The Rise of Autonomous Vehicles and the Safety Questions They Raise

Understanding Legal Rights After an Autonomous Vehicle Collision or Pedestrian Accident in New York

Autonomous vehicles are no longer confined to science fiction. Tech companies and automakers have already deployed thousands of these vehicles across select U.S. cities, including test fleets and robotaxis. While the promise of fewer accidents and greater efficiency drives this innovation forward, the actual crash statistics tell a different story. New York residents should be especially cautious, as AVs continue expanding into urban areas.

Although AVs may eventually reduce traffic fatalities, current safety data shows a higher collision rate compared to traditional vehicles. This raises serious concerns for pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. If an autonomous vehicle hits a person or another car, the legal issues become complex, but that doesn’t mean victims are without recourse. Those injured by an AV may have a valid personal injury claim, even if no human driver was at the wheel.

Autonomous Vehicle Crash Statistics: How AVs Compare to Human Drivers

In 2023, California reported 132 crashes involving AVs over 9 million test miles, a crash rate of 14.6 per million vehicle miles traveled. That figure is significantly higher than the national average for human-driven vehicles, which sits at just 1.9 crashes per million miles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Critics argue that part of this disparity stems from stricter reporting standards. Every minor scrape involving an AV must be documented. Still, even with that caveat, the data suggests that self-driving cars are not yet safe enough for broad deployment. Accidents involving AVs have resulted in injuries to pedestrians and drivers alike. Some incidents include vehicles failing to detect jaywalkers or improperly reacting to bicycles or emergency scenes.

Technology Limitations and the Legal Gray Areas

When a human driver causes an accident, liability usually rests with the individual or their insurance provider. With an autonomous vehicle, however, determining fault is far more complex. Liability may fall on the company operating the AV fleet, the vehicle manufacturer, or even a software developer. New York courts are just beginning to address how these unique accidents will be handled.

For example, if a software glitch caused a vehicle to strike a pedestrian, the injury victim might be able to bring a product liability lawsuit against the company responsible for the code. If a vehicle’s sensor failed to detect an obstacle, that may indicate a design defect. When companies deploy AVs without adequate safety precautions, they could also face negligence claims.

What To Do If You’ve Been Injured by an Autonomous Vehicle in New York

If you or a family member has been injured in a crash involving an autonomous vehicle, acting quickly is important. The steps you take in the days and weeks following the incident can affect your ability to bring a successful claim:

1. Seek Medical Treatment: Always get immediate medical care. Your health is the top priority, and medical records will be essential in proving your injuries.
2. Document the Scene: If possible, take photos or videos of the scene, including the AV, any traffic signals, injuries, and nearby witnesses.
3. Get the AV’s Information: Autonomous vehicles should have identifying data such as the company name and a contact number. If there’s a human safety driver present, gather their insurance and contact details.
4. Report the Accident: Call the police and make sure an official report is filed.
5. Call a Personal Injury Lawyer: These cases involve complex laws, corporate defendants, and high stakes. An attorney can help preserve evidence and identify all liable parties.

Manufacturers and Operators Must Be Held Accountable

Tech companies and AV fleet operators owe a duty of care to the public. If they deploy vehicles that cannot safely interact with pedestrians, respond to traffic signals, or navigate urban streets, they must be held accountable. Just like defective car parts can give rise to product liability claims, unsafe autonomous technology can and should be subject to legal action when it harms innocent people.

It is not enough for companies to apologize or issue a recall after someone is injured. Victims deserve compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation needs. Wrongful death claims may also arise when AV accidents result in fatalities.

The Future of Self-Driving Cars and What It Means for New York

Autonomous vehicles may eventually improve road safety, but that future is not guaranteed. Policymakers, safety regulators, and courts must continue to scrutinize the technology and hold companies accountable for harm. Until AVs can meet or exceed human safety benchmarks, their use in densely populated areas like New York City should be viewed with caution.

Residents, pedestrians, and delivery workers are especially vulnerable to misjudged maneuvers, faulty sensors, and flawed software. Victims of AV crashes in New York have legal rights, and filing a claim could help create a safer path forward for everyone.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you or someone you love has been hurt by an autonomous vehicle, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Parker Waichman LLP is actively investigating claims involving AV-related crashes and pedestrian injuries in New York. Our attorneys will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and fight for full compensation.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for your free consultation today. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide car accident injury law firm is ready to assist you.