Who Is Liable in Self-Driving Car Accidents in Nova Scotia?

The world of transportation is changing rapidly, and self-driving cars are at the forefront of this transformation. We hear about them in the news, see videos online, and even glimpse one on the road.

The idea of a car driving itself seems futuristic, like something from a science fiction movie. But it’s becoming a reality and raising important questions, especially when accidents happen. While the public perception might be of fully autonomous vehicles, the legal reality is still catching up. There are many ongoing self-driving car legal issues in Nova Scotia, and we do not expect these issues to be cleared up anytime soon. While self driving cars are not yet readily available in Nova Scotia, there are versions of partial self driving cars that are.

If you are injured in this type of collision, you need a car accident lawyer in Nova Scotia to assess your rights and the best course of action. It is possible to seek compensation for injuries in self-driving car crashes, but there are obstacles, making legal help essential. Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers today to discuss a possible case.

What Is a Self-Driving Car in Legal Terms?

Defining what exactly a “self-driving car” is can be difficult. Legally speaking, it’s not as simple as a car that can drive itself sometimes. The term “self-driving” may be misleading because it suggests a level of autonomy that might not exist. In legal terms, we need to look at specific levels of automation to understand what we’re talking about.

Levels of Vehicle Autonomy (SAE 0–5)

To better understand the different types of self-driving cars, we use a scale developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This scale goes from 0 to 5, with each level representing a different degree of automation:

• Level 0: Non-Existent Automation: The driver is in complete control. A human driver performs all driving functions.
• Level 1: Driver Assistance: The vehicle has some basic features, like cruise control or lane-keeping assist, but the driver still controls the operation.
• Level 2: Partial Automation: The vehicle can handle steering and acceleration/deceleration, but the driver must remain attentive and ready to take over at any time.
• Level 3: Conditionally Automated: The vehicle can self-drive under specific conditions, but the operator manually handles the auto when required.
• Level 4: High Automation: The vehicle can drive itself in most conditions, but there might be some situations where a human driver is needed.
• Level 5: Full Automation: The vehicle can drive itself in all conditions; no human driver is needed to operate it.

SAE Levels of Driving Automation: Reference Table

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) upholds six automation levels for self-automated cars. These levels range from 0 to 5, showing how a vehicle can operate autonomously or independently. Use this table as a helpful reference.

Level	Name	Description
0	No Automation	The driver controls all aspects of driving.
1	Driver Assistance	The vehicle assists with functions like adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane-keeping assist (LKAS), but the driver must maintain control.
2	Partial Automation	The vehicle can handle some driving tasks, such as steering, accelerating, and slowing down, but the driver must be ready to take over if necessary.
3	Conditional Automation	The vehicle can handle most driving tasks under specific conditions, but the driver takes over when needed.
4	High Automation	The vehicle can handle most driving tasks in specific environments, but human intervention may be needed in unusual situations.
5	Full Automation	The vehicle can handle all driving tasks in all conditions without any human input.

 

Canada’s Current Stage: Limited Autonomy (Levels 2–3)

In Canada, we mainly deal with vehicles at Level 2 and 3 autonomy. This means that while cars might have advanced features that can help with driving, the driver still needs to be involved in the activity. Drivers must stay alert and prepared to intervene at any moment, which means their distraction and lack of intervention can be to blame for a self-driving car collision in Canada.

Why Driver Involvement Still Matters

As discussed, even with advanced technology, driver involvement is necessary. The systems in Level 2 and 3 vehicles are not foolproof. They can make mistakes or encounter situations they can’t handle. The driver must always be ready to take control to prevent accidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Determining who is at fault in a self-driving car accident in Nova Scotia can be complicated. Blaming the driver is not always as simple as it seems. Several parties could be held liable, and a car accident lawyer in Nova Scotia should carefully assess liability in each individual case.

The Driver or Operator

Even in a self-driving car, the driver or operator still has responsibilities. They need to be attentive and ready to take control when necessary. If an accident happens because the driver wasn’t paying attention or didn’t take over when they should have, they could be held liable. This is another complex issue regarding autonomous vehicle accident liability in Canada.

The Vehicle Manufacturer

The vehicle manufacturer could be held liable if an accident happens because of a car’s hardware or software defect. This could include issues with the self-driving technology, sensors, or other electronic components.

Software Developers / Tech Providers

The software that powers self-driving cars is incredibly complicated. If an error in the software causes an accident, the software developers or tech providers could be held liable. This is a developing area of law, and determining fault in these cases can be detailed.

Shared Liability

In many self-driving car accidents, liability might be shared among multiple parties. For example, the driver might be partially responsible for not paying attention, while the manufacturer might also be responsible for a software error.

As you can see, identifying who is at fault in a self-driving car crash in NS is complicated, so you need the right legal evaluation. If you bring claims against the incorrect parties, you will be unsuccessful. Not only identifying the proper liable parties, but also having evidence of their liability, is necessary to obtain financial recovery for your injuries.

How Insurance Handles Self-Driving Car Accidents in Nova Scotia

Insurance companies are still figuring out how to handle self-driving car accidents. It’s a new area, and there are many uncertainties. If you have an autonomous vehicle insurance claim in Canada, you want the proper legal representation because you can expect a challenge.

What Victims Should Expect from Insurance Companies – Why Insurance May Deny Claims or Shift Blame to Tech Firms

Insurance companies are hesitant to pay claims if you’re involved in a self-driving car accident. They might try to deny claims or shift blame to the tech firms that developed the self-driving technology. Determining who is at fault can be challenging, and insurance companies want to protect their interests.

How a Car Accident Lawyer in Nova Scotia Can Help

If you’ve been in a self-driving car accident, getting legal help is essential. A car accident lawyer can help you understand the complexities of these cases and fight for your rights. They’ll take care of all the details of your case so you can heal and focus on personal obligations.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Self-Driving Car Crash in Nova Scotia

If you’re involved in a self-driving car crash in Nova Scotia, you must follow several steps to ensure you’re paid for your losses. The following are some steps you can take to protect your rights:

• Ensure Safety: Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call for medical help immediately.
• Report the Accident: Call the police to report the accident. This is important for insurance purposes and for creating an official event record.
• Gather Information: Collect information from all parties involved, including names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details.
• Record Evidence at the Scene: Photograph or record videos of the accident scene, including any accident-related debris, skid marks, and property and auto damage.
• Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident immediately.
• Seek Legal Advice: Contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your case and understand your rights. They can help you know the details of self-driving car accidents and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Once your physical condition is stable, your next step should be to hire a car accident lawyer. They can immediately begin gathering evidence and building a case.

Review Your Legal Options Now – Speak to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Nova Scotia

While many people still think self-driving cars are a thing of the future, these vehicles are on our roads today, and you can be in an accident with one. When this happens, the resulting legal case can involve technical issues of liability, often involving an analysis of software, manufacturing, and levels of autonomy. You need to find a law firm that is familiar with these issues and prepared to handle complicated cases involving self-driving vehicles.

If you’re injured in a self-driving crash, your next step is to address your legal and financial concerns with a car accident lawyer from Preszler Injury Lawyers. Know where you stand and your potential compensation ASAP. Contact a car accident lawyer from our team now. We are ready to help.