Self-driving cars and self-driving big rig trucks, once something you only saw in sci-fi movies, are no longer fiction. You may have even shared the road with one or two. Despite the high-tech features and precision sensors, some accidents in North Carolina are actually linked to these cars. But when it comes to liability, it is harder to prove how much such advanced vehicles are responsible.
What counts as “self-driving” in today’s world
The majority of the self-driving vehicles you see on the road are driver-assist or semi-autonomous systems. This means that a driver still needs to be present in case something malfunctions. Although there are fully autonomous trucks now, they are still rare, and you have probably never encountered one.
Known incidents
North Carolina has several documented instances of self-driving cars in accidents. Some of them include the following:
- A Tesla crashed into a police vehicle in Charlotte. The Tesla car failed to maintain lane control and slammed into the cruiser. Police confirmed that all drivers involved demonstrated no impairment when screened.
- Another Tesla hit a 17-year-old student exiting a school bus in Halifax County. The investigation showed that the vehicle was operating on partial autopilot.
One of the challenges in these accidents is establishing fault, but it is not entirely impossible.
What makes pinning responsibility difficult in these accidents
The problem with these vehicles is that operation is not entirely dependent on the driver present. If the car is in autopilot mode, the crash can be technically considered the system’s fault and, by extension, the fault of the software makers and manufacturers. These cars are also not 100% accurate. There have been instances where the display would misinterpret obstacles on the road.
What to do if you were in a crash
The process is no different from driving a traditional vehicle. You need to secure photos, footage and data logs from your car to support your claim. Make sure you report the accident and provide a detailed narrative to the police. If you feel overwhelmed, consider consulting a lawyer who has handled autonomous/tech-involved crash cases.
Stay alert and stay safe
The innovative features of self-driving vehicles can reduce accidents, but you should not fully rely on them. Just like any other smart device you own, even the most advanced ones will get a hiccup every now and then. Courts are still figuring out how to assign fault as men and machines share the road. Until then, make sure you know your rights if you are ever in a crash involving a self-driving car or truck.
