July 18, 2025 | Car Accident
These days, many have become fascinated with the idea of autonomous vehicles. Not only can these bring a sense of independence and increased mobility to those who cannot drive, but they can also bring environmental and traffic management benefits.
However, adhering to road safety with self-driving cars has proven to be tricky, and dozens of accidents occur every month. In 2024 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a total of 544 crashes involving Level One automated driving system-equipped vehicles (those that assist with acceleration or braking). Another 825 accidents occurred involving Level Two advanced driver assistance system-equipped vehicles.
Self-driving cars, therefore, can be just as dangerous as they are intriguing for passengers, pedestrians, and others on the road. Consider the following reasons why self-driving cars can be hazardous, as well as what to do if you are ever involved in an accident with an autonomous vehicle.
Vulnerabilities in the System Logic
Just like a real driver, autonomous vehicles must be able to take in information from their surroundings and make decisions with a split second’s notice. While it would seem that intricate computer systems would make the task easy and fool-proof, research indicates that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. In many cases, self-driving vehicles can exhibit strange driving behaviors that impact both the flow of traffic and citizen safety. For example, studies have shown that vehicles may stop short in an attempt to avoid hitting objects it perceives to be in its path, even if those objects are actually on the side of the road. In other cases, vehicles can fail to properly recognize road hazards or pedestrians in crosswalks and take appropriate actions (such as making a turn or lane change), leading to potential car accidents. Since the autonomous vehicle is totally reliant on the computer system that “drives” it, the car’s behavior is completely subject to any faulty logic that may be present.
Lack of Vehicle Security Measures
In addition to malfunctions and vulnerabilities, the computer systems in self-driving vehicles can be hacked by bad actors. These cars collect personal information about their passengers, including names, addresses, destinations, and details of their general whereabouts while on the road. In the wrong hands, that data can lead to identity theft and similarly harmful crimes. Additionally, there may be concerns about hackers overriding controls to redirect vehicles or cause car accidents. Not only can that lead to unsafe conditions for autonomous vehicle passengers, but it can also cause wider traffic safety issues.
Ambiguities About Car Accident Liability
There is often confusion about what to do in the event of an accident involving a self-driving car. It can be difficult to determine what caused the crash, and laws surrounding liability for injuries and property damage are still evolving. Because the technology is still new, drivers may not understand the legal standard for assigning blame. Unfortunately, that can make it quite difficult to navigate the insurance claims process, as insurance companies may try to deny payment. Ultimately, that leads to significant frustration and potentially hinders drivers from paying medical bills or making up for lost wages as a result of an accident.
An Attorney Can Help in the Aftermath of an Accident
The technology behind self-driving cars is undoubtedly intriguing, but car accident statistics show that there are still many drawbacks to allowing these vehicles on the road. Chief among these is the fact that they represent a safety hazard for everyone involved. If you’ve been involved in an accident with an autonomous vehicle, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a car accident attorney as soon as possible. Instead of attempting to navigate these confusing circumstances alone, a lawyer can help you determine fault and liability, understand what rights you have, and map out a viable path forward. Reach out to Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, today to schedule a free consultation with a Nashville car accident lawyer.
Contact Our Car Accidents Law Firm in Kentucky Today To Get More Information
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Lexington or Bowling Green, please contact our car accident lawyers at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a free case evaluation.
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