Litigating Complex Product Liability Cases Involving Autonomous Vehicles: Emerging Legal Challenges in Georgia
The increasing use of autonomous vehicles has introduced a new complexity when litigating product liability cases involving these vehicles. Due to the lack of clear laws, it is harder to understand the responsibilities and liabilities involved when these vehicles cause accidents. The following blog can help you understand the emerging legal challenges in personal injury claims related to self-driving car technologies.
Who Is to Blame When a Self-Driving Car Crashes?
When a self-driving car gets into an accident, it is not always obvious who is responsible. Depending on how the accident happened, several different parties could be at fault:
- The Vehicle Operator: If the person in the car did not use the self-driving system correctly or failed to step in when necessary, they might be responsible.
- The Manufacturer or Designer: If the accident was caused by a defect in the car’s design or build, the company that made the car could be at fault.
- Software Developers: If the car’s software did not work properly, the engineers who created the program might be liable.
In Georgia, self-driving car operators must have at least $300,000 in insurance for bodily injuries per accident, with $100,000 for one person and $50,000 for property damage.
The Complicated Nature of Product Liability Cases
Building this kind of case often requires:
- Examining the Car’s Data and Software: Lawyers might need to look at the car’s data to determine whether the system failed.
- Investigating Design or Manufacturing Defects: It is important to check if the car was built correctly or if any design flaws contributed to the accident.
- Reviewing How the Car Responded in Emergencies: If the car did not respond the way it should have during a dangerous moment, that could be evidence of a problem.
Georgia Senate Bill 219 requires self-driving cars to operate safely even when something goes wrong. However, even with these rules in place, figuring out who is legally responsible for a crash can still be very confusing.
Take Control and Protect Your Rights
Going through a lawsuit after an accident with a self-driving car can feel overwhelming. These cases are tricky because they involve advanced technology and complicated legal rules. Contact Morris & Dean, LLC, today for the legal help you need to fight for justice and get the compensation you deserve.