150 years ago, the technology required for a car to work was unthinkable. A carriage being driven without a horse would have been thought to be some kind of black magic. However, as technology continues to advance, there are cars coming out in 2025 that can completely drive themselves, free of any human input! We have come a long way!
With technology advancing at such a rapid rate, the nature of how we drive cars is changing completely. New features such as autopilot, lane assist, and surround-view cameras are changing the way we drive cars: from backing into parking spots to changing lanes.
Here are some ways that technology is changing the way we drive and the way we deal with auto accidents after they happen.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems:
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS refers to features like:
- automatic emergency braking
- lane-keeping assist
- adaptive cruise control
- collision avoidance systems
All these features are designed to help you avoid collisions with objects that you did not know were there. Whether it be a fire hydrant too low for you to see or an M-series BMW flying by you in your blind-spot, these technologies can override user input and apply the breaks (or give you a visual warning) to help avoid the worst-case scenario: a bad accident with an unseen object.
While ADAS are potentially useful for avoiding accidents and keeping drivers safe, they present some interesting situations as far as assigning blame following an accident is concerned. Liability (in the event of an accident) can sometimes be placed on auto manufacturers, if the malfunctioning of one of these assistance systems caused the accident. This adds an entirely new element to personal injury claims following an accident, something you definitely want your injury attorney to be familiar with.
Auto Pilot & Autonomous Driving:
Another widely advertised feature being included in many high-end cars is auto pilot. Auto pilot or autonomous driving is a feature that allows a car to drive completely free of direct human intervention. While autonomous driving could completely revolutionize the way we travel, it is worth noting that this technology is still in its infant stage and likely will see many improvements through the coming years.
Similar to ADAS, autonomous driving presents many challenges when trying to determine liability following an auto-accident. If a car with these capabilities is involved in an accident, there will almost surely be a question of whether the fault lies with the human operating the vehicle or the car manufacturer who implemented the autonomous system.
Conclusion
Technology is changing the game when it comes to driving, as well as assigning blame to individuals following an accident. If you were in an accident and need legal assistance, getting an attorney who is an expert with automotive technology is absolutely vital.
David Femminineo and his team at Femminineo Law are amongst the most experienced auto-injury attorneys in Michigan. Rest assured that David is more than familiar with all the relevant technologies being put into new cars. If you were injured as the result of an auto accident, make sure you get David, and you will get paid. Call us today at 855-65-CRASH or visit our website at getdavidgetpaid.com.