The rapidly evolving technology of autonomous vehicles has introduced both groundbreaking advancements and significant risks. Self-driving cars aim to improve road safety. However, system failures in cars such as Tesla’s autopilot and full self-driving (FSD) features have caused serious accidents. With more and more autonomous vehicles being put on our roads, the risks are increasing. Further, as these early autonomous vehicles age, they create an increasing danger to passengers, other drivers and pedestrians. These issues raise complex legal and technical challenges, particularly when determining fault and accountability in crashes involving autonomous vehicles.

As the presence of autonomous vehicles increases, understanding your legal rights in the event of an accident involving autonomous vehicles is more important than ever. If you were injured or lost a loved one in an autonomous or semi-autonomous car accident, it is crucial to take action and explore your legal options. Contact a skilled autopilot and FSD car wreck lawyer for a FREE CASE EVALUATION. Reach out today by email or call 866-474-1477 (toll-free) to connect with the Law Offices of Jason S. Coomer and learn more about pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology represents a leap in automotive innovation, pushing the boundaries of how we interact with vehicles. These systems aim to reduce the need for human intervention. Their goal is to transform driving from an active responsibility into a more passive experience.

As this technology evolves, leading companies are competing to shape the future of autonomous transportation. Several pioneering companies are driving the autonomous vehicle revolution. Waymo, Google's self-driving project, has launched driverless ride-sharing services. These services operate in major metropolitan areas such as Austin, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Zoox, backed by Amazon, focuses on innovative robotaxi technology. Tesla continues to push the boundaries of personal vehicle autonomy with its cutting-edge FSD features. These advancements signal a shift in the automotive industry, offering new possibilities for safer, more efficient travel.

However, with the rise of autonomous vehicles comes a growing concern over safety and liability. Accidents involving FSD technology have raised questions regarding accountability. There is particular concern in determining whether fault lies with the vehicle’s software, the driver, or the manufacturer. These factors require careful evaluation of each incident.

Autopilot and full self-driving systems, are transforming how we drive. These technologies offer a range of advanced features that go beyond traditional driving assistance. These features include:

Adaptive cruise control

Parallel parking and lane change assistance

Navigation through streets and intersections

Response to traffic signals and signs

Route navigation adjustments

While these advanced features offer significant benefits, they also come with potential risks and challenges. Understanding the common causes of accidents involving Autopilot and FSD technology is crucial in assessing the safety and reliability of these systems.

Self-driving cars rely on a combination of hardware and software, including:

Cameras - Help detect traffic signals, road signs, and nearby vehicles.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) - Measures the distances between objects and maps the vehicle's surroundings.

Radar Detection - Tracks the speed and distance of nearby vehicles and objects.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Processes sensor data to make immediate decisions.

While these technologies have advanced significantly, they are not always effective. Software malfunctions, poor weather conditions, or unexpected scenarios still have the capability to overwhelm advanced systems.

While autonomous vehicles offer advancements in driving technology, accidents can still occur due to factors such as human error, system malfunctions, and external conditions. These complexities highlight the risks of new technology and emphasize the importance of understanding accident causes to improve safety and ensure accountability. Common causes of accidents involving autopilot and FSD technology may include:

Human Error

Unexpected Road Scenarios

System or Software Failures

Inadequate Maintenance

External Environmental Factors

Even with advanced features, human drivers remain crucial, as overreliance on technology can lead to inattentiveness and delayed reactions in emergencies, increasing accident risks. Additionally, autonomous vehicles can experience technical issues, such as sensor malfunctions, software bugs, or cybersecurity threats, which can lead to navigation errors or compromised safety. Furthermore, uncontrolled environments like construction zones, and unpredictable human behavior can disrupt autonomous systems, contributing to accidents. Despite safety improvements, autonomous systems still have vulnerabilities that can result in serious accidents.

Currently, there is no comprehensive federal law specifically regulating the operation of autonomous vehicles in the United States. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plays a significant role in providing guidance and regulatory oversight.

However, many other states have established legislative regulations, and in 2017, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 2205, updating the Texas Transportation Code to establish statewide policies for autonomous vehicle (AV) operations. This legislation preempted local control, ensuring uniform regulations across Texas and placing oversight under state authority rather than municipal governments. Later, in 2021, House Bill 3026 introduced additional measures for governing autonomous vehicle operation, further solidifying Texas' position as a leader in autonomous vehicle regulation. These laws demonstrate the state’s commitment to supporting innovation while maintaining consistent safety standards.

In addition to legislative measures, Texas has also taken proactive steps to promote the development and coordination of autonomous vehicle technologies. In 2019, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) established the Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) Task Force as a centralized resource to advance CAV technologies across the state. This task force brings together representatives from state agencies, public entities, and industry leaders to collaborate on integrating these technologies into Texas' transportation systems.

Together, initiatives like Senate Bill 2205, House Bill 3026, and the CAV Task Force illustrate Texas’ commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining a consistent regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles.

Determining liability in autopilot and FSD systems, can be challenging due to the involvement of multiple parties. These advanced technologies introduce new dynamics that complicate traditional liability assessments. While the vehicle manufacturers like Tesla, Waymo, and Zoox are often the focus of system failures, drivers may also share responsibility if they misuse or over-rely on these features. Additionally, software developers play a crucial role, as faulty algorithms or lack of proper updates may contribute to accidents. In some cases, courts could hold third-party suppliers of sensors or other vehicle components accountable if their products malfunction and cause crashes.

Key parties responsible in self-driving car accidents include, but are not limited to:

Vehicle Manufacturers

Software Developers

Drivers

Navigating these complex legal issues requires expert guidance. It is essential to determine who is at fault and pursue the appropriate course of action.

Q1: What should I do if I’m in a crash with a self-driving vehicle? A1: If you’re in a crash with a self-driving car, prioritizing safety is imperative. Seek medical attention if necessary, and contact law enforcement to document the accident. Preserve evidence by taking photos, and gathering witness statements. Consult with an autopilot and full self-driving car wreck lawyer to obtain vehicle data, assess liability, and protect your rights to compensation. Q2: Can self-driving cars or manufacturers be held liable for accidents? A2: Yes, if an autopilot feature malfunctions while driving and causes an accident, a vehicle manufacturer or software developer may be liable. However, these cases often require expert analysis to determine the cause of the malfunction. The issue may stem from a design flaw, inadequate testing, or a failure to warn users of potential risks. An experienced autopilot and FSD car wreck lawyer can further investigate the malfunction. Q3: Are there restrictions on where self-driving cars can operate? A3: Yes, self-driving cars are subject to federal, state, and local regulations that determine where and how they can operate. Some companies may test or deploy autonomous vehicles only in approved locations.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an autonomous vehicle, it is essential to take action to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the accident. Cases involving self-driving technology are often highly complex, requiring in-depth investigations into the systems involved and determining if a defect or failure by the manufacturer, software developer, or another party contributed to the crash.

Autopilot and FSD Car Wreck Lawyer, Jason Coomer, has the experience and resources to navigate these challenging cases. Whether the accident involved Tesla’s Autopilot, a Waymo robotaxi, or another autonomous vehicle, the Law Offices of Jason S. Coomer are committed to providing personalized guidance and effective representation. Don’t wait—contact us today for a FREE CASE EVALUATION by email or call 866-474-1477 (toll-free) to start the process of pursuing justice and recovering the compensation you are entitled to receive.