Las Vegas Autonomous Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Las Vegas

The legal ramifications of AVs are still under discussion in the courts. In many ways, it’s the frontier of the legal system. Get help navigating that new unknown territory from Henness & Haight. We challenge the organizations or people who withhold what’s owed to you, as outlined by our law.

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a driverless car in Las Vegas, contact Henness & Haight, autonomous vehicle accident lawyers.

Self-Driving Cars in Las Vegas, Nevada

Autonomous vehicles are picking up speed. The United States has over 1,400 self-driving cars, and over 80 companies are testing AV concepts. Globally, the AV industry grows by 16 percent each year and should hit $37 billion as an industry by 2023. People or companies in North America own 29 percent of the world’s driverless cars.

In Vegas, Tesla vehicles and other self-driving cars are rapidly becoming an everyday sight. Las Vegas is already a hotspot in the AV world after putting Robotaxis into service downtown. Plus, most companies developing autonomous vehicles are based in California; our close proximity to the development of these AVs means the popularity of AVs here will likely continue to grow.

However, more self-driving cars on the road will lead to more driverless car accidents with unprecedented liability questions.

Is “Self-Driving” Safer?

Autonomous vehicles still have some kinks to work out. Driverless cars have a crash rate of 9.1 per million miles driven. Traditional automobiles have a collision rate of 4.1 per million miles driven. These numbers suggest that driverless vehicles have a higher crash rate than regular cars. However, they don’t tell the whole story.

Most crashes involving autonomous vehicles were caused by human drivers hitting the self-driving cars from the rear or the side. When a crash involved an AV and a pedestrian or bicyclist, the pedestrian or bicyclist was at fault. Also, the injuries involved in self-driving car crashes were much less severe than in crashes involving traditional automobiles.

Self-driving cars will likely get safer as they become more widely used and the sensors and technology improve. Eventually, the self-driving cars will be able to communicate with each other, and possibly even the roadway, then make real-time navigation adjustments to avoid collisions.

Who’s to Blame for Autonomous Vehicle Accidents?

When an autonomous vehicle crashes, the law must decide who was responsible for the crash. These cases are less straightforward than regular crashes because one vehicle doesn’t have an identifiable driver.

• If an autonomous vehicle causes an accident, investigators will have many questions.
• Did the other drivers involved do anything to contribute to the collision?
• Was the user of the autonomous vehicle negligent in any way?
• Was there a mechanical failure?
• Is there a flaw in the AV’s design or programming?
• Should there have been government regulations or safety practices that should have prevented the crash?
• Were those regulations and safety practices followed correctly in this case?

The combinations of answers to these questions will help determine who is legally liable for the crash and responsible for paying for the damages it caused.

So far, the users of self-driving cars receive less blame than manufacturers or government entities. In a recent analysis of 396 cases, AV users were attributed low blame, but governments and AV manufacturers were attributed high blame for the accidents involved in the research.

The legal territory involving autonomous cars is still new and developing. Don’t trust your case with an inexperienced attorney. Work with an experienced Las Vegas accident attorney, like those at Henness & Haight. We have the expertise to navigate this new legal landscape and adjust quickly to new developments to get you the compensation you deserve for pain, suffering, and other damages.

What Damages Could Be Recovered Following an Accident with a Self-Driving Car?

Autonomous vehicle crashes can lead to damages and, in some cases, significant injuries.

You’re entitled to compensation for injuries and damages caused by another driver, even if the other car was driving itself. Those damages could include payment for the following conditions and more.

• Emergency medical expenses
• Costs of ongoing treatment or therapy
• Ongoing emotional trauma
• Loss of job or wages caused by injuries
• Repairs to or replacement of your vehicle
• Permanent disability

These are just a few examples of the damages you could receive in a personal injury case. A reasonable accident attorney can help you identify all the damages you should seek in your self-driving car accident claim.

Unprecedented Accidents Require Expert Legal Support

The legal liability of autonomous vehicles is a new and dynamic area of law. Precedents that could significantly affect future cases are still being set with each new claim. This creates a strong feeling of uncertainty among the drivers, insurance companies, and their lawyers. A seasoned legal team is critical for guaranteeing your case isn’t swept under the rug.

Here are just a few ways your Las Vegas car accident attorney may help you navigate this distressing time after an accident:

• Gather evidence that shows the other car was at fault. Official police reports, your own video or photos from the scene, or local security or traffic camera footage can be invaluable in proving the autonomous driving computer failed at the wheel or made a miscalculation.
• Help determine the value of your damages. From car repairs and medical bills to emotional suffering or the wrongful death of a loved one, we help you determine the total and fair compensation you deserve for the pain you’ve endured.
• Draw from their experience in other Las Vegas car accident cases. Choosing a personal injury attorney who has experience working on cases with unclear precedents is essential. Their previous case knowledge will help them understand how to approach your case to achieve the best outcome for you.
• Stand up to the automated driver’s manufacturer, attorney, and insurance company. A self-driving vehicle company, their attorney, and their insurance company will do everything they can to avoid paying you the fair compensation you deserve. A personal injury attorney will know their tactics and ensure you — the victim — are never silenced.
• Be a trusted, confidential legal advocate. Having a trusted lawyer on your side is critical to protecting your rights. You don’t have to be a legal expert or skilled communicator to seek justice. They will give you the facts and offer advice based on what’s best for you. They will speak for you to provide you with the most robust and most compelling representation.

Choose Henness & Haight, The Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in Las Vegas

A severe car accident can leave you physically injured, mentally or emotionally traumatized, and financially insecure. We know what this moment feels like — we’ve helped many Las Vegas victims who have been where you are now. Know that this moment won’t last: help is here.

We are the experienced, professional, and capable legal team ready to stand up for you and your rights. Through careful legal strategy, expert communication, and a strong passion for justice, we will approach your car accident case as if it were our own.

We’re incredibly proud of our settlement results, but we’re even more proud of the testimonials our clients give. Being an advocate for negligence victims drives us; that’s why you can trust that with Henness & Haight, help is here. In your situation, finding the resources to pay for a lawyer should be the least of your worries. Our no-win, no-fee promise means you don’t pay anything out of pocket. A percentage of the settlement we win for you covers our legal fees.

Learn more about our Las Vegas car accident attorneys and see some of our case results, or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

FAQs about Autonomous Vehicle Accidents