How Do You File a Claim for a Driverless Car Accident in Florida?

As driverless cars become an increasingly common sight on Florida’s roads, accidents involving these cars are becoming a growing concern. If you have been injured in an accident involving a driverless car, you may be entitled to financial compensation, and you should discuss your legal rights with an experienced Florida auto accident attorney promptly.

Waymo and Other Driverless Car Companies Can Be Held Liable for Accidents in Many Cases

While Waymo and other companies argue that their autonomous vehicles are safer than those driven by humans, there is evidence to suggest that this might not be the case. There have already been numerous high-profile auto accidents involving driverless cars in Florida and elsewhere—including accidents involving mistakes that most drivers know not to make (i.e., stopping in the middle of traffic, stopping on rail tracks and failing to stop for school buses).

But, regardless of whether autonomous vehicles are safer than those operated by humans, when these vehicles cause accidents, the companies behind them can (and should) be held accountable. Like all companies, Waymo and its competitors have a legal duty to ensure that their products are safe for their intended use. If driverless cars are not as safe as they should be, this can provide clear grounds for accident victims and their families to seek just compensation.

Filing a Claim for a Driverless Car Accident in Florida

With this in mind, if you have been injured (or if a loved one has been seriously injured or killed) in an accident involving a driverless car in Florida, what should you do?

As with all auto accidents, in this scenario, there are some important steps you should try to take as soon as possible. For example, if you were seriously injured in an accident involving a Waymo or another driverless vehicle, you should:

• Report the Accident – If you have not done so already, you should report the accident to the police. Not only will this help with documenting the accident, but it is also required for any accident that results in physical injuries or significant property damage. If you got hit by a driverless vehicle, you should also report the accident to your auto insurance company. Even if the company that owns the driverless vehicle is liable for the crash, you may still be required to report the accident under the terms of your policy.
• Seek Medical Treatment Promptly – Along with reporting the accident, seeking medical treatment should also be among your top priorities. You will need your medical records to link your injuries to the accident, and this makes it important to seek treatment as soon after the accident as possible. This also makes it important to tell your doctor that you are seeking treatment because you were injured in a crash.
• Keep Copies of Everything – From your medical records to your copy of the police report, you should keep all documentation you receive that is related to your accident in any way. If you receive any letters or other documents from the driverless car company (i.e., Waymo), you should keep these as well. You will want to share these with your Florida auto accident attorney during your free initial consultation.
• Take Detailed Notes – You should also take detailed notes about the accident. In particular, you should write down as many details as you can remember about the driverless vehicle’s movements in the moments leading up to the crash. Was it driving erratically? Did it stop suddenly and without explanation? Did it run a red light or drive into oncoming traffic? These are key details that your Florida auto accident attorney will want to know.
• Do Not Accept a Settlement – If the driverless car company or its insurance company offers you a settlement, you should not accept until you have spoken with a lawyer about your legal rights. If you have a claim, there is a very good chance that this offer represents just a small fraction of the total compensation you deserve. Once your lawyer investigates the accident and learns about all of its effects on your physical health, your mental health and your day-to-day life, your attorney will be able to assess the value of your claim with your long-term best interests in mind.

If you have tragically lost a loved one in a fatal accident involving a Waymo or another driverless vehicle, you should also report the accident, keep copies of everything and take detailed notes. Likewise, you should avoid accepting a settlement until you know how much your family is entitled to recover. An experienced Florida auto accident attorney will be able to help you in this scenario as well—and, here too, your attorney will be focused on what is best for you and your family.

Dealing with Insurance After a Driverless Car Accident in Florida

In most cases, filing a claim for a driverless car accident will involve dealing with the driverless car company’s insurer. These companies have insurance that specifically covers serious and fatal accidents involving their driverless vehicles—because they know that despite their claims about safety, their vehicles will cause accidents in some cases.

Just like other types of accident claims, when dealing with the insurance companies after a driverless car accident, you need to be very careful to protect your legal rights. Regardless of the facts at hand, the insurance companies will try to settle your claim for as little as possible. By working closely with an experienced attorney, you can ensure that you are making informed decisions, and you can ensure that you do not unknowingly settle for far less than you deserve.

Discuss Your Case with a Florida Auto Accident Attorney for Free

If you need to file a claim for a driverless car accident in Florida, we encourage you to contact us promptly for a free, no-obligation consultation. To speak with an experienced Florida auto accident attorney about your case for free, call 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can reach you online now.