As North Carolina and other states embrace self-driving vehicles, we know that liability becomes more complex, requiring experienced legal representation.
Reach out to Riddle & Riddle for expert guidance on a wide range of truck accident lawsuits.
At Riddle & Riddle, we offer dedicated, aggressive representation for individuals who have been injured in car accidents including collisions with self-driving automobiles.
Are Driverless Vehicles Legal in North Carolina?
In November 2021, Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina signed House Bill 814 into law authorizing the use of “neighborhood occupantless vehicles.” These vehicles are designed to be operated without a driver and are described as “low-speed” and “fully autonomous.”
While there are certain restrictions, neighborhood occupantless vehicles authorized under House Bill 814 are able to operate on streets and highways throughout the state where the speed limit is 45 mph or less.
Have Self-Driving Trucks Been Involved in Accidents?
While self-driving trucks are a clear part of our future, they are not free from controversy. Not too long ago, rideshare giant Uber temporarily suspended its automated program after a pedestrian was struck and killed by a self-driving vehicle.
As reported by NBC News, the National Traffic Safety Board found that the automation failed to account for pedestrians walking outside of a crosswalk. A backup human operator was distracted at the time of the accident and did not intervene quickly enough.
Uber ultimately settled out of court with the family of the pedestrian killed by its self-driving vehicle. Less than a year after that fatal accident, the company resumed testing of its automated program.
Who Is Liable in a Driverless Truck Accident?
Liability in a driverless truck accident depends on the specific facts of the case, since litigation regarding self-driving automobiles is still in its infancy and courts are still working out how liability applies to these vehicles. Because this remains a complicated legal issue, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal advice immediately if you are involved in a collision with a driverless truck.
Parties that may be held liable in a self-driving vehicle accident include:
- A safety operator (currently, most driverless vehicles have a human backup driver)
- The maker or manufacturer of the vehicle
- The software developer
- The delivery company or owner of the vehicle
- A part manufacturer
An attorney can help you understand your rights after an auto accident and determine who should be held liable for your injuries.
Without the help of a lawyer, you may not receive the compensation that you deserve.
Hiring a Driverless Truck Accident Attorney
When you are hurt in an accident, you need experience you can trust. Our legal team has over 171+ years of combined experience, recovering more than $900 million for our clients since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below).
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
