Google’s Self-Driving Car Hits A Bus In An Accident

In February, one of Google’s self-driving cars pulled out in front of a bus in Mountain View, CA. No one was injured; however, this was the first accident involving a Google self-driving car that was caused by the Google car. According to the traffic accident report, the 2012 Lexus RX450h owned by Google Auto, LLC was operating in its autonomous mode when the accident occurred. Google has acknowledged the error and states it has taken the necessary actions to correct the algorithm in the software. In a statement Google said, ““From now on, our cars will more deeply understand that buses (and other large vehicles) are less likely to yield to us than other types of vehicles, and we hope to handle situations like this more gracefully in the future.”

What Is A Self-Driving Automobile?

Google designed vehicles that can maneuver city streets without driver input. The vehicles use a combination of sensors and software to “drive” without any human assistance. With a push of a button, the passenger can sit back, relax, read a book, text, talk on the phone, or just look out the window while the car takes care of the “driving.” The self-driving cars are being tested in Washington, Texas, and California. The company claims self-driving cars will reduce traffic accidents because they remove driver error from the equation. However, as this latest incident proves, self-driving vehicles are not perfect. Who will be responsible for injuries sustained in an accident caused by a self-driving vehicle?

Car Accidents Claims Involving Artificial Intelligence Systems

A few days before the Google car versus bus accident, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ruled that the artificial intelligence system in a self-driving vehicle could be treated as a “driver.”  How do you use an artificial intelligence system for causing an accident, especially if the vehicle is not equipped with any safety features that allow a human passenger to override the AI system?

This is a question that has not be litigated yet; however, it is one that will probably come before the courts as consumers seek new technology and companies compete to market that new technology. Technology in vehicles provide parking assistance, backup assistance, warnings, and other measures to help drivers be “safe” on the road. What all drivers must keep in mind when they are driving is that no technology is full-proof and a smart car should aid a driver not replace a driver’s attention and focus on the road.

Have You Been Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Contact Tiemann Law Firm to speak with a Sacramento personal injury attorney regarding your right to receive compensation for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Call (916) 999-9000 to schedule a free consultation. Because you have a limited time to file an accident claim, you should not wait to contact an attorney.

First, seek medical attention for your injuries then contact our office. We want to help you receive financial compensation from the party or parties who are at fault for your accident.