Ohio Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer

Self-Driving Car Accidents in Ohio

Entirely driverless vehicles are likely to increase in popularity. And if you suffer injuries in a collision with an autonomous vehicle, knowing how to hold the right party accountable for your damages is important.

The Ohio self-driving car accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick are among the state’s premier auto accident attorneys. We can help you collect the compensation you deserve after an accident. Call us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free, no-risk consultation.

Autonomous Car Accident Scenarios

Here are the most common instances of collisions involving self-driving vehicles in Ohio:

• Rear-end collisions due to sudden stopping or abrupt lane changes
• Pedestrian or cyclist accidents caused by detection system failures
• Intersection collisions due to misjudgment or sensor errors
• Accidents caused by software glitches or hacking attempts
• Accidents involving self-parking

These are only a few scenarios where autonomous car crashes could occur. If your injuries happened another way, contact KNR immediately.

Legalities of Self-Driving Car Accidents

As of 2023, there are few, if any, state and federal regulations regarding autonomous vehicles. That is likely to change, but in the meantime, self-driving cars must follow the same rules other motorists must follow. When accidents occur, the same rules of liability also generally apply.

Self-Driving Cars & Insurance

Those that drive autonomous vehicles are not required to carry additional insurance beyond the Ohio mandatory minimum. However, the state may implement more comprehensive coverage requirements as more car accidents involving self-driving vehicles occur.

Is the Driver or Car ‘At Fault’?

If you are involved in a collision with a self-driving car, the individual or entity responsible for the car can be held accountable. For example, while most car accidents are caused by driver negligence or misconduct, human error is not generally involved in self-driving car accidents.

Instead, technical defects such as faulty software or sensors may be the cause. When this happens, you may have the right to pursue a product liability claim against vehicle designers, manufacturers, parts suppliers, or other third parties.

Negligence in AV Accidents

In most car accident claims, the burden of proof is on the victim to introduce evidence that shows the defendant is responsible. However, in collisions involving self-driving cars, negligence can be different since a person isn’t usually in control at the time of the accident.

But just because a self-driving car hits you does not mean the vehicle itself was defective or otherwise responsible for causing the crash. The driver is generally still responsible for the vehicle’s safe operation. And if dangerous road conditions contributed to the accident, you may even have other parties who share the blame.

Like other motor vehicle collisions, the potential parties who could be held accountable in an autonomous vehicle accident include:

• Other negligent drivers
• AV manufacturers
• Government agencies and municipalities
• AV part designers and distributors
• Self-driving car dealerships
• Auto maintenance workers and safety inspectors

Proving Fault in Self-Driving Car Accidents

Since the burden of proof is based on a preponderance of the evidence, it is crucial to introduce evidence that supports your case. Examples of evidence in AV accident claims include:

• Expert analysis and testimony proving fault
• Data from the vehicle data recorders
• Photos of the damage and all involved vehicles
• Dash or traffic cam footage
• Copies of the vehicle’s inspection and maintenance records
• Copies of the vehicle drivers driving history, criminal record, blood test results, and phone records

Remember, Ohio follows modified comparative negligence laws. Your portion of liability will depend on your percentage of blame in the accident. For example, let’s say you were driving an autonomous vehicle and texting. You might be trusting the car to drive for you, but distracted driving is still negligent. Even if you were struck by a driver who was speeding or under the influence, you may share liability for your injuries because of your actions.

In this example, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of the blame. So, if you were found 25% responsible, since you were texting in a self-driving car, your settlement would be reduced by 25%.

At-fault drivers often try to place some of the blame on victims. That is why hiring a self-driving car accident lawyer in Ohio should be your priority. With an attorney on your side, you can avoid unjust accusations of shared fault.

Compensation in Ohio Self-Driving Car Accidents

After suffering injuries in an autonomous vehicle accident, you could recover compensation in several ways. Generally, your options include filing a product liability lawsuit, a claim with the liable party’s insurance company, or a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Many injury victims seek compensation across multiple avenues to maximize awards. However, if the liable party does not have sufficient insurance—or any insurance—pursuing an insurance claim may not bring the settlement you need.

At trial, you have the right to compensation for every loss, whether you were filing a personal injury or product liability claim. This includes both economic and non-economic damages, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium

Role of a Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer

Self-driving car accident claims and the personal injury claims process are notoriously complex. With a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney, you can better navigate the insurance and negotiation processes and recover financially without being taken advantage of.

At KNR, we can handle every detail and will pursue the maximum possible. This includes conducting an exhaustive investigation, calculating the value of your claim, establishing liability for your self-driving car accident, and advocating for your rights at every stage.

While you recuperate, your autonomous vehicle accident lawyer can help you regain control of your life.

Call KNR For a Free Consultation

A collision with an autonomous vehicle is just as traumatic as any other Ohio car wreck. You should never be forced to absorb the costs of someone else’s negligent actions.

Our Ohio self-driving car accident attorneys at Kisling, Nestico & Redick have extensive experience helping injury victims get the most out of their claim after all sorts of auto accidents. Self-driving car accidents may be new, but you still have the right to compensation. Make sure you have a dedicated attorney working for you.

If hurt by a self-driving vehicle, call KNR today at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a 100% free consultation.