Introduction
Self-driving cars used to be something out of a sci-fi movie. Now, theyโre on the streets of New York City โ from Teslas with autopilot features to experimental autonomous delivery vans. But as this new technology becomes part of our everyday lives, one big question keeps coming up: What happens if a self-driving car causes an accident?
At Lockamy & Associates, weโre already helping clients navigate the legal gray areas of autonomous vehicle crashes. Here's what you need to understand if you're hurt by a vehicle that was operating on autopilot โ whether you were walking, biking, or driving.
๐ If No Oneโs Behind the Wheel โ Whoโs Responsible?
Thatโs the big legal challenge. When a person is driving and they run a red light, the law is clear: that driver is responsible. But with self-driving cars, the answer isnโt so simple.
Depending on how the crash happened, fault could lie with the vehicleโs owner, the software developer, the manufacturer, or even a third-party maintenance company. In some situations, there may still be a human in the driverโs seat who failed to take control when they should have.
When youโre injured, you donโt need to figure that out alone. Our firm investigates these cases closely, working with accident reconstruction experts and tech specialists to determine exactly what went wrong โ and whoโs liable.
๐ Proving Negligence in a High-Tech Crash
Even though self-driving cars rely on advanced technology, the legal concept of negligence still applies. If the software malfunctions, if the sensors fail to detect a pedestrian, or if the owner misuses the system โ thatโs negligence.
For example, if a Tesla on autopilot drifts out of its lane and hits a cyclist, and the driver wasnโt paying attention or was misusing the system, both the driver and Tesla may share some responsibility. These cases are complex, and they require a legal team that understands both the technology and New Yorkโs liability laws.
๐ถ Pedestrians and Cyclists Still Have Rights
Just because technology is new doesnโt mean your rights go away. If youโre hit by a self-driving vehicle while walking or riding your bike, you may still be entitled to full compensation โ just as you would be if hit by a traditional car.
That can include coverage for:
โข Medical bills and hospital visits
โข Physical therapy or long-term treatment
โข Lost income if you canโt return to work
โข Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
Weโve represented countless New Yorkers who were injured by vehicles, and we know how to build strong claims even when the responsible party isnโt obvious.
๐ ๏ธ Insurance Companies Will Push Back โ So Donโt Go It Alone
One of the biggest hurdles in these cases is dealing with the insurance companies. When thereโs a big corporation or tech company behind the wheel (or lack thereof), they often push back harder. They may claim the crash wasnโt avoidable, deny fault, or offer a settlement far below what you deserve.
Thatโs where we come in. At Lockamy & Associates, we handle all communication with the insurance companies, preserve critical evidence (like onboard data and video footage), and make sure your case is taken seriously from day one.
What to Do If Youโre Hurt in a Self-Driving Car Crash
If youโre involved in an accident with an autonomous vehicle in New York, donโt wait to take action. Here's what we recommend:
โข Get medical attention immediately โ even if you feel fine
โข File a police report and document what you can
โข Take photos of the scene, if youโre able
โข Donโt speak to the vehicle ownerโs insurance company before getting legal advice
Then, contact our office for a free consultation. These cases are new, evolving, and complex โ but weโre here to make sure youโre protected.
Call us today at (212) 931-6363 for a FREE consultation.
