Self-driving and partially autonomous vehicles are designed to make our roads safer.
However, system failures and other problems can still lead to serious crashes.
If you’ve been injured in a self-driving car accident in Portland, determining what caused the crash and who may be responsible can be complicated.
These accidents often require careful investigation and analysis of the available evidence. Vehicle data, system records, maintenance history, and other evidence may help establish what went wrong and who is responsible for your injuries.
At Rizk Law, our Portland self-driving car accident lawyers helps crash victims investigate the accidents, determine what went wrong and who may be responsible, and pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.
Contact Rizk Law today for a free consultation. You can call (503) 245-5677 or visit our office at 434 South Iowa Street, Portland, OR 97239.
Located near I-5 and I-405, our office is easily accessible from Downtown Portland, the Pearl District, South Portland, and nearby neighborhoods.
Meet Our Senior Lawyer
Richard Rizk
Richard has called Portland home since attending Lewis & Clark Law School in 1985.
Before founding Rizk Law, he represented insurance companies, gaining firsthand insight into how insurers evaluate and defend car accident claims.
With 30+ years of legal experience, Richard understands how to investigate complex self-driving car accidents and pursue compensation for injured victims.
See What our Clients are Saying
More than 80 Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jaqueline and the team did an awesome job with my insurance claim after a pretty bad car wreck.
They were very knowledgeable and took care of everything from start to finish. They maximized my settlement and Took all of the stress and worry off me and were very very thorough. I Will definitely refer any of my friends and family that need any help like this in the future. Thank you again.
– TheWesthammatt
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I would highly recommend Rizk Law to anyone. Both Richard Rizk and Sam Pope helped me with my personal injury case due to a not-at-fault car accident, and I could not be happier with the turn out. They both made sure that I was 100% before they talked about closing the case.
The team followed up regularly, and they made sure that I was taken care. Car accidents are a lot to deal with, and with this team, it was a lot easier! Thank you so much!– Angela Dyan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alex Pletch and the Rizk Law Team recently represented me in a David and Goliath battle with auto-insurance companies and we won! Setting a precedent for Oregon.
They went above and beyond the original court case, fighting for me to receive the second year of PIP for an accident that created life-changing injuries.
Now accident-survivors in Oregon will no longer be denied their second year of PIP. It’s still sinking in how big this is for so many people moving forward. Thank you to Richard Rizk, Alex Pletch, and the Rizk Law Team!
– Katina Andoniadis
Why Choose Rizk Law?
The attorneys at Rizk Law collectively have decades of experience and a history of successfully securing meaningful car accident settlements and verdicts for injury victims.
Our approach to cases is characterized by meticulous organization and investigation. Founding attorney Richard Rizk has previous experience as an insurance advisor, so he understands how to confront insurers and hold them accountable.
Here is what one satisfied client had to say about our work:
“Rizk Law resolved a unique situation for me. Everyone I dealt with at this firm was professional, informative, and kind. I would recommend them to anyone looking for representation involving a personal injury.”
– Manny Rodriguez
We understand that the legal landscape of self-driving cars is constantly evolving, which is why we stay up-to-date on developments in the field. Most importantly, we are empathetic and understand how a serious injury can change your life.
We can handle every aspect of your claim, from initial filing to final negotiations or litigation – all while you focus on healing.
Understanding Self-Driving Vehicles and How They Work
Truly self-driving cars are not yet available for public use.
However, modern cars have several automated systems to help you drive. These driver-assistance technologies can warn you of impending crashes or even take control to avoid collisions.
Common examples of modern driving assisting technologies include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- Automated parking
- Traffic automation
Autonomous vehicle systems use onboard computers in conjunction with optical and radar sensors to “see” their environment and respond accordingly.
Many modern vehicles incorporate AI algorithms that help them learn and navigate their environments more precisely.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) currently has six classifications for vehicle automation:
- Level 0: Momentary Driver Assistance – The driver is fully responsible for driving with momentary alerts or safety interventions.
- Level 1: Driver Assistance – The driver is fully in control, but the vehicle provides continuous assistance with either braking/accelerating or steering.
- Level 2: Additional Driver Assistance – The driver is fully in control, but the vehicle provides continuous assistance with both braking/accelerating and steering.
- Level 3: Conditional Automation – The system handles driving tasks while the driver is available to take over if necessary.
