as well. Case in point: in light of the revolutionary technology, how can personal injury attorneys fight for the compensation their clients deserve? An Increase in Out-of-Court Settlements Car safety legislation exists to help develop and maintain the nation’s transportation system while encouraging public road safety. Even with tough self-driving regulations, however, some experts worry that driverless car companies could dissuade car accident victims from filing a personal injury claim. Road accidents could, for instance, lead to more out-of-court settlements like arbitration — an alternative method that involves settling disputes outside of court. Consumer groups like the Center for Auto Safety worry that forced arbitration could dissuade crash victims from filing a claim. Arbitration can, after all, skew the odds in favor of big businesses. In turn, it could bar claimants from exercising their fundamental human rights. Not all is lost, though. Amendments to current the legislation are helping prohibit forced arbitrations. Some members of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee claim that the current regulations, in fact, fail to protect pedestrians and it gives automakers too much leeway. Fortunately, some self-driving carmakers have been supportive in following legislation that would prevent possible machine malfunctions and other pedestrian hazards. Legal Protection for Personal Injury Victims Self-driving cars still require a lot of improvements to operate safely and make riding vehicles safer. Until then, road crash victims require aggressive legal representation for advice and the proper compensation for their injuries. Every accident has its own set of facts, and you can count on our team for legal assistance when you file your claim. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys in the Oklahoma City area call (405) 253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore (580) 798-0447.
Accidents Happen: When Can You Claim Damages?
Accidents happen all the time. However, sometimes these accidents are caused by the negligence of other people. When you sustain injuries or damages because of other people’s mistakes, then you are eligible to receive compensation. In Oklahoma, personal injury lawyers can help you maximize your claim and give you the justice you deserve. However, for them to do that, it’s important that you know what to do during an accident, and when you’re eligible to claim damages. Auto Accidents Auto accidents cover a wide range of vehicles, from cars and trucks, and even motorcycles. Different laws cover different vehicles, and it’s important for people to understand the different conditions of liability in order to maximize their claims. There are, however, certain things to follow in any type of auto accident to make sure that you can take legal action. During an accident, do not leave the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident can constitute a criminal offense, which can shift liability onto you, even if you didn’t cause it. Secondly, obtain medical care as soon as you can. Some injuries arising from auto accidents do not appear until later, and it’s important that you stem the damage those injuries might cause, early on. Third, do not tell law enforcement officials that you may have caused an accident. This will make it harder for you to make a legal claim. Allow the police or your insurance company to determine your innocence for you. Slip-and-Fall There’s some misconception regarding slip-and-fall cases. Some people think that, just because they slipped while on another person’s property, it entitles them to claim damages. However, this isn’t always the case. If you slip and fall on your own accord, or from unfortunate recklessness or absentmindedness, the property owner wouldn’t be liable. However, if your fall is caused by the property owner’s negligence in maintaining a safe place for people visiting, then that constitutes Premises Liability. It is the responsibility of a property owner to ensure that anyone going through, working in, or visiting their space is in safe premises. Any slips that are caused by negligent behavior, such as spilt liquids or unmaintained floors, could cause other people injuries and could be grounds for filing suit. If this happens to you, take appropriate measures to maximize your claim. First, take down the name of the owner or manager of the property, along with the names and contact details of any witnesses. Next, take pictures of the premises at the time of your accident, as well as photos of the injuries you sustained. Then, seek medical attention, but save the clothing you were wearing during the accident. Do not provide statements to anyone regarding who you think may have been at fault, nor should you give recorded statements to any insurance companies. Again, allow the independent investigators to clear your name for you. Wrongful Death One of the most unfortunate types of accidents, a Wrongful Death is a case in which you believe that your loved one or someone you know died because of someone’s negligence. While seeking monetary compensation does not bring anyone back, it will give you the peace of mind that you will have the financial security to rebuild and heal after your devastating loss. Once it’s been proven in court that your loved one died because of someone else’s negligence, then you can begin the process of recovering the financial damages. While it’s understandable that you might find this difficult because you’re still grieving, it is important to note that there are deadlines to follow when it comes to collecting on a wrongful death lawsuit. Always make sure that the lawyer you work with knows how to handle the complicated paperwork that will follow and that he or she is someone who can give you an accurate estimate of the financial compensation you stand to receive. When it comes to finding a lawyer that has the level of expertise necessary to deal with your cases involving accidents, Little, Oliver & Gallagher PLLC can help you. Our legal team is staffed by highly skilled and qualified personal injury lawyers who can assist you when you need it. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys in the Oklahoma City area call (405) 253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore (580) 798-0447.
