It’s no longer science fiction: driverless cars are now a reality. But will American consumers buy them? And what happens if all the high-tech safety gizmos fail and there’s a crash? Taking control of their automobiles from the hands of America’s drivers is likely to be a tough sell. Obviously, driverless cars won’t sell to everyone, but an affordably-priced driverless car might sell to young people who would rather talk on a smartphone than steer an automobile.
Because driverless cars are now a reality, they will have a huge impact on personal injury law as it regards automobile crashes. In December, Governor Rick Snyder of Michigan signed a new law that allows the testing of driverless cars on Michigan’s roads. The new legislation allows automakers and upfitters to test automated motor vehicles, but it also requires a human being to be in the driver’s seat, to monitor performance, and to take the wheel if necessary.
Additionally, the law protects manufacturers from any legal liability for damages caused by modified driverless vehicles, unless the accident-causing defect was present when the vehicle was manufactured. In his 2013 State of the State speech, Governor Snyder said that driverless cars “will make driving safer and more efficient in the future.”
Safety concerns are generating the push for driverless cars. Experts believe that since most crashes are caused by driver negligence, if you take “the human” factor out, you’ll reduce the number of crashes. For now, if you’ve been injured in an accident, or if you suffer a personal injury due to another driver’s negligence, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more. A good personal injury lawyer will assess your case and offer you the legal knowledge and representation you need. The law places time limits on when you can sue for damages, so if you’ve been – or become – injured, act promptly and speak to an experienced personal injury attorney as quickly as possible.
Successful tests have already been performed; driverless technology is here now. In crowded city traffic, driverless safety features respond to most potential crashes more swiftly than a human could react. The number of accidents at intersections and crashes backing out of driveways should substantially decline. Seatbelts and airbags will still protect passengers, while the wireless system lessens the chance that those seatbelts or airbags will be required.
If you’ve been injured in a recent accident, or if you suffer a personal injury due to another driver’s negligence, you may qualify for compensation now for your medical expenditures, lost wages, and more. An experienced personal injury attorney can assess your case and offer the legal knowledge and skills you need to obtain the compensation you need. Don’t hesitate to speak with a good personal injury attorney if you’ve been injured in an auto crash. The law puts a time limit on when you can file for damages, so if you’ve been – or if you become – injured, act quickly and speak to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
