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As Google’s Driverless Car Rolls Out, Who’s To Blame If An Accident Happens

As Google begins production on its very own self-driving cars, people are becoming increasingly excited about the fantastic possibilities this futuristic development in technology holds.


United Kingdom – WEBWIRE

According to government figures over 23,500 people were killed or seriously injured in a road traffic accident in the UK in the past year.

As Google begins production on its very own self-driving cars, people are becoming increasingly excited about the fantastic possibilities this futuristic development in technology holds.

In an article by the BBC, Google explained that a passenger could input their destination details, press a button and be on their way whilst they sit back and enjoy the ride. Needing almost zero interaction from either passenger, the self-driving car was equipped with a start/pullover and emergency stop button only - ensuring minimal contact between car and driver.

At Freeclaim, we’ve decided to highlight some of the great and not so great implications this car will surely have on drivers and road safety. Here’s 3 of each.

Let’s start with the positive.

  • The car will of course utilise Google Maps, and as the software is increasing its reach daily, getting lost will be a thing of the past.
  • The Google car can now read stop signs rather than relying on users to plot them out on maps, which means the likelihood of missing a stop sign is reduced.
  • With a bumper made from soft foam like material, the car will be safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The addition of a flexible windscreen will also reduce injuries.


Unfortunately there are also negative points which have been thrown into light:
  • In extreme circumstances, the car simply could not react as well as a human. If quick steering is needed, the passenger is completely at the mercy of the car as the steering wheel will not be present.
  • At the moment there are no speed-up or slow down capabilities, which means if an accident is happening in front, a passenger would not be able to react accordingly.
  • As the car drives itself, the potential for falling asleep or not paying attention will increase. This means you could be putting yourself and others at risk.


Of course there are many legal questions being asked - the big one being “who is to blame for an accident?” According to government figures over 23,500 people were killed or seriously injured in a road traffic accident in the UK in the past year, and countless claims put in for road traffic compensation claims. An inherent problem would be finding out who is to blame if an accident occurs.

If a pedestrian steps out onto the street and is hit by a Google car; is it the pedestrians fault, the passengers, or the car? As no one is ‘driving’ as such, finding out who is at fault could potentially be tricky.

If you bump into someone or someone bumps into you because the car has failed to react properly, who is to blame?
Sadly these questions can’t be answered as yet, but for road accidents with regular cars Freeclaim can help.

With over 25 years’ experience in road traffic accident claims, Freeclaim are specialist solicitors who could help you if you need legal advice following a road traffic accident. We can speak to your insurers on your behalf and ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, taking the worry out of a compensation claim whilst leaving you to recover.

To find out more call 0800 612 7340 or visit www.freeclaim.co.uk for more information.


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