Michigan Car Accidents Involving Teslas and Other Self-Driving Vehicles
There have been many technological advancements in the motor vehicle industry, especially those involving self-driving vehicles. Autonomous vehicles, such as the self-driving Tesla, presents consumers with economic shifts and industrial changes. Although there are positive environmental and societal impacts of the state’s early adoption of these innovations, these vehicles pose many dangers to Michigan motorists. Those who suffer injuries in a Michigan accident involving a self-driving vehicle should consult an attorney to address their right to recovery.
A self-driving car is an autonomous or automated vehicle that can sense its environment and operate without a human driver. These vehicles use sensors, algorithms, actuators, and other sophisticated processors to detect their surroundings. Manufacturers market self-driving cars as a safer alternative to human drivers. However, these vehicles are still in their infancy and have shown that they pose significant dangers to anyone in their vicinity.
For instance, recently, a national news source reported that the federal road safety agency is investigating a recent Michigan Tesla crash. The federal government is involved because the accident included a state police vehicle. According to reports, a state trooper parked on the side of a highway while he was investigating a deer crash. The 22-year-old in the self-driving Tesla slammed into the police vehicle. Law enforcement issued the driver traffic citations for failing to move over and driving with a suspended license.
Typically, Michigan car accident victims can recover damages against the at-fault driver or entity. However, these cases involve evolving complex liability issues. Issues surround the amount of control the driver had over the autonomous vehicle and whether they can rely on the manufacturer’s claims to avoid liability. Similarly, manufacturers may refute liability claims by arguing that the driver maintained ultimate responsibility for safely operating the car. These competing defenses may put accident victims in a legal tailspin.
To address the challenges, these cases pose, Michigan injury victims should contact an attorney to discuss their rights and remedies. Generally, after an accident, victims may pursue economic and non-economic damages against the liable party. There may be more than one liable party in these cases as both the driver and manufacturer may each hold responsibility for the accident. Damages in these cases often involve medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and funeral and burial expenses.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Michigan Car Accident?
If you have been involved in an accident with a negligent driver, the Neumann Law Group attorneys can help. Our office attorneys have a long history of providing Michigan car accident victims with excellent representation in their personal injury claims. We handle an array of Michigan accident claims, including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability cases, defective product claims, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and more. Our attorneys keep apprised of the evolving technological advancements and legal changes that may impact Michigan plaintiffs. We have successfully handled the most challenging cases and recovered damages for our clients. Contact our law firm at 800-525-6386 to schedule a free initial consultation with a Michigan injury attorney at our office.
