Would Driverless Cars Mean the End for Injury Lawsuits? Austin Car Wreck Attorney Investigates

Driverless cars have long been the focus of science fiction novels and movies, but is this futuristic technology closer than we think? And how will it affect roadway safety?

Perhaps the most obvious and significant impact of driverless cars would be their impact on accident rates. Globally, more than 1.3 million people die in car crashes each year, according to the Association for Safe International Roads Travel. If driverless cars can help reduce that number, then countless friends, parents, brothers, sisters and children can avoid the tragic reality of losing a loved one to a car wreck.

Until driverless cars hit the streets, however, human negligence will continue causing accidents. If you were the victim of driver negligence in Texas, then the Luke Dow Law Firm may be able to help.

Luke Dow is an Austin car wreck attorney who can evaluate your case and determine if filing a lawsuit would be in your best interests. Call us today at 512-518-4104 to schedule a consultation.

Until then, read on learn about how driverless cars may impact road users:

1. Fewer Crashes

Driverless cars are expected to reduce the likelihood of human error causing an accident, which should lower the crash rate. In fact, according to Forbes, self-driving vehicles may prevent up to 90 percent of wrecks.

2. Fewer Hospital Visits

Fewer crashes will mean fewer injuries, and this will lower the number of hospital visits. In fact, some reports indicate that accident expenses in the United States could drop by $400 billion due to the decrease in hospital and emergency room visits.

3. Fewer Accident Claims

As driverless cars become more common, it is likely that we will see fewer personal-injury claims related to road accidents. Incremental improvements to car automation, such as smart cruise control and blind spot alerts, have already led to a decrease in claims.

Driverless cars will also create more transparency for accident claims. It may be easier to identify who was to blame for the crash, and thus the claims process may be quicker. This is already becoming a reality in many crashes due to dashboard cameras, sensors and automated crash reports.

4. Less Traffic and More Efficiency

Another positive effect of driverless cars would be an increase in efficiency and less traffic. Driverless cars will be better able to interpret following distances and lane capacity, and they will use less gasoline than human-operated vehicles.

Until driverless cars become a reality, though, collisions will still be an unfortunate risk on Texan roads. However, there are laws that protect the rights of those who suffer injuries due to other drivers’ reckless or negligent behavior.

If you were in a crash, then Luke Dow may be able to help you recover medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. If you would like to schedule a consultation with an Austin Accident lawyer, call us today at 512-518-4104.

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