Over the last few decades, our society has developed incredible new technology that we use every day. Not only have we seen this in how we communicate, but also in how we travel. Our cars and motorized vehicles continue to jump in advancements annually. Self-driving cars are one of the recent inventions emerging in the motorized vehicle industry.
While manufacturers are still far from having completely motorized vehicles, some have systems to keep vehicles at a certain speed or within a lane. Cars can even detect and warn the driver about the proximity of another vehicle. There are many ways technology is walking along the path of self-optimized vehicles. However, with these new inventions, many wonder who would be held at fault in the event of an accident.
Who Is Responsible for a Self-Driving Vehicle Accident in Oregon?
Our current self-driving technology can still not fully control the car without the driver. Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD) technology requires the driver to be in their seat while the vehicle drives, allowing the driver to stop the vehicle in case of accidents or if the system malfunctions.
If a self-driving vehicle crashes into you, the driver is often at fault for the accident. However, if there are malfunctions with the vehicle’s FSD system or other components, you may also hold the manufacturers at fault for the damage.
How to Calculate Your Car Accident Damages
When you’re in an accident with a self-driving vehicle, you may suffer severe injuries and property damage. If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, you have the right to hold them responsible for the damages you incur. The following are the types of damages you may recover with the experienced legal representation:
Economic Damages
Also referred to as special damages, economic damages are those verifiable through monetary losses. Consider the following examples:
- Hospital bills
- Treatment and medical costs
- Medication fees
- Lost income or wages
- Property damage or lost property
- Other financial losses due to the accident
Keeping copies of receipts and bills is essential when calculating economic losses. Your lawyer will also work with you to gather and properly store your important financial documents.
Non-Economic Damages
An accident can cause non-physical damages that affect you just as much as physical injuries or monetary losses. Non-economic damages are harder to prove and often don’t have paperwork that showcases the losses you suffer. The following are a few examples of non-economic damages you may suffer after an accident:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental illness
- Loss of Enjoyment
- Loss of companionship
Severe injuries may limit your ability to enjoy the activities and events you once loved. Just because there are no documented expenses does not mean that non-economic damages don’t cause significant harm.
Punitive Damages
When the individual responsible for the accident acts extremely reckless, the judge may wish to punish the defendant for their negligent behavior. The compensation you receive from the judge punishing the individual for their carelessness is called punitive damages.
After suffering severe injuries in an accident with a self-driving vehicle, speak with your accident lawyer as soon as possible. They’ll be able to navigate you through the complex process.
Contact a Professional Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer
You have the right to seek compensation for your losses. The medical, emotional, and financial losses may impact your recovery. Our compassionate Rizk Law lawyers have years of experience protecting our clients’ rights. We work to make our communities better and are prepared to fight for our clients.
With our resources and knowledge, you’ll have representation that you can trust. Schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers by calling (503) 245-5677 or fill out our contact form today.
