Self-driving cars are becoming more common across Washington State, but determining fault after a crash involving one can be challenging. Responsibility often depends on the cause of the car accident and who had control of the vehicle at the time. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability, including the human operator as well as the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Self-driving cars use advanced technology, but state law still requires a legally responsible party for every vehicle on the road. This means that you likely have legal options available to you after a self-driving car accident in the area.
Determining Liability in Self-Driving Car Crashes
Washington is a fault-based car insurance state, which means the party who caused the collision must pay for the resulting damages. When a self-driving car is involved, investigators will look closely at what went wrong.
Several parties could be held responsible, such as:
- The human operator, if they failed to take control when required
- The vehicle manufacturer, if the crash was caused by an auto defect
- The software developer, if the self-driving system malfunctioned
- A third-party maintenance company, if it failed to update or repair the system properly
These cases often require technical evidence and expert input to determine exactly who is at fault. An experienced autonomous vehicle accident lawyer in Seattle can coordinate these steps while protecting your interests.
Washington’s Comparative Fault Rule
In some situations, fault may be shared among multiple parties. Washington follows a pure comparative negligence statute to address this issue. This framework allows you to recover compensation even if you were partly to blame, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if you were 25% responsible for the collision because you were distracted while driving, your total damages can be reduced by that same percentage. This rule can have a substantial impact on the value of your claim, but a qualified attorney can help you respond to any allegations of shared fault as effectively as possible under the law.
Why You Should Hire a Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer in Washington
Claims involving autonomous vehicles often involve large corporations and insurance companies that want to protect their profits at all costs. Having an experienced attorney on your side is essential to establishing fault and maximizing your compensation in these circumstances.
A self-driving car accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the vehicle’s operating data and sensor logs
- Work with accident reconstruction and engineering experts
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Handle negotiations with insurers and corporate defendants
- File a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t reached
Most Seattle car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless they recover compensation for you.
Contact Seattle Injury Law for a Free Consultation After a Self-Driving Car Accident
If you were injured in a self-driving car crash, you should act quickly to protect your legal rights and options. You only have a limited amount of time to file a claim under state law, and it may take some time to determine your best course of action as well.
Call Seattle Injury Law today to schedule a free case review at (800) 928-5486 or contact us online. We’re ready to get started on your claim right away.
