With self-driving cars on the rise, it’s only natural that more and more car accidents involving these vehicles will occur, and we’re seeing them happen fairly regularly. That said, if you’ve been harmed in an accident involving a self-driving car, you need a dedicated NYC personal injury lawyer in your corner. Read on to learn more about these accidents and how we can help if you’ve been hurt in one.

Who is considered at fault for self-driving car accidents?

The first thing you should understand about self-driving cars is that there are various levels of automation. These levels are as follows:

• Level 0: There is no automation at this level, meaning the driver is the only one in control of the vehicle.
• Level 1: There is no automation, but the driver does have some assistance, such as power steering.
• Level 2: There is partial automation (think cruise control) but the driver is still the individual in control of maneuvering the vehicle.
• Level 3: The car is automated, meaning it can operate without the driver’s control or involvement, however, there still must be a driver who is paying attention to the road and ready to take control of the vehicle at any time.
• Level 4: The car is fully automated, but still has an option for the driver to take control if they want to.
• Level 5: The vehicle is fully automated and can operate without a driver present. Often, these vehicles don’t even come with steering wheels or gas pedals.

Currently, there aren’t any vehicles past automation level 3 on the road, but this is sure to change over the next few years. Further, level 3 automation is still much higher than anything we’ve seen in the past.

That said, determining who is at fault for an accident involving a level 3 automated vehicle accident depends on several factors. In some cases, it may be the driver who is at fault. In other cases, it may be defective technology within the vehicle that led to an accident, in which case the vehicle designer or manufacturer may be at fault. In some cases, it may even be a combination of the driver and the company that manufactured or designed the vehicle.

Regardless, if you were involved in an accident caused by another party, meaning you were not, in any way, at fault for the car accident, you are likely entitled to compensation, and our firm is here to help you satisfy the burden of proof in your personal injury claim and fight for the results you need. Contact us today.

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Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 866-886-0892 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.