Self-driving cars are the future of transportation, and that future is already here in Destin, Florida. As companies test self-driving cars on public roads, the chances of serious accidents are increasing. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash with a self-driving or semi-autonomous vehicle, Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can assist you.
Our legal team has over 60 years of combined experience and has helped accident victims in Florida’s panhandle recover millions. Our team includes a father-son attorney duo. One is an AV-Preeminent rated lawyer, and the other is a former insurance defense attorney. Together, we are well-prepared to tackle complex and new legal challenges. Contact one of our Destin self-driving car accident lawyers today for a free consultation at (850) 790-0243.
How Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Self-Driving Car Accident in Destin, FL
Accidents involving self-driving or driver-assisted vehicles can be legally complicated. Many parties can be at fault. This includes human drivers, manufacturers, software developers, and service providers. Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers knows how to handle these tough cases.
We can help you by:
- Investigating the accident: Analyzing crash data, black box information, and vehicle software.
- Preserving critical evidence: Filing requests to secure camera footage, software logs, and engineering reports.
- Identifying liable parties: Finding out if the vehicle manufacturer, software developer, or another driver is at fault.
- Negotiating with insurers: Handling complex claims involving commercial and corporate insurance policies.
- Filing a lawsuit if needed: Pursuing civil litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
We have direct experience in personal injury claims and insurance defense strategies. We’ll use that insight to anticipate and counter the tactics used by corporate defendants and their insurers. Contact our Destin personal injury lawyers today for a free case review.
What to Know About Self-Driving Car Accidents in Destin, FL
Self-driving vehicles vary widely. They include fully autonomous cars and semi-autonomous systems. Examples of semi-autonomous systems are Tesla Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise. Drivers must keep control of the vehicle, even with automated features on. Accidents lead to questions. Did the technology fail? Was the driver distracted? Or was a third party involved?
Potential Liable Parties in a self-driving car accident are:
- Vehicle manufacturers for design defects or failures in automation.
- Software developers for faulty programming or data misinterpretation.
- Drivers or passengers if human error contributed to the crash.
- Third-party service providers for maintenance or hardware installation errors.
Florida law requires all vehicles to meet safety standards, regardless of the level of automation. A self-driving car can lead to a personal injury claim if it doesn’t operate safely or if the technology fails. This can be due to negligence or product liability.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Self-Driving Car Accident in Destin, FL?
Victims of self-driving vehicle accidents may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical treatment.
- Lost income: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Emotional distress, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Punitive damages: When the defendant acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety.
Our Destin car accident lawyers will partner with accident reconstruction experts, economists, and medical professionals. They will help document and value every part of your loss.
Can You Recover Compensation If You Were Partially at Fault in Florida?
Yes. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means you can recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re awarded $200,000 but found 30% responsible, your recovery would be reduced to $140,000. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
How Long Do You Have to File a Self-Driving Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If the crash resulted in a wrongful death, surviving family members also have two years to file a claim.
Failing to file within the required timeframe can result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation. Taking legal action lets your attorney gather important evidence and start building your case while the details are still fresh.
Contact Our Self-Driving Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a crash involving a self-driving or semi-autonomous vehicle in Destin, don’t wait to get help. Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers has more than 60 years of combined legal experience and a strong history of achieving results.
Our firm offers local, personalized service. We also have the litigation experience to take on corporate defendants and insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Destin self-driving car accident attorney, and let us help you take the next step toward recovery.
