Why Hire a Yuba City Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer Today?
Self-driving crashes are different from ordinary accidents. Multiple parties may be responsible, and insurers often fight hard to avoid paying claims.
An experienced Yuba City self-driving accident lawyer can preserve data, identify liable parties, and build a strong case on your behalf.
These cases involve vehicles equipped with features such as Tesla’s Autopilot, Ford’s BlueCruise, GM’s Super Cruise, and Nissan’s ProPILOT. The technology creates confusion about who is really at fault when something goes wrong.
At Steve Gimblin Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer, we understand how these systems work and fail. We move fast to preserve critical data before it gets erased or destroyed. Our experienced team knows exactly what evidence to collect and how to use it to build your strongest case.
Insurance companies will try to settle quickly for far less than you deserve. We fight aggressively to ensure you get full compensation for your injuries. Call us at (530) 671-9822 now for your free consultation about your self-driving accident case.
What Is a Self-Driving or Autopilot Crash?
A self-driving crash happens when a vehicle with automated features causes or contributes to an accident. These cars utilize cameras, radar, and sensors to assist with driving tasks such as steering, braking, and speed control.
Some modern vehicles feature Level 2 driver-assistance systems that aid in driving but still require the driver to remain attentive.
Standard automated features involved in crashes include:
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Automatically adjusts your speed to match traffic ahead
Lane Keeping Assist:
Uses cameras to keep your car centered in the lane
Automatic Emergency Braking:
Applies the brakes when it detects an obstacle
Tesla Autopilot:
Combines steering and speed control on highways
Full Self-Driving:
Tesla’s more advanced system that handles city streets
These systems are supposed to make driving safer, but they can malfunction or confuse drivers about their capabilities. When accidents happen, determining fault becomes much more complicated than in regular car crashes.
Who Is Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident?
Self-driving accidents often involve multiple parties who share responsibility. Our job is to find everyone who contributed to your crash so you get maximum compensation.
Driver With ADAS On or Off
The driver is still responsible even when automated features are active. California law requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.
We investigate whether the driver was distracted, fell asleep, or relied too heavily on the technology. Even if automation was engaged, driver negligence can still be a significant factor in the crash.
Vehicle or Software Manufacturer
Car manufacturers can be held liable for defective products. We pursue claims against companies like Tesla, Ford, and GM when their systems fail.
Product liability cases may involve:
Software bugs:
Programming errors that cause erratic behavior
Sensor failures:
Cameras or radar that don’t detect obstacles properly
Design defects:
Systems that can’t handle normal driving conditions
Inadequate warnings:
Marketing that overstates the system’s abilities
Dealership or Repair Shop
Third parties can create liability through improper maintenance or repairs. Windshield replacement often requires recalibrating cameras and sensors.
Auto shops that fail to calibrate these systems after repairs can cause accidents. Dealerships that fail to complete safety recalls or software updates may also be held responsible.
Government Entity or Road Hazard
Public agencies must maintain safe roads for both human drivers and automated systems. Poor road markings, missing signs, or confusing construction zones can cause self-driving features to malfunction.
We investigate whether road conditions contributed to your crash and pursue claims against responsible government entities when appropriate.
What Evidence Proves Fault in an ADAS Crash?
Winning your case depends entirely on preserving and analyzing digital evidence. This data disappears quickly, so we act immediately to protect it.
Preserve Vehicle and EDR Data
Your car’s Event Data Recorder captures the final seconds leading up to impact. This “black box” shows speed, braking, steering inputs, and which automated features were active.
We send preservation letters within hours of being hired to prevent the vehicle from being altered or destroyed. Insurance companies often want to total cars quickly to hide evidence, but we stop them.
Collect Sentry, Dashcam, and App Video
Tesla vehicles record video from multiple cameras that show what the car’s systems detected before the crash. Other manufacturers have similar recording capabilities.
Smartphone apps connected to your vehicle may also log essential data about the automated features and driver inputs. We work quickly to download all available footage and data logs.
Document the Scene and Witnesses
Standard accident photos aren’t enough for self-driving cases. We document factors that affect vehicle sensors, like sun glare, weather conditions, and road marking visibility.
Witness statements help us understand what happened from a human perspective. We also photograph the vehicle’s sensors and cameras to check for damage or obstruction.
What To Do After a Self-Driving Car Accident in Yuba City
The steps you take immediately after your crash can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Follow this action plan to protect your health and legal rights.
Get Medical Care and Call 911
Your health comes first, even if you feel fine initially. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Call 911 and ask the responding officer to note any automated driving features in the police report.
Photograph and Exchange Information
Take pictures of your dashboard showing which ADAS features were active during the crash. Capture the damage to all vehicles and any visible sensors or cameras.
Exchange standard information, such as insurance details and contact information, with other drivers. Also, photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and traffic control devices.
Do Not Update or Repair the Vehicle
Avoid any repairs, software updates, or modifications to your vehicle. These actions can permanently erase the electronic data we need to prove your case.
Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into quick repairs or total loss settlements. We need to extract the data first.
Call Steve Gimblin Before Speaking to Insurers
Contact our experienced team at (530) 671-9822 before giving any statements to insurance companies. Adjusters will try to get you to admit fault or downplay the role of automated systems in the incident.
