What Happens When Driving Assist Causes a Car Accident?
Driving assist features are becoming increasingly common in new cars. These features include lane-departure warnings, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control. While they are designed to make driving safer, they can also cause accidents. The problem is that drivers cannot determine when the features are working and when they are not.
In some cases, drivers may be held liable for accidents when these features are activated. This is because drivers are expected to be in control of their vehicles at all times. However, there are a lot of grey areas related to such accidents, and you may need to work with a Tucson Car Accident Attorney when filing a claim.
Who Is Liable For the Accident?
If you are using a driving assist feature and it causes an accident, you may be held liable for the damages. However, it is not always clear who might be responsible for these accidents. For example, if your car is in self-driving mode (an automated or autonomous mode) and another vehicle rear-ends yours, you likely won’t be held liable. However, if you are in manual mode and cause an accident, you may be held responsible.
There are a few things to consider when determining liability in these accidents. For example, did the driver activate the driving assist feature? Was the feature working correctly at the time of the accident? How much experience does the driver have with using the feature?
If you are in a situation where you think you may be held liable for an accident, it is best to speak with a car accident lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and the next steps you need to take.
When Does Product Liability Come In?
In some cases, the driver may not be held liable for an accident with a driving assist feature. Instead, the manufacturer of the car may be held responsible. These features are considered products, and they must meet specific safety standards. If they do not meet these standards, the manufacturer can be liable for any damages.
How Can An Attorney Help You?
When a driving assist feature causes a car accident, it can be challenging to determine who is liable for the damages. However, if you have been hurt in a car accident caused by this feature or another product defect, you should speak with an attorney. An attorney will help you understand your rights and win compensation on your behalf.
They can also help you file a lawsuit against the car manufacturer or the driving assist feature. This can help ensure that you get the money you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
To summarize, driving assist features have helped improve car safety, but they do not stop accidents from happening. If you get into an accident caused by a driving assist feature, liability depends on various factors. The car or driving assist feature manufacturer may be held liable if their products do not meet the set standards. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and file a lawsuit against the manufacture to get compensation.