Understanding Your Autonomous Vehicle Accident Case

Accidents involving autonomous vehicles are often more complicated than traditional car accidents. Liability may be shared among multiple parties, including the vehicle manufacturer, software developers, fleet operators, or other drivers. Fielding Law carefully investigates your accident, collects evidence, and consults with engineers and accident reconstruction specialists to determine who is responsible. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.

Types of Autonomous Vehicles

Not all autonomous vehicles operate the same way. It is important to understand the levels of automation when evaluating your case.

• Level 0: No Automation – The driver is fully in control with no assistance from the vehicle.

• Level 1: Driver Assistance – The vehicle may have adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assistance, but the driver must remain engaged at all times.

• Level 2: Partial Automation – Vehicles such as Tesla’s Autopilot fall into this category. The system can steer, accelerate, and brake, but drivers must monitor the road and keep their hands on the wheel.

• Level 3: Conditional Automation – The vehicle can handle most driving tasks in specific conditions, but a driver must be ready to take over when needed.

• Level 4: High Automation – Vehicles such as Waymo robotaxis operate without human involvement in certain environments or conditions.

• Level 5: Full Automation – Vehicles that can drive without human input in any condition. These are not yet widely available.

Semi-autonomous vehicles, such as Teslas equipped with Autopilot or Full Self-Driving software, are especially complex because liability may rest with both the manufacturer and the human driver depending on how the technology was being used at the time of the accident. Fully autonomous vehicles, such as Waymo robotaxis or self-driving rideshares, raise additional questions of liability involving fleet operators, software developers, and vehicle manufacturers.

Common Causes of Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

Autonomous vehicle accidents can result from a variety of factors, including:

• Software or sensor malfunctions that misinterpret traffic signals, road markings, or obstacles

• Human error in semi-autonomous vehicles where drivers misuse or over-rely on the system

• Hardware failures in brakes, steering, or other critical components

• Environmental challenges such as poor road conditions, construction, debris, or severe weather

• Negligent or reckless behavior by other human drivers

No matter the cause, Fielding Law is prepared to investigate thoroughly and fight for your rights.

Injuries Resulting from Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

Crashes involving autonomous vehicles can cause severe, life-altering injuries. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries

• Broken bones and fractures

• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Internal organ damage

• Emotional trauma and psychological impact

These injuries often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support. Our attorneys work to ensure you have access to the treatment and financial resources needed to focus on healing.

What to Do After an Autonomous Vehicle Accident

Taking the right steps after an accident is critical for protecting your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek medical attention, even if you do not feel immediate pain

2. Call the police so an official accident report is created

3. Gather evidence by taking photos, documenting road conditions, and collecting witness statements

4. Do not admit fault or speculate about the cause of the crash

5. Contact Fielding Law for guidance and protection of your rights

How Fielding Law Maximizes Your Compensation

Our attorneys aggressively pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including current and future care

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage or vehicle replacement

• Wrongful death damages if a loved one was lost

We do not allow insurance companies to undervalue your claim. Fielding Law handles all negotiations and, if necessary, represents you in court to ensure your case receives the attention it deserves.

California and Arizona Autonomous Vehicle Laws

Laws governing autonomous vehicles vary by state, and understanding these regulations is essential:

• California – Uses pure comparative negligence, which means you may recover damages even if you are partially at fault. The statute of limitations is generally two years. California has strict rules for testing and operating autonomous vehicles, which may influence liability and insurance coverage.

• Arizona – Follows comparative negligence, which reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault. The statute of limitations is typically two years. Arizona has clear legal standards for autonomous vehicle operation and liability, making legal guidance critical.

Why Clients Trust Fielding Law

Clients trust Fielding Law for our proven success in complex accident claims. We work on a no upfront fee basis, meaning we only get paid when you win. Each case receives personalized attention, and our team leverages knowledge of California and Arizona laws to build strong cases. Whether you are dealing with property damage or catastrophic injuries, you can trust Fielding Law to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Fielding Law Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an autonomous vehicle accident, do not wait. Call 833.88.SHARK or fill out our online form for a Free Consultation. Acting promptly can strengthen your case and help you recover the compensation you need.