Most recent data shows that Waymo currently operates around 100 taxis in the Los Angeles area. They travel within a 79-square-mile operatingradius, including Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, downtown L.A., and West Hollywood. Already, the company has logged roughly 1.9 million miles in the area. Despite this success story, there have been some problems with Waymo, and if you have been affected by one of them, you may need the assistance of a Waymo accident lawyer.
Key Takeaways for Waymo Accident Victims
As with any other automobile accident, it is critical to seek medical help immediately after a Waymo autonomous vehicle accident and report it to the police. Because this is still new technology, understanding your legal rights in self-driving car incidents can be complicated. Working with specialized attorneys can help maximize your compensation and ensure your bills get settled.
What Should You Do After Being Injured in a Los Angeles Waymo Autonomous Vehicle Accident?
If you are a passenger, Waymo urges you to prioritize your safety.
- Call 911. It is possible that the vehicle will continue driving until it gets to a location it deems safe. If you were hit by the self-driving vehicle, get to safety quickly.
- Notify Waymo of the collision. You may call at 1-844-263-9885, although Waymo’s technology will likely already have alerted the system to the accident.
- Document the accident. Take photos, get witness contact details, and give a detailed police report.
- Get medical treatment.With adrenaline surging, you might not feel hurt. However, there is a chance that you will experience pain later. Err on the side of caution and get checked out.
- Learn about your options. Before you talk to an insurance company or Waymo representative, understand your legal rights. Contact a Waymo accident lawyer at the MKP Law Group, LLP, by dialing 310-285-5353.
The Legal Landscape of Autonomous Vehicles
The California DMV notes that the legal landscape involving autonomous vehicle accidents is still evolving. The autonomous car is now described as a driverless, light-duty vehicle if it weighs less than 10,001 pounds. Waymo is the trailblazer that has succeeded in taking the idea from concept to a practical application.
Progressive Insurance explains that the industry currently recognizes six levels of self-driving technology, which range from no automation to full automation. Even so, a car accident (even if nobody is driving) still results in potentially disastrous outcomes, which is why our attorneys represent car, ride-share, and autonomous vehicle accident victims. Moreover, because the insurance industry is still in flux over self-driving vehicles, working with someone who knows how to deal with insurers is critical.
Understanding Liability in Self-Driving Car Accidents
Liability in Waymo-related incidents can be confusing. Factors influencing liability include:
- Hardware or software defects that hold manufacturers responsible.
- Sensor manufacturers and carmakers may be held liable for manufacturing defects.
- Maintenance providers may be liable if their actions contributed to a crash.
California’s Autonomous Vehicle Accident Laws
As noted by VEH § 38750, a self-driving car must store sensor data immediately preceding a collision. Manufacturers must maintain a five-million-dollar insurance policy. Unfortunately, there is not a comprehensive federal framework to follow.
Challenges in Proving Fault in Waymo Incidents
Common challenges accident victims face in legal cases focus on who is at fault. As a result, the role of evidence in proving fault is critical for reaching a fair settlement. In the process, expert testimony and analysis regarding hardware or software failures will be critical. Because of these parties involved, liability and insurance may be confusing to determine.
Types of Injuries in Waymo Accidents
As is the case with other types of vehicle accidents, there are copious physical injuries and long-term health consequences that might affect victims. Examples include head, soft tissue, and chest injuries. Additionally, there is a chance of psychological trauma. Because the technology is so new, it is not possible at this time to arrive at an average autonomous vehicle accident settlement amount.
Legal Assistance for Waymo Accident Victims
Because the technology is so new and laws are trying to catch up with it, it is critical for any accident victim to engage the assistance of attorneys with specialized legal expertise. Services provided by Waymo accident lawyers focus on gathering and presenting evidence in court and ensuring that accident victims are treated fairly. Hiring one of our Los Angeles Waymo accident attorneys protects you from dealing with several entities, none of which want to accept responsibility for a crash.
Compensation for Accident Victims
You may be entitled to various types of compensation. Examples include physical and mental damages, medical bills, and lost wages. The process begins with expert negotiation from a position of strength and a subsequent settlement. If this is not possible, attorneys are ready to fight for you in a courtroom.
FAQs
I’ve been in a Waymo accident in Los Angeles. What should I do?
First things first. Get to safety, call for medical assistance, and notify the police.
Who pays for a Waymo autonomous vehicle accident?
It depends on who is at fault. For example, was the accident a software failure, a sensor malfunction, or caused by another driver?
Are Waymo accidents the same as other auto accidents?
No, they are not. The question of liability is far more involved. Moreover, the legal framework is still in its infancy, which makes skilled negotiation so important.
Do not allow yourself to be at the mercy of insurance companies, hardware and software manufacturers, or another driver. The MKP Law Group, LLP, personal injury attorneys routinely work with accident victims just like you, who are looking for a fair settlement. Call us today at 310-285-5353 to schedule a consultation!
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