Since the state allowed them in 2017, self-driving and semi-autonomous cars have become common throughout Texas. Unfortunately, the increased presence of these vehicles means autonomous vehicle accidents are on the rise. These self-driving car accidents involve complex legal challenges, so knowing how to protect your rights after a collision is vital. These steps explain what to do after a self-driving car accident:
- Ensure safety and check for injuries.
Staying safe after a crash is your top priority. Moving away from traffic or hazards is vital for preventing further harm, while checking for injuries helps ensure that anyone who is hurt receives immediate help. Even seemingly minor injuries can worsen over time, so getting prompt medical attention protects your health. Seeing a doctor also creates essential medical records to support a legal claim. - Call 911 and request a police report.
The police can secure the scene, gather witness accounts, and record critical details. Additionally, the police report can provide an objective record of the accident, which you can use if the person who caused the crash refuses to take responsibility. - Take photos and video of the scene and vehicles involved.
Detailed visual evidence can help you capture the conditions at the time of the crash, including the resulting vehicle damage, weather, road hazards, and vehicle positions. This documentation can prove how the collision occurred, especially if the other party changes their story later. Multiple angles of the crash and close-up photos strengthen the accuracy of your evidence. - Note if the vehicle was in autonomous mode.
Identifying who’s responsible for accidents caused by self-driving cars can be complicated, and whether a self-driving system was active at the time can indicate who is liable. Recording this detail right away helps investigators and legal professionals understand whether human error, system failure, or both played a role in the crash. - Get contact info from witnesses and other drivers.
Witness statements can provide unbiased accounts that support your claim. Immediately collecting witness contact details helps ensure you can contact them before their memories fade, giving you a stronger case if the liable party disputes what happened. - Preserve any dashcam or vehicle footage, if available.
Video evidence can capture details the human eye might miss, including the vehicles’ speeds before a crash, the traffic signals at the time, and the drivers’ behavior. Saving this data prevents it from being lost or overwritten.
Speak with a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Today If You Were Injured in a Crash Involving a Self-Driving Vehicle
Attorney Troy Burch of Burch Law Firm has represented injured people in New Braunfels for over 30 years, helping them recover millions of dollars. Our legal team knows what you’re going through and the difference a fair settlement can make after a crash.
We can investigate the crash and document your injuries, seeking to hold whoever’s responsible for the collision accountable. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Texas.
