Self-driving cars have changed the way Americans think about the future of driving, but their safety record has made the idea of their widespread use controversial. Some passengers may balk at the idea of using a self-driving car simply because they are uncomfortable with the idea – in fact, a survey of adult internet users revealed only 21% of respondents would be willing to ride in a driverless car. But is that fear based on fact? In reality, how common are self-driving car accidents

What is a “Self-Driving” Car? 

A self-driving (or autonomous, or driverless) car uses sensors, cameras, artificial intelligence, and radar to travel without the need for a human to operate it.  Drivers with newer cars may already be familiar with self-driving technologies, even if the car is not completely autonomous. For example, hands-free steering, which corrects the course of the car without the need for the driver to touch the wheel, adaptive cruise control, which helps the driver keep a safe following distance, and lane-centering steering, which prevents the driver from drifting into another lane.  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) categorizes cars and their ability to self-drive in five levels:

Level 1: The car’s driver assistance system can help the human driver to steer, brake, or accelerate – but not at the same time. The car may have some of the self-driving technologies mentioned above. 

Level 2: The car still has a human driver behind the wheel, but the driver assistance system can steer and brake or accelerate at the same time. 

Level 3: The driver is aided by an automated driving system (ADS) and can perform tasks such as self-parking. However a human is still the main driver and must be able to take over control of the vehicle. 

Level 4: Under specific conditions, the ADS can operate all driving tasks and observe surroundings for hazards, without human driver input. 

Level 5: The ADS behaves like a human driver under any kind of conditions. Human passengers can be completely passive. 

In the United States, there are some vehicles that have reached as high as Level 4, such as the partnership between Lyft and Google’s Waymo to provide driverless ride-share services in Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles. 

What Are the Advantages of Self-Driving Cars? 

Champions of self-driving cars on the road claim that autonomous vehicles will make driving safer. In spite of the low public confidence in the safety of self-driving cars, according to the NHTSA, 94% of vehicle accidents are caused by human error, such as driving while distracted or under the influence of alcohol. The argument for self-driving vehicles maintains that the technology used to make decisions and avoid hazards can do so better than a human. This would have economic benefits as injuries and property damage from vehicle accidents cost billions each year. 

Self-driving vehicles could also increase human productivity. Many commuters spend hours behind the wheel going to and from work, for example, and in order to drive safely, don’t have many options outside of listening to music or podcasts while they sit in traffic. In an autonomous car with technology allowing a driver to focus on other tasks safely, they can accomplish far more with their time. 

Why Do Self-Driving Cars Get into Accidents? 

Self Driving Car Accident Attorney

Statistics show that self-driving cars are not completely safe. The NHTSA reported 392  crashes in a 10-month period involving cars with self-driving technology.  Of these, there were six fatalities and five serious injuries. A large proportion of these crashes – 273, five of which were fatal – involved vehicles manufactured by Tesla, which is reflective of the over 800,000 vehicles equipped with Autopilot, Tesla’s driver assistance program. A smaller proportion of accidents involved cars produced by Honda, Subaru, Ford, GM, BMW, Volkswagen, Toyota, Hyundai and Porsche.

One cause of self-driving car accidents is mechanical failure. If a component of the driver assistance technology, such as a camera or sensor fails to work properly, the vehicle may cross the path of an oncoming car and cause a collision. 

Another cause of accidents that concerns safety experts is drivers who are lulled into a false sense of security by the driver assistance technology. Drivers still need to remain alert and be equipped to take over control of the vehicle if needed. If their reaction time is not fast enough in those situations, the driver may not be able to avoid an accident. 

“Warning fatigue” is another cause of self-driving car accidents. Driver assistance technologies issue warnings if the human driver needs to intervene, and if too many warnings are issued, the driver may ignore them. A warning can also be a distraction, and cause the driver to make an error causing an accident. 

Who is Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident? 

For owners of a vehicle with driver assistance technologies who get in an accident, if there is a mechanical failure, the car may not sense an approaching vehicle or correctly identify a pedestrian. If the warning system fails, the driver may not know in time of an immediate hazard. In these cases, the manufacturer of the vehicle could be held liable for the driver’s damages. 

