Driverless cars have been promised technology for decades, but until recently only existed in the world of science fiction. With nearly every major car manufacturer working to turn this electric sheep into a reality, it seems increasingly likely that drivers will share the roads with fully autonomous vehicles in the not too distant future. This new technology invites questions around liability and security — who is liable when an autonomous vehicle causes an accident, and are these vehicles vulnerable to outside interference?
The simple answer is yes, driverless cars can be hacked. However, autonomous vehicles aren’t alone in this cybersecurity risk. Nearly every car has some level of automation built in — even cars made in the 1950s had some form of automation, like cruise control or antilock brakes. The biggest differences in more modern cars are the number of systems that rely on automation — lane departure and collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, etc. — and internet connectivity. Anything that can connect to the internet, or can be interacted with via wireless signal has the potential risk of being targeted by outside interference.
This isn’t a new threat either. Nearly a decade ago, Wired released a video showing how a Jeep could be remotely accessed and have its key systems shut down. These types of risks, along with the developing nature of the technology, are why every vehicle requires the full attention of a driver, even if the vehicle is theoretically capable of full automation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Driverless Car Accident?
If you are the victim of a car crash caused by a driverless vehicle, it may seem more complicated to determine who can be held at fault than in an accident involving a more traditional vehicle. However, even if the car is effectively “driving itself,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) still requires every vehicle on the road to be operated — or in the case of autonomous vehicles, monitored — by a fully attentive driver. Even if a sensor error technically caused the collision, it is still the responsibility of the driver to step in and prevent the crash.
However, because accidents involving driverless cars tend to be the result of a systems failure, sensor malfunction, or other technological mishap, you may also be able to file a lawsuit against the vehicle manufacturer in order to secure the maximum compensation possible. In cases where the vehicle’s systems were hacked or otherwise tampered with, you and/or the defense will likely need to be able to prove outside influence in order to shift liability to that party or parties. As this is an emerging technology with less precedent to go on, your attorney will prove to be an invaluable resource when crafting your case and determining what legal options you have available.
As more autonomous vehicles are introduced to the roads, it’s important to know what steps you can take if one causes an accident. If you were injured by an autonomous vehicle, whether or not it was hacked, an experienced autonomous car accident lawyer can help you determine what your options are. At Thomas Law Offices, our firm has years of experience handling all types of car accident cases, and we’re ready to put that knowledge to use fighting for the compensation you deserve. Give us a call to discuss your case today, or send us your information through our online form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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