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Can You Sue a Driver of a Self-Driving Car for Wrongful Death?

BIKLaw Medical Malpractice Lawyer > Car Accident > Can You Sue a Driver of a Self-Driving Car for Wrongful Death?

Contrary to popular belief, self-driving or autonomous cars have a higher accident rate than vehicles driven by humans. Though the injuries caused by autonomous vehicles are typically less severe, they still sometimes lead to fatal results. 

With that in mind, if your loved one has been injured or killed in an accident involving an autonomous car, it’s in your best interest to consult with a proven wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. 

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you can potentially seek damages for the injuries or wrongful death from the driver of the car or the automaker itself. Don’t wait until it’s too late to pursue your personal injury case. Contact BIKLAW today to speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer. 

Continue reading to learn more about wrongful death lawsuits against drivers of autonomous vehicles. 

Who is Liable For Damages From Self-Driving or Autonomous Vehicles? 

Determining liability in any type of accident isn’t an easy task. That’s especially true of accidents involving autonomous vehicles. Generally, multiple parties can be at fault for self-driving car accidents, including each of the following: 

Vehicle Manufacturer 

Suppose a company like Tesla manufactures a vehicle with a defect that causes an accident. In that case, they may share partial or complete blame for the collision. 

Software Manufacturer

The manufacturer does not always develop the technology inside autonomous vehicles. In some cases, a third party develops the technology that fails and leads to a fatal accident. 

The Vehicle Driver 

If a human driver fails to take reasonable safety precautions while driving an autonomous vehicle, they may be liable for the accident. For example, ignoring warning signals, falling asleep, etc. 

Another Party 

In many cases, accidents involving autonomous vehicles are caused by the driver of another vehicle. In that case, a third party may be responsible for the accident. 

Can You Sue The Driver For Negligence? 

Every autonomous vehicle-involved accident case is different. However, if the operator of a self-driving car engages in conduct that injures you or causes death, and it can be determined that the driver was negligent or malicious, or overrode the autonomous control of the vehicle, they can be sued for damages (in addition to other parties if necessary). 

Generally, your wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue the following types of economic and non-economic damages: 

  • Loss of future income provided by the deceased 
  • Lost value of services, including household chores 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Lost emotional, sexual, or physical connection 

Depending on the circumstances, only certain family members (i.e., spouses, children, or grandchildren) or a personal representative of the deceased can file a wrongful death suit. Contact us today to learn more. 

Contact A Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Have you lost a loved one or family member due to the negligence of an autonomous car driver? In that case, you may be eligible to pursue maximum compensation for your loss. It’s important to work with a wrongful death lawyer who understands the complexities of autonomous car accidents, personal injury law, and insurance companies. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late to make your family financially whole again after a travesty. Contact the best wrongful death lawyer for autonomous vehicle accidents today at The Trial Law Offices of Bradley I. Kramer, M.D., ESQ. to learn how we can help. 

Questions? Contact us