Denver Self-Driving/Autopilot Accident Lawyer
Request Free ConsultationSince the first automobile hit the road in the late 19th century, technological advances have continued to improve the safety, performance, and comfort of automobiles. Automobiles have historically been controlled by humans. But now, two companies, Waymo and Tesla, are at the forefront of developing self-driving cars and other autonomous vehicles, which they promote as being safer than human-controlled vehicles.
While we may get to a point where automobiles need no human intervention, current “self-driving” vehicles still require human control. As a result, there are legitimate concerns about the safety of self-driving vehicles. These vehicles are still being tested across the United States, including in Colorado, to improve the technology and make them safer for wider public use.
If you are injured in an autonomous vehicle accident, establishing fault might require a highly technical and complex investigation. The self-driving/autopilot accident lawyers at Fuicelli & Lee can help you make sense of the legal implications of accidents involving autonomous vehicles. Contact our experienced Denver car accident attorneys today!
Why You Should Hire Fuicelli & Lee
- At Fuicelli & Lee, our firm’s core value is to obtain full, fair, and complete compensation for every client, every time.
- We understand the strategies insurance companies use to put their profits before your well-being, and we will make sure they do not undervalue your claim.
- We thoroughly prepare each claim as though it will go to court. We use every resource necessary to tell your side of the story and build your most compelling case. We won’t be intimidated, and we never back down from a fight.
If you have been injured in an autonomous car accident, we can help you unravel the intricacies involved in getting compensation for your injuries. Call us today at (303) 444-4444 for a free consultation and assessment of your case.
The Limitations of Autonomous Vehicle Technology
While the promise of autonomous vehicles includes the potential to significantly reduce car accidents, current systems still have considerable limitations. The first self-driving cars were introduced with optimism, yet real-world data shows that, like human drivers, these vehicles are not infallible. Automated vehicle systems still must rely on human oversight, and lapses in driver control can lead to serious consequences.
Most self-driving vehicles require human control even in autonomous modes, especially in emergency scenarios. Despite advanced in-vehicle technologies, such as sensors, radar, and machine learning algorithms, these systems cannot yet respond to all road conditions or unpredictable behavior from other drivers. As a result, traffic crashes involving self-driving or semi-autonomous vehicles continue to occur.
Who Is Held Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident?
Determining liability in an autonomous or autopilot-related car crash often involves multiple parties. In traditional motor vehicle accidents, liability may fall on one or more drivers. However, in an autonomous vehicle accident, additional entities may be involved, such as the car manufacturer, vehicle manufacturer, or even the technology provider.
For example, if a Tesla Autopilot crash occurs due to a failure in the system’s detection algorithm, the company responsible for developing that technology could share fault. If a defect in the vehicle contributed to the accident, then product liability may apply, and the vehicle manufacturer could be held accountable.
In some cases, an insurance company might deny or limit coverage, citing shared fault or improper system use. That’s why victims need experienced legal representation to navigate these complex claims and ensure that all liable parties are held accountable.
Why Self-Driving Accidents Are Still Happening
Despite the growing use of autonomous vehicle technology, there have been several serious accidents involving fully self-driving cars and vehicles operating under autopilot modes. This raises concerns about the current state of these technologies and how they’re tested and deployed.
Even with promises that most traffic crashes could be prevented by AI and automation, the reality is that many accidents happen due to several factors, from software glitches and hardware failures to overreliance on automation.
Some drivers may assume these vehicles can operate independently, but as we have seen, they still need constant supervision. Misunderstanding this critical balance between automation and driver control is a key contributor to ongoing incidents.
Knowing your legal rights after a vehicle accident involving a self-driving system is essential. If you’re involved in one of these complex situations, Fuicelli & Lee can help you determine the best path forward.
Duty of Car Owners to Carry Insurance
Every vehicle owner in Colorado is required to carry liability policy insuring against any loss from injury or death of any person caused by the vehicle while in operation. Vehicle owners may also carry uninsured motorist coverage to insure against losses suffered from death or injury caused by an uninsured motorist.
Colorado Is an At-Fault Insurance State
Colorado is an at-fault car accident state. This means that when there is an accident, the party who is at fault for the accident bears the responsibility of covering the losses suffered by the other parties.
For this reason, establishing all the parties at fault in an accident is very important to getting compensation for your injuries. As with any road accident, there could be several factors that contribute to an accident. Mechanical malfunctions, road conditions, and reckless driving could all be at fault in an accident.
Product Liability
When an accident occurs, one of the factors that investigators seek to rule out as a cause is product malfunction. For example, whether there were any parts or functions in the car that malfunctioned because of defective manufacturing, causing the accident.
Establishing product liability depends on a number of factors, including:
- Whether the consumer was using the product as instructed by the manufacturer. With current self-driving/autonomous vehicles, drivers are still required to take precautions and pay attention to the road and their vehicles to ensure the safety of others.
- Whether the product was manufactured in compliance with any existing codes or regulations.
- And how long after the product is first sold that the accident happens.
Drivers and self-driving vehicle manufacturers must comply with current regulations requiring human supervision and control of self-driving vehicles. Any person who does not comply can be held responsible for the losses suffered if their actions cause an accident.
Contact a Denver Self-Driving/Autopilot Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a self-driving/autopilot accident in Denver, contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Fuicelli & Lee. Your first consultation is free, so call us now at (303) 444-4444 or contact us online to get honest and straightforward guidance on your case.
Contact our Lawyers for a free consultation
Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers, PC – Denver Office
1731 Gilpin Street
Denver, CO 80218
P: (303) 444-4444