Self-Driving Attorney New Jersey

With the rapid advancement of autonomous technology, self-driving cars are becoming increasingly prevalent on roads across the United States. Nevertheless, these vehicles bring unique legal and safety challenges, particularly in crashes. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a self-driving car in New Jersey, it’s crucial to consult a self-driving attorney New Jersey residents trust to manage this emerging area of law. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., we specialize in helping clients understand their rights and options in self-driving vehicle cases.

Table Of Content

• What is a Self-Driving Car?
• Self-Driving Statistics
• Is It Legal to Self-Drive in NJ?
• Who Can Be Liable in a Self-Driving Accident?
• Dangers of Self-Driving Cars
• Why Hire a New Jersey Self-Driving Accident Lawyer?
• Contact Us for a Free Consultation

What is a Self-Driving Car?

A self-driving car, also known as an autonomous vehicle, uses a combination of sensors, cameras, artificial intelligence, and complicated algorithms to operate without human intervention. The Society of Automotive Engineers defines five levels of driving automation, ranging from basic driver assistance to full autonomy. Each level represents a different degree of control and independence in the vehicle’s operation:

• Level 0: No Automation—The driver controls all driving tasks. Most traditional vehicles fall into this category, and the driver must operate the car without any assistance from automated systems.
• Level 1: Driver Assistance—Includes adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assistance features. While the car can assist with a single aspect of driving, the driver is still responsible for monitoring the road and controlling most functions.
• Level 2: Partial Automation—Vehicles at this level can manage both steering and acceleration in certain conditions. However, the driver must remain alert and ready to take over at any time. Examples include Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise, which provide some automation but still require human oversight.
• Level 3: Conditional Automation—A Level 3 autonomous vehicle can perform most driving tasks in specific conditions, such as highway driving. Nonetheless, it requires the driver to take control when the system signals. Audi’s Traffic Jam Pilot, available in some markets, is an example of Level 3 automation.
• Level 4: High Automation—At this level, the car can operate autonomously without human intervention, but only within specific environments or conditions, like urban settings or controlled roads. Despite this, the car may not be able to operate in all conditions, such as off-road driving or severe weather.
• Level 5: Full Automation—This represents complete autonomy, where the car can handle all aspects of driving in any environment without human input. Entirely autonomous Level 5 vehicles are not yet available to the public, but companies like Waymo and Tesla are working toward this goal.

These levels help clarify the extent of a vehicle’s self-driving capabilities, which is vital in incident cases to determine if human intervention is required. For instance, in Level 2 or 3 vehicles, the driver is expected to remain engaged, which could influence liability in case of a crash.

Self-Driving Statistics

Self-driving technology promises to improve road safety, yet the statistics present a mixed picture. Industry studies suggest that autonomous vehicles could eventually reduce collisions caused by human error, which accounts for over 90% of crashes. On the other hand, these vehicles are not without risks. In the United States, they have been involved in over 200 reported crashes between 2019 and 2022, with several catastrophes resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.

For instance, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), self-driving vehicles are involved in incidents where human drivers might react differently. In 2021, multiple cases were reported where these test vehicles struggled with unexpected road situations, leading to crashes. These incidents highlight that self-driving technology can reduce specific human errors but may introduce new challenges and risks.

Moreover, reports show that autonomous vehicles perform best in controlled environments, such as highways with clear lane markings and minimal pedestrian traffic. Even so, they still need to overcome significant obstacles in complex urban environments. Factors such as unpredictable pedestrian behavior, construction zones, and tricky intersections can all increase the likelihood of an accident. This underscores the need for continued testing and improvements in self-driving technology before it can be widely trusted on public roads.

Is It Legal to Self-Drive in NJ?

Yes, self-driving cars are permitted in New Jersey, but specific guidelines and limitations exist. Nowadays, New Jersey law does not explicitly ban autonomous vehicles, but it also needs detailed, state-specific regulations governing their use. Unlike states such as California and Arizona, where there are comprehensive autonomous vehicle testing and operational rules, New Jersey has yet to implement its own laws on autonomous cars.

Without detailed state laws, New Jersey follows federal guidelines provided by agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for testing and deploying autonomous vehicles. Additionally, federal legislative efforts, such as the SELF-DRIVE  Act H.R. 3388, aim to create a standardized framework across states to facilitate the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles. While the SELF DRIVE Act is not yet law, it represents a significant step toward cohesive federal regulations that would guide states, including New Jersey, on safety standards and liability for self-driving technology.

The state legislators closely monitor developments at the federal level and are expected to consider state-specific regulations as autonomous technology becomes more prevalent. In the meantime, the presence of a human operator is generally required in self-driving cars within the state to ensure safety and compliance with federal standards.

Who Can Be Liable in a Self-Driving Accident?