- Level 4: High Automation: – The system is fully autonomous in limited conditions and specific service areas.
- Level 5: Full Automation – The system is fully autonomous under all conditions and on all roadways.
Current vehicles in Portland mostly contain up to Level 2 automation features, though some manufacturers are preparing to test Level 3 systems.
Common Causes of Self-Driving Car Accidents
There is an ongoing debate about the relative safety of autonomous vehicles.
For instance, a recent scientific study found that autonomous or semi-autonomous driving vehicles are generally less likely than human-driven vehicles to be in accidents.
Yet they are far likelier than human-driven vehicles to be in collisions at dawn or dusk and when turning.
Regardless of the actual rates, self-driving car accidents do happen, and they happen for several reasons, including:
- Human error – Most currently available autonomous systems are not fully capable of self-driving and still require human input. Many self-driving car accidents stem from human error, such as overreliance or improper use of systems. For instance, drivers might become overconfident in lane correction technology and not notice passing vehicles.
- Malfunctioning software – Glitches or bugs in vehicle software can cause autonomous systems to work incorrectly and make the wrong decision. For example, a software bug might prevent the vehicle from engaging its brakes.
- Faulty sensors – Radar and optical sensors on the exterior of the car might malfunction, making the car “blind” and unable to react to its environment.
- Road and weather conditions – Automated systems may also work less effectively under poor weather or road conditions. For instance, rain and fog might reduce the accuracy of certain optical sensors.
Oregon Laws and Regulations for Self-Driving Car Accident Claims
Oregon does not currently have comprehensive laws concerning self-driving vehicle accidents.
Past legislation granted the state Department of Transportation the authority to create regulations concerning autonomous vehicles. However, while several bills that would establish rules for self-driving cars have been introduced, none have been officially signed into law.
The lack of regulations for self-driving vehicles in Oregon can create confusion when pursuing a car accident claim.
The legal landscape of autonomous cars is changing rapidly, though.
If you’ve been injured by one, you need to work with an attorney who is up to date on technological advancements and state laws on self-driving cars.
Potential Liable Parties in Self-Driving Car Crashes
Self-driving cars and automated systems raise extremely complicated questions about accident liability and negligence.
In most cases, self-driving car accident responsibility falls into two categories:
Operator Negligence
Most automated vehicle systems currently on the road require continuous driver monitoring.
Automated systems are still not up to the task of driving completely without human input.
This means drivers still have to pay attention and be ready to intervene. Many self-driving car accidents happen because drivers overestimate autonomous capabilities and fail to exercise reasonable control.
In these cases, negligent drivers who improperly use automation systems can be liable for accident injuries.
Product Liability
If the collision happened due to a software or hardware defect, the developer or manufacturer can bear liability.
For instance, vehicle manufacturers could be at fault if a driving software malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to rapidly accelerate through a red light. Manufacturers may also be liable if they misrepresent vehicle capabilities or fail to provide adequate user instructions.
Determining Fault and Liability in Self-Driving Car Accident Cases
A significant portion of a self-driving car accident claim consists of investigating to identify what factors contributed to the accident.
Your attorney may explore questions such as:
- Did the crash happen due to some software or hardware malfunction?
- Did the automated system provide sufficient warning that the driver needed to take control?
- Was the vehicle’s driving software fully installed and properly updated?
- Was the driver monitoring vehicle operation and ready to respond?
To answer these questions, your attorney can gather several types of evidence, such as:
- Photos and video recordings
- Physical evidence (e.g., tire marks, body damage, etc.)
- Vehicle electronic logging data
- Software update logs
- Maintenance records
- Accident reconstruction data
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony
With this evidence, your personal injury lawyer can work to build a solid case establishing the at-fault party’s liability.
Compensation Available After a Self-Driving Car Accident
By filing a personal injury claim after an autonomous vehicle accident, you can seek financial compensation for your injury-related losses.
Depending on your circumstances, this compensation might cover the following:
- Emergency medical bills and continuing medical expenses
- Lost work income and other types of employment compensation
- Differences in pre- and post-injury lifetime expected earning capacity
- Miscellaneous injury expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Quality of life reductions due to disability or disfigurement
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
Injuries from an accident with a self-driving car can leave you unable to work and with expensive medical bills.
An experienced Portland car accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you need to recover your losses and move forward with your life.
