Autonomous Vehicle Malfunctions: Can You Hold the Manufacturer Accountable?

Yes, you may have grounds to hold a manufacturer accountable if an autonomous vehicle crashes because of a software or hardware malfunction. Georgia law allows people injured by defective products to seek compensation from the companies that design or build them. If an error in a self-driving system causes a car crash, the manufacturer could face liability for design defects, production flaws, or failure to warn consumers about known risks.

Cases like these often turn on whether the vehicle was reasonably safe when it left the manufacturer’s control. Evidence such as data logs, system update records, and crash tests can prove liability by showing how the car performed just before the crash. Continue reading, and if you still have questions, contact the Scott Pryor Law Group for a free consultation today!

Understanding Autonomous Vehicle Malfunctions and Legal Liability

“Liability” exists when someone is legally responsible for harm that results from their actions or failure to act. Establishing liability in autonomous vehicle accident cases often requires multiple layers of analysis. Investigators and attorneys may look at the vehicle’s systems to see if a defect, human error, or a mix of both led to the crash. They might also check maintenance records, software versions, and compliance with federal safety standards.

The concept of liability applies in autonomous vehicle accident cases the same way it does in other personal injury cases: the party that caused the harm must compensate injury victims. What makes autonomous vehicle cases more complex is the intersection of human control with machine decision-making, which can blur the line between where responsibility begins and ends.

Types of Autonomous Vehicle Malfunctions That Lead to Accidents

Autonomous vehicles rely on a complex mix of hardware, software, and data processing to function. If any component fails, even for a moment, the results can be disastrous. Common malfunctions that can cause self-driving vehicle accidents include:

Sensor Errors: Cameras, radar, and lidar systems feed real-time data to the autonomous vehicles’ computers. If a sensor misinterprets road markings, weather conditions, or other vehicles, the system could make unsafe driving choices.
Software Glitches: Bugs or coding flaws can lead systems to misjudge distances or speeds. Even small programming errors can create major safety risks during split-second decisions.
Connectivity Failures: Many autonomous systems depend on cloud-based updates and maps. Lost signals or interrupted connections can prevent vehicles from receiving the data they need.
Inaccurate Object Detection: Vehicle software might misclassify pedestrians, cyclists, or debris in a way that prevents the car from slowing down or steering away in time to avoid a collision.
Improper Calibration: Sensors must be aligned correctly after maintenance or software updates. Poor calibration can cause vehicles to “see” things that aren’t there or fail to detect what is.
Battery or Power Issues: Autonomous vehicles require continuous power to function. Sudden voltage drops or electrical malfunctions can disable critical systems like steering control.
Over-the-Air Update Errors: Some manufacturers update their vehicles remotely. If an update installs incorrectly or conflicts with existing software, it can compromise safety features.
Driver Monitoring Failures: Even in assisted-driving modes, vehicles are supposed to track whether the driver is paying attention. A faulty driver-monitoring system that fails to detect inattention could allow unsafe hands-free operation longer than intended.

Manufacturer Liability in Autonomous Vehicle Malfunction Cases

A manufacturer could face liability if its vehicle’s self-driving technology fails in a way that makes it unsafe for normal use. Under Georgia’s product liability laws, injured claimants must show that the defect in question existed when the manufacturer sold the vehicle and that it directly caused the crash. These defects could include problems like faulty sensors, poor programming, or missing safety features that could have prevented the collision.

Tesla and other manufacturers of autonomous vehicles must meet federal safety standards, but compliance with those rules does not erase their responsibility if their products still pose unreasonable risks. If a vehicle malfunction causes a crash that hurts someone, a claim against the manufacturer could uncover design errors or corporate decisions that put profit ahead of safety.

How to Prove Manufacturer Fault in Malfunction Cases

A lawyer can help you gather and interpret the technical evidence necessary to prove that a defect caused the crash that injured you. This investigative process often involves reviewing vehicle data, consulting engineers, and analyzing safety reports. Your attorney can also request company records that show how the manufacturer designed, tested, and marketed the technology. These details can reveal whether the company ignored warnings or released updates that failed to fix known issues.

An attorney can also identify every potentially responsible party, from software developers to component suppliers. That way, you can pursue compensation from all available sources and increase your chances of covering all of your losses.

Steps to Take After an Autonomous Vehicle Malfunction Accident

Swift and careful action can make a big difference after any crash involving an autonomous vehicle. Whether you were inside the self-driving car or in another vehicle, here’s what you should do to protect yourself and your legal rights:

Exchange names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details with everyone involved. Take photos and videos of the crash scene, the vehicles, and any visible injuries.
Ask witnesses for their contact information in case their statements are needed later. Avoid discussing fault with other drivers, passengers, or company representatives at the scene.
Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine, so a provider can treat and document your condition. Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments. Write down everything you remember about the event, including how the autonomous system behaved before the collision. Preserve the vehicle if it’s yours, and avoid authorizing repairs until an adjuster has the chance to inspect it.
Notify your insurance company about the crash as soon as possible. Provide all required information, but avoid offering unnecessary details or accepting blame.
Contact a car accident lawyer who understands autonomous vehicle technology and Georgia’s liability laws as soon as possible.

Contact The Scott Pryor Law Group

If an autonomous vehicle malfunction caused your injury, reach out to the Scott Pryor Law Group now. Our lawyers have extensive experience handling complex crash cases involving self-driving systems and other advanced technologies, and we’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Let us review your case and help you explore your legal options in a free initial consultation.

Scott Pryor

Managing Attorney | CEO

Scott is a U.S. Marine Veteran. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is listed in the top 1% of trial attorneys in the nation by the Litigator Awards. He is also a member of Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association—Champion Level and sits on the Communications Committee of GTLA and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.