If a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian is involved in an accident with a self-driving car, the crash could be caused by a mechanical failure as well. The human driver can also be held liable. Human drivers are expected to be in the right condition to safely take over the control of a vehicle. If a driver is distracted, drowsy, or proved to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can be at fault. In a well-known case, a safety driver for Lyft and Google’s Waymo partnership was found negligent for not watching the road when the vehicle fatally struck a pedestrian. The safety driver was watching television while sitting behind the wheel at the time of the accident. 

While the promise of self-driving cars is vast, accidents remain a reality. Navigating medical bills after a car accident can be challenging. It becomes even trickier for an out-of-state resident or when involved with specific vehicles like an Amazon delivery driver. The ordeal intensifies if the other driver is uninsured, as seen in cases of uninsured motorist accidents in Las Vegas. Beyond the physical, the emotional toll, such as post-accident PTSD, is another challenge victims often face.

If you have been involved in a self-driving car accident, Our skilled car accident lawyer in Las Vegas is committed to providing personalized attention and professional representation for your case. Contact us or call 702-680-1111 for a free consultation.

As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.

  • This was my first time using a lawyer, which I needed due a major car accident. They made everything simple and stress free, and I couldn’t be happier with the attentive care I received from everyone at the law office. Gresia was fantastic, and kept in touch regularly. She was professional, knowledgeable, and very kind. I would recommend them to anyone.

    - Deb Compton

  • Gina and her crew are truly amazing. They exceeded my expectations. They kept in contact with me throughout the whole time and any questions I did have They would take the time and explain everything so I would know what to expect. I would highly recommend them at any time.

    - Chris S

  • Thank you very much for the services everyone answered every single one of my calls and this firm took care of me from start to finish. Thank you so much Gina for taking on my case and assisting me I will recommend you to everyone.

    - Sayra Sánchez

  • I rarely do reviews but I want to share what an outstanding team Gina Corena has. Mahna Pourshaban did such an awesome job In helping us get our settlement, she has treated us like family since day 1 that we met her.. Me and my family want to tell u guys thank u from the bottom of our hearts.

    - The LOPEZ Family

  • Working with Gina was An amazing feeling as the client to know that my case is being handled professionally and to the best it can be ! Knowing that Gina can handle it gave me confidence and peace, 100 percent recommend Gina and her associates team !

    - Jonathan Rodriguez

  • GINA CORENA is the best attorney indeed! Thank you to her amazing team the attention to detail I received was incredible. 100% recommend to everyone!

    - Clara Maria

  • My experience with Gina Corena’s office was amazing. They were all professional and were easy to reach out to during my whole case. I’d recommend their services 10/10!!

    - Mark Surban

  • I'm really satisfied with the work these ladies provide. They’re Super reliable and Professional, Alexandra was the one that helped me with my case and she’s super nice and sweet. She made sure I was aware about all the updates with my case. Overall the work they provide to the citizens of Las Vegas is top notch. Thank you Gina Corena and associates.

    - Gil Axel

  • This is the best company I have dealt with hands down. I am super thankful with them for all the work they did on behalf of my case. The process was rather simple and very well explained from start to finish. Thank you so much Gina Corena &. Associates. Thank you Kim for assisting in my case.

    - Raidel Echavarria

  • I received nothing but top notch service from this firm not once but twice please keep up the outstanding job customer service is very important to me and your firm went above and beyond again THANK YOU

    - Freda Smith

  • Such a great law firm. This was my first time having to get a lawyer due to an auto accident and they explained all the ins and outs of my case and the process. I will definitively keep them in mind again for the future.

    -Alyssa Ortega

  • If I can give Gina’s firm 10 stars I would. They have the best customer service & most knowledgeable staff I’ve ever come across. The office is always clean and it has a lovely and positive vibe. Thank you to this amazing firm to make my experience fast and easy for me. Gina definitely knows how to care of her clients and treated me like family. I will recommended to my friends and family.

    -Cony Jordan

VIEW ALL

CALL US 24/7

Schedule A Free
Injury Consultation Below

    By contacting Gina Corena & Associates, you agree to receive emails, text messages, and phone calls regarding your legal inquiry, which may be considered advertising material.