Texas Autonomous Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Technological advances have resulted in concerns and issues that, even a decade ago, would have seemed nonsensical. Years ago the idea of an autonomous vehicle was limited to fictional media set far in the future. Today, the use of these vehicles has skyrocketed and they have become a somewhat regular presence on the roads throughout the state. Because they are regular users of our roads and highways, it is not surprising that the number of accidents involving them have increased.

While the answer to this question varies depending upon the circumstances of the incident, navigating the associated legal process is nothing less than challenging, especially because the laws are relatively new and always changing. In situations like this, engaging a knowledgeable and experienced autonomous vehicle accident lawyer is crucial. As a layperson, you likely don’t have the technical knowledge, time, or experience to appropriately handle the case alone.

Our EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY team understands the intricacies in cases of this type and knows how to address them. We place a high priority on keeping current with regard to changes in the law and in the environment in which we live. This dedication, combined with our years of experience handling automobile accident and personal injuries cases, positions us well to help our clients who have been involved in accidents with self-driving vehicles. Contact us today at (512) 732-2727 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can support you.

Why Choose EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY as Your  Texas Autonomous Vehicle Accident Lawyers

We Prioritize Keeping Pace with Technology and the Law

While autonomous vehicles are supposed to be safer than those driven by humans, accidents still occur. After all, sometimes people make bad decisions — they drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, text while behind the wheel, and operate their vehicles erratically. These concerns are unnecessary with self-driving vehicles. That said, conditions do arise where immediate adjustments become necessary, and automated vehicles simply don’t have the ability to make these changes. When this happens, drivers of other vehicles and even pedestrians can be injured. Our team is well-versed in this new technology and the laws governing it. Many in Texas involved in these unfortunate accidents reach out to us for help in obtaining compensation for their damages. Consider why:

• Seasoned Leadership: Our firm is comprised of a team of dedicated professionals led by Attorney Chip Evans.
• Extensive Experience: For more than two decades, we have been successfully negotiating and litigating personal injury claims resulting from automobile accidents.
• Commitment to Keeping Current: We place a high priority on staying up to date on advances in technology, its impact on the public, and the laws governing it. We know how to manage autonomous vehicle accident cases.
• First-hand Knowledge: Our experience negotiating and litigating cases in Texas has provided us with hands-on experience in the local court systems; we know how they operate and we have established working relationships with insurance company representatives, other attorneys, and judges.
• Hands-on Approach to Service: We recognize the stress associated with vehicular accidents and pride ourselves on treating each client with the compassion and respect they deserve.

We know that every case is unique; thus we take the time necessary to make sure we understand the intricacies of each situation. This and our commitment to regular and responsive communication are just some of the reasons for our reputation for success.

Providing Comprehensive Service

Representation  from Start to Finish Is Our Commitment to You

Vehicular accidents can be traumatizing; the resulting injuries are painful and damages costly.  In cases like this, personal injury lawsuits filed against the negligent party can provide much-needed financial relief. But when your accident was the fault of an autonomous vehicle, even knowing where to begin can be confusing. After all, who actually was driving?  Does this mean you have to shoulder the associated costs, even when the accident was not your fault? The answer is no — you do have recourse. But you need to engage an experienced autonomous accident lawyer to help. Our team knows how to handle these situations.  When you engage us, you can rely on us to handle the entirety of your case.  We will:

• Meet with you, at no cost, to understand the specifics of your accident.
• Review all accident reports and evidence.
• Conduct our own investigation, which includes personally interviewing witnesses.
• Identify the at-fault parties (there may be more than one).
• Manage all paperwork, including filing all legal documents.
• Identify, calculate and substantiate all damages (including those which will extend into the future).
• Engage expert witnesses when required.
• Negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
• Build your case to prove negligence.
• Represent you in court, if necessary.

Because we take complete ownership of the legal process, you can focus your efforts on your recovery. That said, you will never be kept in the dark as to our progress. Part of our service approach mandates regular communication. Additionally, we have an open door policy; if you have questions or concerns, you should always contact us immediately.  We are here for you throughout the course of your legal journey.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY Self-Driving Car Accident Attorney Shares Common Concerns

It should come as no surprise that individuals involved in accidents with autonomous vehicles have a lot of questions. While many of these concerns are very specific to their incident, injury and damages, others are of a more general nature. Below we have shared several of these along with our responses.

What is an autonomous vehicle? 

The United States Department of Transportation recognizes 6 levels of automated vehicles (level 0, which is fully manual,  through level 5, which is defined as fully autonomous).  While these vehicles rely primarily on machine-learning systems and artificial intelligence in order to operate, the majority require some human interaction as well.

What is an example of an autonomous vehicle?

As technology continues to advance we will see more and more autonomous vehicles on the road.  Today in Texas there are many automobiles that include enhanced driver assistance (like Teslas). Other car manufacturers are following suit and developing features for their vehicles.  Additionally, Senate Bill 2205 made it legal for driverless vehicles to operate on Texas roads.

What are the most common causes of autonomous vehicle accidents?  

Most people are unaware that a self-driving vehicle can be at fault in an accident.  The most frequent issues include lack of necessary human intervention, sensor limitations, software glitches, sudden or unexpected events, and confusing road signs.  Your autonomous vehicle accident lawyer can review the factors relating to your accident in order to identify what went wrong and who is responsible.

I was in an accident with an autonomous vehicle; who can be held liable? 

Determining liability can be challenging when it comes to these types of accidents.  Your autonomous vehicle accident attorney will review the specifics of your case and identify whose negligent behavior caused the crash. Keep in mind that it may be more than one person or entity.  Those who may be held responsible include the vehicle manufacturer, operator or owner, the company that provided or developed the software, and even regulators. If incorrect road signs or poorly maintained roadways contributed to the accident, local or state agencies may also be involved.

What type of compensation can I expect to receive if another party associated with the autonomous vehicle is found to be negligent?  

Damages in autonomous vehicle accident cases tend to mirror those in personal injury cases and can be identified as economic (short- and long-term medical expenses, lost current and future wages, and property damage), non-economic (pain and suffering, emotional distress, and  loss of consortium), and punitive (which are awarded only in cases where negligence is fraudulent or malicious). Your autonomous vehicle accident lawyer will help identify, quantify, and substantiate the costs of your damages.

Our team is available to meet with you to answer additional questions that relate directly to your accident.  Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Life After Your Autonomous Vehicle Accident

EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY Is Well-Positioned to Help You

The aftermath of an accident with an autonomous vehicle is overwhelming, to say the least. The decisions you make in the short term, like who to engage as your autonomous vehicle accident attorney, will have a tangible impact on your future.

The team at EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY is comprised not only of personal injury attorneys with extensive experience in handling automobile accident cases, but also professionals who are incredibly knowledgeable regarding the laws governing these self-driving vehicles. They know how to identify responsible entities and prove negligence. 

Contact Us to Today and Learn How We Can Help

As you embark on your recovery, the team at EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY is proud to stand by your side. We take our commitment to our clients seriously; we will adopt your goals as our own and fight tirelessly to maximize your compensation. As we manage your case, we encourage you to refrain from speaking with other individuals (including attorneys and insurance representatives).  Simply share our contact information and allow us to communicate on your behalf. We know what to say to protect your best interests.

The road to a better tomorrow begins today.  Engaging an autonomous vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible is in your best interests. You want to provide them the opportunity to leverage time in their investigation while adhering to the statute of limitations in Texas.

Contact us as soon as possible at (512) 732-2727 to schedule your no-cost consultation. We appreciate the stress you are under and are ready to go to work for you.