Liability in a driverless truck accident in Texas may fall onto the trucking company, the technology developer, the vehicle manufacturer, other vehicles, or several of these parties at once.
Driverless vehicles are here to stay, and many view them as a more efficient way to travel. While they have technology meant to make them safe, accidents still happen. When they do, determining who is legally responsible can be much more complicated than a typical truck crash.
The good news is a Houston truck accident lawyer can help you evaluate the accident to help determine fault and help you with any other parts of the legal process.
How Liability Works Differently When There’s No Driver
In a traditional truck accident, to figure out liability, you can often focus on whether the truck driver made a mistake, such as speeding, driving while distracted, or violating federal trucking regulations. You can also look into the trucking company, specifically related to hiring, training, or maintenance.
However, with a driverless truck, there may not be a human driver making decisions at the time of the crash. Instead, you’ll have to look into software, sensors, mechanical equipment, maintenance failures, or human oversight. And of course any other vehicles and drivers that were involved.
One important thing to know is that Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, you generally cannot recover damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
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Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Driverless Truck Accident in Texas?
Here is more information on the details of the different parties that may be held liable for driverless truck accidents in Texas:
The Autonomous Vehicle Technology Company
If a software malfunction, faulty sensor, defective algorithm, or system failure caused the truck to make an unsafe decision, the company that developed the autonomous driving technology may be held responsible.
In some cases, victims may pursue a product liability claim if the autonomous system was defectively designed, improperly tested, or failed to perform as intended under normal driving conditions.
The Trucking Company or Fleet Operator
Even if a truck is operating autonomously, the trucking company still has important responsibilities. A fleet operator may be liable if it:
- Failed to properly maintain the vehicle
- Ignored known software issues or safety recalls
- Used autonomous technology in unsafe conditions
- Failed to monitor the truck’s operation when required
- Put an unsafe vehicle into service.
Companies cannot avoid responsibility simply because a computer was driving.
The Truck or Parts Manufacturer
Mechanical failures involving brakes, steering systems, tires, suspension components, or other vehicle parts can still cause serious crashes. If a defective component contributed to the collision, the truck manufacturer or its parts may be held liable under Texas product liability laws.
A Remote Operator or Safety Monitor
Some autonomous trucks and systems rely on remote operators or safety personnel who can monitor things and intervene when necessary. If a remote operator failed to respond appropriately or proper monitoring wasn’t conducted, they may be liable.
A Third-Party Maintenance or Software Vendor
Many trucking companies rely on outside contractors to service autonomous vehicles or install software updates. If improper maintenance, faulty repairs, or a defective software update caused the truck to malfunction, the maintenance company or software vendor may also share responsibility for the accident.
Proving Liability in an Autonomous Truck Accident Case
Investigating a driverless truck accident often requires significantly more evidence than a typical crash. Important evidence may include:
- Event data recorder (black box) information.
- Sensor and radar data.
- Camera footage.
- Software version history.
- System diagnostic records.
- Maintenance and inspection logs.
- Remote operator communications.
- Trucking company safety records.
In most Texas personal injury cases, including autonomous truck accidents, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long could affect your ability to pursue compensation.
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Haque Law Helps Victims of Autonomous Truck Accidents in Texas
Autonomous truck accident cases can involve new and complicated technology, multiple corporations, and complex legal questions, but you don’t have to go through the legal process by yourself. At Haque Law, we have over 80 years of combined experience; our attorneys know how to investigate complex truck accident claims and build strong cases.
We bring a unique background to every case we take on. Our founding attorney worked as a C-suite executive in a hospital for nearly a decade. In that time, he learned just how extensive and expensive truck accident recoveries can be. As a lawyer, he uses that knowledge to request compensation that covers the full cost of future care so that you truly have what you need.
We work with qualified experts, preserve critical data, and pursue accountability wherever the evidence leads. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you seek the compensation you deserve, based on the details of your case. Reach out to our firm for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
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