Autonomous Cars: Are They Worth the Risk?

Innovation is the heart of invention, and this has never been more apparent than it is now with such a boom of technological advances all around the world. Scientists and experts of all sorts are constantly coming up with new ways to make our daily lives faster, easier, more affordable, and safer. One industry that seems to be advancing more than almost anything else is the automotive. Just turn on your TV – you will see countless ads for new cars boasting the most advanced technology, the best amenities, the highest safety ratings.

This makes sense, of course. Especially in America, cars are an integral part of many people’s lives. We spend a lot of time behind the wheel, whether to commute or travel or simply to go out, and with accidents as an ever-present risk, of course manufacturers want this time to be as safe as possible. Anything that can lessen that risk of collision is something worth it. This includes the still-in-progress invention of autonomous driving, which still sounds like science fiction. Imagine never needing to touch the wheel of our cars, even when we drive alone!

Indeed, imagine. As it is with any new, revolutionary idea, there are pros and cons to completely autonomous driving. While in theory, it sounds as close to perfect as something can reasonably guess, in practice there are hidden issues one may not consider. Understanding both allows potential buyers to make informed, safe decisions and it provides a blueprint manufacturers can use for improvements and changes.

Driverless cars: the dream vs. the reality

In 2016, the idea of a driverless car was even more novel than it is now, but we can really understand the issues manufacturers have been trying to tackle from the start. Here is how autonomous driving is meant to help:

• Improved fuel efficiency
• Less traffic
• More free time for its users
• Reducing carbon emissions

As the technology continued to advance and change, so did our understanding of what it can truly do for us. Remember, the above information is largely just theory from 2016. Only two years later, in 2018, experts had a slightly clearer idea of the ramifications of autonomous driving:

• Sensor failures, especially during severe weather conditions
• The possibility of glitches in technology
• Likely future major target of hackers, making theft easier
• Fewer job opportunities (Uber, Lyft, taxis, etc. would all be obsolete)
• Incredibly high costs due to the novelty and quality of the vehicles

Now in 2021, we understand even more, though our knowledge and research is nowhere near complete. Aside from issues specifically about the car itself, some are starting to question its effects on a larger scale. What if traffic actually gets worse, as everyone rushes to enjoy the freedoms of driverless vehicles? Will this only increase our dependance on vehicle travel, instead of moving towards a more accessible future?

The truth is, because we still have so much to learn, there is a lot that is only speculation. We may not be able to truly understand the good and the bad until that future – whatever it is – actually arrives, and so experts all must walk the tight-rope between caution and open-mindedness. Innovation, after all, is only innovation if it genuinely helps.

What autonomous driving means for car accident claims

If autonomous vehicles are truly our not-too-distant future, it is only reasonable to wonder how it would change the way one can get help or compensation after an accident. Statistically, accidents will still happen. At some point, a sensor will fail or technology will fall short and someone will get hurt.

Right now, there are a multitude of ways to get compensation after a car accident, but those ways are largely dependent on the cause of the collision. For example, if the accident was caused by careless driving, an attorney would go after them and their insurance. If it was the result of faulty manufacturing, that manufacturer would be held liable. If it was a mix of both, well – now things get tricky.

Thinking of autonomous driving, it is easy to see how it may complicate the process. Would the blame fall on the manufacturer for creating and selling the vehicle? Will there be laws to punish drivers who stop paying attention entirely? Will those laws even be needed? It is all possible while so much is still up in the air. However the cards may fall, the good news is any attorney worth their salt will know how to handle it. Keeping up to date on every legal advancement for the sake of protecting your rights and justice is the duty of all those who practice law.

In the meantime, the laws pertaining to car accidents are extensive and complex, but they are there to help. If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident, trust the Chicago car accident attorneys at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers to work with you every step of the way to build and present your case. You can call us for a no-obligation discussion on your circumstances at 312-600-9585 or use our contact form to learn more. Our team at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is here for you now — and in the future, no matter what it may hold.