Who Is Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident in Oklahoma City?

Self-driving cars were once thought to be a technology of the future. However, they are quickly becoming a reality on our Oklahoma City streets. Self-driving vehicles offer convenience and safety, but they also present an important question: Who’s responsible when a self-driving car causes an accident?

Here at Cunningham & Mears, we know that car accidents can be stressful and confusing. When you have a human driver behind the wheel, liability for an accident is usually straightforward. However, when a vehicle is operating on its own, responsibility for the accident may not be as clear-cut.

What are self-driving cars?

Self-driving cars are vehicles that use a mix of sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence to work their way through roads and avoid obstacles. These vehicles operate at different levels of autonomy. 0 means no driving automation and 5 is full automation.

• At Levels 0-2, the driver remains in control, with features like cruise control and lane assist.
• At Level 3, the car can drive itself in certain conditions, but a driver must always be ready to take over.
• At Levels 4-5, the vehicle is fully autonomous, meaning that no human intervention is necessary.

Most vehicles on today’s roads are Level 2 or below, which means that the driver is still responsible. However, technology is advancing, and more self-driving features are appearing, which can increase the complexity of accident liability.

Who can be held responsible in an Oklahoma City self-driving car accident?

A variety of parties can be held responsible in a self-driving car accident:

• Even when a car has self-driving capabilities, many vehicles require a driver to stay alert and take control if needed. If a driver is distracted, impaired, or misuses the technology, they could be held responsible for the accident. For example, Tesla’s Autopilot system is not fully autonomous, but some drivers treat it that way. If a driver takes their hands off the wheel and fails to react in time, they could be held at fault for any resulting accident.
• If a self-driving system fails due to a design or software issue, the vehicle manufacturer could be found liable for the accident. Companies like Tesla, Waymo, or Ford are responsible for ensuring their technologies work safely. If an accident happens because of a defect, the manufacturer could be held accountable under product liability For example, if a self-driving car runs a red light because of a software bug, the automaker could be at fault. A thorough investigation would be needed to determine if the technology was defective.
• Self-driving cars rely on complicated software for interpreting traffic signals, detecting pedestrians, and making split-second decisions. If a software glitch occurs and causes an accident, the company that developed the code could be held liable. For example, if a mapping system doesn’t recognize a construction zone and directs a vehicle into danger, the software company might share responsibility for the crash.
• Self-driving cars also depend on high-tech components, like sensors, cameras, and radar systems. If one of these parts malfunctions, it could cause an accident. In these cases, the manufacturer of the faulty part might be held responsible. For example, if a vehicle’s LIDAR (light detection and ranging) system fails to detect a pedestrian, causing a collision, the company that made the sensor could be liable.
• Sometimes, accidents can happen because of poor road conditions, missing traffic signs, or faulty infrastructure. If a self-driving car crashes due to a pothole, faded lane markings, or a malfunctioning traffic light, the city or state responsible for road maintenance may share liability. Oklahoma City government agencies must keep roads in a safe condition. If their negligence results in an accident, they could be held partially responsible.

Cunningham & Mears work to hold the right people responsible for your damages and losses.

Can I sue a car manufacturer for a self-driving car accident?

Yes, you can, but it’s complicated. Car manufacturers are large corporations with established legal teams ready to defend against lawsuits. To hold a manufacturer accountable, you must prove that a defect in their vehicle or software directly caused your accident.

Under Oklahoma’s product liability laws, manufacturers can be held responsible if their technology is unreasonably dangerous. However, they may argue that the driver misused the system or failed to follow instructions.

What happens if a self-driving car hits me?

If another self-driving car causes an accident, you may be able to file a claim against:

• The human driver (if they were required to monitor the vehicle)
• The car manufacturer (if a defect caused the crash)
• The software or auto parts manufacturer (if a faulty system contributed to the accident)

At Cunningham & Mears, our experienced car accident attorneys can help investigate the crash and determine who should be held accountable.

How is fault determined in a self-driving car accident?

Determining liability in a self-driving car accident requires a thorough investigation. Our Oklahoma City car accident lawyers gather and analyze evidence like:

• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Vehicle data logs (which record speed, braking, and steering actions)
• Eyewitness statements
• Accident reconstruction reports

These details help determine whether the human driver, manufacturer, or another party was responsible.

How can your Oklahoma City self-driving car accident lawyers help?

If you or a loved one were injured in a self-driving car accident in Oklahoma City, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. Our knowledgeable injury lawyers can:

• Thoroughly investigate your accident
• Gather evidence to prove liability
• Work with experts in vehicle technology
• Fight for maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages

We know that self-driving car cases can be complicated, but we’re here to help you work through the details.

What is my Oklahoma City self-driving car accident worth?

If you or a loved one were injured in a self-driving car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:

• Your medical bills, including hospital visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages, which include the time you missed from work due to your injuries
• Pain and suffering, the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident
• Property damage, which is the cost to repair or replace your vehicle

The exact amount you may be entitled to recover depends on the circumstances of the accident and who is found at fault.

What should I do after a self-driving car accident?

After an accident with a self-driving car, take the following steps to help protect both your health and your legal case:

• Call 911 to report the accident and get medical attention if needed. Remember, even if you don’t feel injured at the time, some injuries take a while to manifest. Get checked out by a doctor as soon as you can.
• Document the scene, taking photos of the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• If anyone saw the crash, get their contact information.

Then, contact the Oklahoma City car accident attorneys at Cunningham & Mears. We can help protect your rights and handle the insurance claims process.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a self-driving car crash in Oklahoma City, Cunningham & Mears is here to help. Our experienced attorneys will fight to hold the responsible party accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. If you need legal help after a self-driving car accident, call us today for a free consultation. Don’t wait — your rights and financial recovery are too important to leave to chance. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Please call our office or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle accident claims on a contingency fee basis.