We handle all communication with insurance companies to protect your interests and preserve your right to full compensation.
What Compensation Can You Claim After an ADAS Crash?
Self-driving car accidents often result in severe injuries and significant damage. We fight to recover every dollar you deserve for all the ways this crash has impacted your life.
Medical Bills and Future Care
You can recover compensation for all medical expenses related to your injuries. This includes emergency room visits, surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.
We also calculate future medical costs if you need long-term care or additional procedures. Our medical experts help determine the full extent of your future needs.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevented you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income. This includes salary, benefits, bonuses, and other employment-related compensation.
We also pursue damages for reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your career advancement.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages compensate you for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment. These damages recognize that your injuries affect more than just your finances.
California doesn’t cap pain and suffering in most personal injury cases, so we can pursue full compensation for your trauma and ongoing suffering.
Property Damage and Diminished Value
You may recover medical costs, lost income, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Because self-driving cars are expensive to repair, diminished value claims may also be applicable if your vehicle loses its resale value.
How California Law Affects Your Self-Driving Crash Claim
California’s legal system has specific rules that impact your ability to recover compensation. Understanding these laws helps us build the strongest possible case for you.
Comparative Fault Rules
California uses pure comparative negligence, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault.
For example, if you were 20% at fault for not taking control when needed, your total award would be reduced by 20%. This system ensures that you can still recover substantial compensation even if there is some fault.
Statute of Limitations and Government Claims
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. Property damage claims must be filed within three years.
Claims against government entities typically have much shorter deadlines, often only six months in most cases. We identify all potential defendants early to ensure we meet every deadline.
Uninsured Motorist and Prop 213 Limits
Your Uninsured Motorist coverage may apply if the at-fault driver lacks insurance. This protection is significant given California’s high rate of uninsured drivers.
Proposition 213 can limit your recovery if you were uninsured at the time of the accident. This law prevents uninsured drivers from recovering non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
How We Build and Win Self-Driving Cases
Our approach to these complex cases combines technical expertise with aggressive advocacy. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial from day one.
Rapid Preservation Letters and Expert Downloads
We promptly send legal preservation notices to help prevent the loss or alteration of evidence. Insurance companies and manufacturers often try to eliminate unfavorable proof quickly.
Our forensic experts download vehicle data immediately using specialized equipment. This data provides the technical foundation for proving what went wrong and who is responsible.
Reconstruction and Human Factors Experts
We collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists who are knowledgeable about automated vehicle technology. These experts can recreate the crash and explain complex technical issues to juries.
Human factors experts testify about driver expectations and how automated systems can create a false sense of confidence. This testimony helps juries understand why drivers may not react appropriately.
Aggressive Negotiation and Trial-Ready Strategy
Our technical expertise gives us a competitive advantage in settlement negotiations. Insurance companies know we understand the technology and can present compelling evidence at trial.
This trial preparation often results in better settlement offers without the need to go to court.
What Does It Cost to Hire Us?
Everyone deserves access to justice regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis.
No Win No Fee
You pay no upfront costs or attorney fees. We only get paid when we win your case through a settlement or a trial verdict.
Our fee is based on a percentage of your recovery, ensuring our interests are aligned with yours. The more we recover for you, the more we earn.
Free Consultation
We provide free case evaluations with no obligation. You can meet with an experienced lawyer to understand your legal options and the strength of your claim.
During your consultation, we’ll explain how self-driving car cases work and what compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Speak With a Yuba City Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer Today
Time is critical in self-driving car accident cases because crucial evidence can disappear within a matter of days. Don’t wait to protect your rights and preserve the proof you need to win.
Our firm serves clients throughout Northern California from our Yuba City office. We handle cases in Marysville, Live Oak, Sutter County, and surrounding communities.
We prioritize customer service and client communications above all else. You’ll get your questions answered and concerns addressed throughout your case.
Call Steve Gimblin, Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer now. Evidence in self-driving cases can disappear quickly, so contact us today for your complimentary consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter if Autopilot was engaged during my crash?
Yes, whether automated features were active significantly impacts liability and your case strategy. We utilize forensic experts to download vehicle data that proves exactly which systems were engaged and how they performed before the crash.
Can I sue Tesla if their Autopilot caused my accident?
You can pursue claims against both the driver and Tesla if their system malfunctioned or was defectively designed. We investigate all potential defendants, including the manufacturer, driver, and any third parties who contributed to the crash.
What if I were using self-driving features when the accident happened?
You can still recover compensation even if you were using automated driving features when the crash occurred. California’s comparative fault system may reduce your award based on your percentage of responsibility, but it won’t eliminate your right to compensation.
How quickly do I need to contact a lawyer after a self-driving car crash?
Contact us immediately because vehicle data can be overwritten or erased within days of an accident. The sooner we can send preservation letters and extract crash data, the stronger your case will be.
Should I let my insurance company repair my car after an accident involving an automated vehicle?
Do not authorize any repairs, software updates, or allow your vehicle to be totaled until we extract the crash data. These actions can permanently destroy the electronic evidence needed to prove your case and maximize your compensation.
