fbpx

Visit our offices in Kansas City, Liberty, St. Joe,
or our Virtual Office

Self-Driving Car Kills Pedestrian: Uber Accident Takes the Autonomous Car Debate to a New Level

Wednesday, Mar. 21st 2018

By: Chris Nace

The Ride Share Law Group website recently reported that a self-driving Uber vehicle being tested on the roads of Arizona struck and killed a woman. While there was a human driver in the car, the vehicle was in autonomous mode. According to the article, the victim “was crossing the street outside of a crosswalk. The Uber vehicle was traveling in automonous mode with a human safety driver at the wheel when it struck the woman.”

Uber has subsequently pulled all test vehicles from the roadways.

This is obviously a tragic accident. But it highlights some of the concerns facing lawmakers as we began to grapple with the presence of autonomous vehicles on the road. One big question that seems to be unanswered from this accident is assuming an injury happens, if the vehicle is in autonomous mode who is responsible? Is it the driver who is not actually handling the vehicle? Is it Uber? Is it the manufacturer? Or is it some amorphous robot, something that could never be hauled into court and held responsible for its negligence?

These are questions that must be answered through legislation. Many states are working to pass legislation that would simply make the manufacturer of an autonomous vehicle the responsible party when a vehicle is in autonomous mode. The key is to make sure that when a vehicle violates a rule of the road, someone can be held responsible for harm caused. A victim should not be left without recourse because she was hit by a driverless car.

Is this family supposed to have to file some massive product liability suit if its determined that the vehicle simply entered a crosswalk when it shouldn’t have? Or should they be able to file a lawsuit just like thousands of Americans do everyday when other drivers harm them through no fault of their own. The point is that our laws need to quickly catch up to this new technology. Driverless cars are coming to a city and community near you soon. It is important that we consider and wrestle with how we are going to hold them liable for accidents, because even machines can fail and hurt people.


Google 5 Star Rating Motor Vehicle trial Lawyers Top 25 Hurt In An Accident?

Personal Injury

If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure where to turn, let us help. We represent individuals in many areas of personal injury including truck, auto and motorcycle accidents, property liability (slip & fall), spinal cord injuries, and more.

Worker's Comp

Injured at work? We can help! If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness, we can help ensure you get full and fair compensation under the law.

REAL PEOPLE HELPING REAL PEOPLE

Our Personal Injury & Worker's Comp Attorneys

Northland Injury Law: Personal Injury Lawyers in Northland Kansas City and Northwest Missouri.

Proudly serving: Gladstone, Liberty, Kansas City, North Kansas City, Saint Joseph, Plattsburg, Cameron, Chillicothe, Trenton, Sedalia, Warrensburg and many other areas in Missouri.

The Northland Injury Law Firm has been practicing in the Kansas City area for many years. Our founders, Max Von Erdsmannsdorff and Steve Mowry, built a strong foundation for the firm. Since Eric Bartlett joined the firm in 1996, Northland Injury Law has earned a reputation for success, honesty and compassion in personal injury and worker’s compensation.

I found Northland Injury Law to be very professional and honest! They kept me up to date on my case. I would highly recommend the whole firm for all your legal needs!!” – Michael T.

Northland Injury Law is proud of the relationships they’ve built with the clients they have served in the Northland and surrounding areas.  Their many great results for seriously injured people have helped their clients recover the significant economic losses that attend such serious injuries.

When it comes to a lawsuit after an accident or injury, representation matters! Most people do not realize that insurance companies have teams of lawyers, investigators, photographers and defense experts who immediately go to work following a serious accident involving their insureds.  They hire these people to minimize their exposure throughout the claims process and to reduce the amount received by the victim. Northland Injury Law aims to level the playing field for their clients.

This is an excellent law firm. They helped me out after an accident and did an awesome job. I would recommend this law firm to anyone who needs a good lawyer.” – Toni B.

Between them, Mr. Mowry and Mr. Bartlett have over  50 combined years of legal experience in the Kansas City Northland area. They have both been recognized by KC Magazine as “Top attorneys in Missouri and Kansas” and both have been recognized in the National Top 100 Trial Attorneys.

If you require the services of excellent local lawyers after an accident or injury, call Northland Injury Law today for a free consultation at 816-400-4878.

Latest Blog

How To Choose A Personal Injury Attorney

Accidents don't come with a warning, leaving you grappling with injuries and a complex web of legalities. It's the kind of situation that can thrust you into a whirlwind of uncertainty, where decisions matter more than ever. A guiding hand...

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers about our Kansas City law firm, like how and when to file a suit for your Personal Injury & Worker’s Compensation.

View All FAQ's

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE EBOOKS!

Northland Injury Law © All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy

Site Created by KC Web Specialists, LLC

Skip to content