I Was Injured in a Self-Driving Car Accident: Do I Have Legal Options? By Larry A. Tawwater on August 03, 2023

If you’ve been in a serious car accident in Oklahoma City, OK, you’ll usually sue the driver behind the wheel of the other vehicle. But let’s say you were hit by a self-driving vehicle. Who would you take legal action against in that scenario?

The answer is not always cut and dry.

The Tawwater Law Firm can help anyone who was hit by a self-driving car. Let’s go over some basic facts about autonomous vehicles in Oklahoma and then consider your legal options in self-driving car crashes.

Are Autonomous Vehicles Legal in Oklahoma?

Yes, self-driving vehicles are legal in the Sooner State.

In 2022, Senate Bill 1541 legalized the use of autonomous vehicles on all Oklahoma roadways. The law applies to both commuter vehicles as well as commercial vehicles that use self-driving technology.

If I Was Hit by a Self-Driving Vehicle, Who Is Liable?

This really depends on the nature of the collision and why it happened. Obviously a police report and accident investigation will help establish cause, but let’s go over some common parties who may be considered liable for these types of crashes.

The Person Behind the Wheel

If a self-driving vehicle has different levels of control, the person behind the wheel could be held liable for a crash. In these cases, the vehicle would still require a driver to at least monitor the road and be able to intervene and make decisions that would prevent a collision.

The Maker of the Self-Driving Vehicle

For fully autonomous vehicles, the manufacturer and designer of the self-driving car may be legally liable for any crashes that occur. There may be flaws in the design of the driving system that fail to detect nearby vehicles and pedestrians, or defects in the way the vehicle responds to hazards on the road.

Taking on automakers can be challenging, which is why it’s crucial to have a skilled product liability and injury attorney on your side.

Other Drivers on the Road

Sometims the fault of an accident has nothing to do with an autonomous vehicle per se but another motorist. Someone who swerves or drives erratically could cause an autonomous vehicle to veer out of its lane and cause a crash. The reckless driver can be held accountable for contributing to a collision.

Local Authorities and Municipalities

When poor infrastructure and road design lead to dangerous driving conditions, the local municipality may be held liable for their role in a crash. This includes everything from faulty traffic signals to a lack of proper lighting.

How Our Law Firm Can Help You

If you’ve been in a crash, our Oklahoma City law firm can determine what your legal options are.

We can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to seek damages for injuries and property damage. If you have lost a loved one in a crash with a self-driving vehicle, we can help you file a wrongful death claim against the liable party to cover funeral expenses and the emotional pain of losing a loved one.