St. Louis Self-Driving Car Accident Attorney

Self driving car on a road.

There are many reports of self-driving cars malfunctioning and causing horrific injuries. Unfortunately, self-driving cars are also so new that it’s hard to know who’s liable for a crash and how to recover compensation for your injuries.

The St. Louis self-driving car accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, aren’t afraid to stand up to negligent tech companies and hold them accountable for your injuries. While you rest and heal, we’ll investigate the accident, determine what caused the crash and who’s responsible, and begin settlement negotiations on your behalf.

People throughout Missouri know us for our aggressive, compassionate representation and ability to deliver results for our clients. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation with a St. Louis self-driving car accident lawyer.

Choosing the Right Car Accident Attorney in St. Louis

Your choice of attorney is the most important decision you’ll make after a self-driving car accident in St. Louis. Without proper legal counsel, you likely won’t recover fair compensation for your injuries, making it that much harder to move forward and rebuild your life. Here’s why Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, is the right choice for your case:

  • Focused on Your Needs – We prioritize our clients’ well-being and are committed to keeping you informed and supported every step of the way. We know that the legal process can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to make it as smooth as possible for you.
  • Proven Record of Success – Our team has a history of winning cases for clients with severe injuries and complex claims. We work tirelessly to secure fair compensation so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details.
  • In-Depth Knowledge of Missouri Laws – As a St. Louis-based firm, we understand Missouri’s legal landscape and the specific challenges of car accident cases here. Our local experience helps us address your case with insight and precision.

If you’re still not convinced, here’s what one client said about their experience with our firm:

“Everyone at Craig, Kelley & Faultless was amazing. After my accident, I felt so alone and couldn’t seem to find anyone to help me until I found them. They were all so caring and compassionate. Attorney Kelley did a great job keeping me informed every step of the way.”

About Self-Driving Cars and Their Capabilities

Self-driving cars operate through a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence to navigate roads and respond to changing environments. These systems allow the car to detect nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs, helping it make decisions without direct human control.

However, while self-driving technology has made significant advancements, it still has limitations. The systems can struggle in complex situations, such as unpredictable weather, construction zones, or areas with unclear road markings. Additionally, self-driving cars rely heavily on programmed responses, meaning they may not always react as intuitively as a human driver in unexpected scenarios.

Common Causes of Self-Driving Car Accidents

There are many ways that self-driving cars can malfunction and cause a crash, including the following:

  • The car’s sensors can malfunction and fail to detect another vehicle or hazard in its path.
  • Poor weather conditions, like heavy rain or fog, can interfere with the car’s cameras and sensors, limiting its ability to operate safely.
  • Software errors cause the car to misinterpret road signs or signals, leading to dangerous decisions.
  • The vehicle’s artificial intelligence may struggle with complex traffic situations, such as merging or pedestrians suddenly stepping into the car’s path.
  • Inadequate mapping data can result in the car becoming confused in construction zones or areas with recent road changes.
  • Human passengers or drivers sometimes disengage from monitoring the car’s actions, meaning they may not notice an emergency situation and take steps to stop it.

Liability in Self-Driving Car Accidents in St. Louis

Determining who’s liable for a self-driving car accident can be difficult, as self-driving cars rely on a complex combination of mechanical components, sophisticated software, and, in many cases, human oversight. The potentially liable parties in these cases include:

  • Software Developers – The company that designed the self-driving software could be liable if a programming error or glitch caused the car to make unsafe decisions. For example, if the software fails to recognize certain road signs, this could lead to an accident.
  • Car Manufacturer – The vehicle’s manufacturer may be responsible if a defect in the car’s sensors, cameras, or other hardware contributed to the accident. A faulty sensor that fails to detect a pedestrian, for instance, could lead to serious injuries.
  • Human Driver or Passenger – In semi-autonomous cars, a person might still have some control or monitoring responsibility. If the person failed to intervene when necessary, they could share liability for a crash.
  • Third-Party Vendors – Companies supplying parts, like cameras or sensors, could be liable if their equipment malfunctions. For example, if a defective camera misreads a traffic signal, the supplier might be responsible for a resulting accident.

Legal Process After a Self-Driving Car Accident

The legal process after a self-driving car accident begins with gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage from the vehicle. Consulting a St. Louis self-driving car accident attorney is an essential next step to learn your rights and identify who might be liable for your injuries. After you hire a lawyer, they will investigate further to determine whether the accident resulted from a defect, software error, or other negligence.

Once the potential defendants are identified, your lawyer will help you file a claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Settlement negotiations may follow, though some cases proceed to court if the liable parties won’t agree to a fair deal. If the case goes to court, a judge or jury will decide the matter.

How Our Self-Driving Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You

Our St. Louis self-driving car accident attorneys can handle all the legal work in your case, from investigating the crash and identifying the liable parties to documenting your losses and negotiating a fair settlement. We’ll keep you up to date at every stage so you always know what’s happening. If the liable party won’t make a fair offer, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.

Our team is ready to help you rebuild your life after a self-driving car accident. Call Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, today or reach out online for a free consultation.