Determining liability in these cases is far more complex than in traditional car incidents. Several parties could be liable, depending on the cause of the crash:

• Vehicle Manufacturer: If a malfunction in the vehicle’s self-driving system is found to be the cause of the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable. For instance, in cases where software fails to identify objects or pedestrians correctly, the manufacturer’s responsibility could be questioned. The increasing complication of these systems means that manufacturers must rigorously test and maintain their software to prevent errors.
• Technology Providers: Autonomous vehicles rely on various third-party technologies, such as GPS, radar, and LiDAR sensors. If any of these systems malfunction, the technology provider could be held responsible. For example, if a sensor fails to detect a stop sign, causing the vehicle to proceed unlawfully, the sensor manufacturer might share liability.
• Human Driver: In Level 2 and Level 3 self-driving vehicles, the driver is still expected to oversee the vehicle’s operation and take control if necessary. Drivers who neglect to intervene in an emergency may bear partial or complete liability. This is particularly relevant in cars marketed as semi-autonomous, where the human driver might overestimate the vehicle’s capabilities and remain attentive.
• Other Drivers or Pedestrians: Sometimes, the actions of other individuals on the road contribute to an accident. For example, if a human-driven car runs a red light, causing a collision with an autonomous vehicle, the human driver may be primarily at fault. Liability could also extend to pedestrians if they act recklessly, such as by jaywalking in front of a self-driving car.

Each self-driving car accident presents unique circumstances, and liability may be shared among multiple parties. Given the technological and legal intricacies, working with a knowledgeable attorney is essential to identify and pursue claims against all responsible entities.

Dangers of Self-Driving Cars

Although self-driving technology is designed to reduce accidents, there are inherent risks associated with these vehicles. Some of the main dangers include:

• Software Malfunctions: These vehicles rely on detailed software to make critical driving decisions. A bug or malfunction in this software could lead to devastating accidents. In one case, a self-driving car misidentified a cyclist as a stationary object, resulting in a collision. Such incidents highlight the limitations of current technology and the potential dangers if the software fails to interpret the driving environment accurately.
• Sensor Limitations: Self-driving cars use multiple sensors, including cameras, radar, and LiDAR, to understand their surroundings. Regardless, these sensors can struggle in certain conditions, such as fog, heavy rain, or snow. A vehicle might fail to detect an obstacle or misinterpret road markings, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
• Human Interaction Challenges: Autonomous vehicles operate according to programmed rules, which can make them unpredictable in situations involving human drivers. For example, self-driving cars might hesitate at four-way stops or struggle with lane merging when other drivers act assertively. These situations can lead to misunderstandings and accidents, as human drivers may not anticipate the autonomous vehicle’s programmed behavior.
• Lack of Regulatory Standards: These vehicles are still relatively new, and laws governing their use vary widely between states. This legal uncertainty complicates accident claims, as liability can be difficult to assign when laws are inconsistent or unclear. Without federal standards, each case involving a self-driving car can result in unique legal challenges, leaving victims unsure of their rights and options.

These risks show why autonomous technology must continue evolving before self-driving cars are fully integrated into our transportation system. Until then, understanding and mitigating these dangers is essential for anyone involved in a self-driving vehicle incident.

Why Hire a New Jersey Self-Driving Accident Lawyer?

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a self-driving car, dealing with the legal intricacies can be overwhelming. Here’s why hiring a self-driving lawyer with expertise in self-driving vehicle cases is essential:

• Understanding of Autonomous Technology: Self-driving car accidents require a deep understanding of the technology involved. An experienced attorney will know how autonomous systems work and can identify potential points of failure in the vehicle’s software or hardware. This knowledge is crucial for building a solid case, especially when determining liability.
• Expertise in Product Liability: These cars often involve multiple parties, including manufacturers, software developers, and component suppliers. A qualified lawyer will have experience handling product liability claims, which is common in autonomous vehicle cases. They can help ensure that all liable parties are held accountable, whether a defect in the car’s design or a malfunction in its self-driving software.
• Navigating Complex Insurance Claims: Insurance coverage for self-driving car accidents can be challenging, as insurance policies may differ between traditional and autonomous vehicles. A knowledgeable attorney can manage these nuances and work to maximize your compensation. They can also assist if an insurance company tries to deny your claim based on technicalities unique to autonomous technology.
• Guidance on New Jersey Law: Since New Jersey’s laws regarding self-driving cars are still developing, a local attorney with expertise in this area will be well-versed in both state regulations and federal guidelines. This knowledge provides accurate legal advice specific to New Jersey, enhancing your chances of a favorable outcome.
• Investigation and Evidence Collection: Autonomous vehicle accidents require a thorough investigation, including retrieving data from the car’s system, analyzing software logs, and reviewing sensor data. An experienced self-driving attorney in New Jersey will know how to gather this technical evidence, which can be crucial in proving your case.

At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., we are committed to representing clients involved in self-driving car accidents throughout New Jersey.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

A self-driving car accident can leave you facing complicated legal and technical challenges. Navigating liability issues, insurance claims, and emerging laws around autonomous vehicles requires experience and insight. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., our team has the expertise to understand the unique aspects of self-driving accident cases and is ready to advocate for your rights. Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us at (201) 588-1500 or contact us today for a free consultation.

Let Us Fight For You

Need Help? Contact us 24/7

Free Consultation (800) 616-2916

New York & New Jersey Personal Injury & Litigation Lawyers