The state of Tennessee considers self-driving cars (also known as autonomous vehicles) as motor vehicles that have the ability to drive themselves without any monitoring or physical assistance from a human. While sixteen states have recently approved these self-driving vehicles to legally operate on open roads, many are quite concerned and curious when it comes to the liabilities surrounding these autonomous vehicles. Many states are still working on developing policies to ensure that the proper precautions are taken place before these self-driving cars are allowed to operate on the roads in their region, which makes many question what risks they could pose, and what to do if they become faced with a similar situation.
Where Do I Look for Liability Information?
When it comes to how much coverage a vehicle manufacturer will cover in the event of self-driving collisions or other traffic accidents, there are a few places and possibilities to consider. It is first important to find out if your vehicle’s manufacturer has put out a statement like Volvo, stating that they assume full responsibility for any collisions that happen while one of their self-driving vehicles is on autonomous mode. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers are as generous as Volvo. Some have different terms and conditions when it comes to when they assume any liable responsibility in the event of an accident. For instance, many manufacturer policies claim that they will only cover accidents that occur in autonomous mode when they can ensure that the consumer was in complete compliance safety regulations.
It may seem gracious that these auto manufacturers will consider compensating any damages that occur when the vehicle is in full autonomous mode, but it is important to realize that it’s easier said than done. As a consumer, you would still bear the burden of proof when it comes to your case. It is not always easy to provide solid evidence that a car was operating exactly how it was supposed to during the incident, especially without any human interaction at all. Tennessee typically equips many traffic lights with cameras to catch potential violators operating any motor vehicle, so these could possibly come in handy when proving that the manufacturer is liable and at fault. It is just essential to ensure that you familiarize yourself with the company’s policies on liabilities surrounding traffic accidents so that you can always be prepared for unforeseen events.
What Should I Do If I Was in a Self-Driving Car Accident?
It is important to note that if you find yourself a victim of an autonomous vehicle accident, your case may be considered covered under tort law. If the accident was due to the vehicle malfunctioning in some way that was out of your control, then the manufacturer may provide you with the necessary compensation for any trauma or monetary losses that you’ve suffered. It is also important to review both the manufacturer and insurance policies relevant to your claim in order to see if there is a possibility that they will provide you with liability coverage as a result. Contacting our Tennessee law office will provide you with a sense of direction and support during your liability claim in order to ensure that you receive the fairest jurisdiction in terms of compensation and justice.
