Over the last decade, the United States has gradually seen a rollout of self-driving cars. Also referred to as driverless and fully autonomous vehicles, some self-driving cars are now approved to operate on the streets of Las Vegas. As reported by Fox Business, a company called Vay introduced a fleet of self-driving taxis to parts of the city in 2024.
Part of the promise made by the proponents of self-driving cars is that they will ultimately be safer. However, there is a real accident risk. Any person involved in this type of crash must understand the legal process. Here, our Las Vegas auto accident attorney discusses liability for crashes involving self-driving cars in Nevada.
Tech Update: Self-Driving in 2024
As explained by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), self-driving cars are classified based on the level of human driver input needed to operate them. There are six different categories. Here is an overview:
- Level 0: A level 0 car has no self-driving features. In other words, full human driver input is required.
- Level 1: Some automation is available, such as cruise control. Most cars manufactured in the last 25 years meet this standard.
- Level 2: Automated features can control speed and steering at the same time, but only under very limited conditions.
- Level 3: The vehicle allows for conditional automation, so that self-driving is possible because the car can assess its surroundings. However, a human driver must be ready to take control.
- Level 4: A near fully-autonomous vehicle. However, a level 4 self-driving car cannot operate in certain difficult driving conditions. The vehicle will be programmed to pull over.
- Level 5: A fully self-driving car that operates as well (or better) than a licensed, skilled human driver in all types of situations.
Notably, self-driving cars have made significant advancements in recent years. With that being said, widespread adoption is still limited by both technological challenges and regulatory issues. Still, there are already some self-driving taxis licensed to operate in Las Vegas.
Nevada has Specialized Rules and Regulations in Place for Self-Driving Vehicles
Our state has enacted specific regulations for fully autonomous vehicles (Chapter 482A). Indeed, as one of the first states to embrace autonomous technology, Nevada established clear guidelines for testing, certification, and operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads. These regulations require that self-driving cars meet specific safety standards—including the ability to respond to various road conditions and traffic scenarios.
Any company seeking to test or deploy autonomous vehicles must obtain the proper permits from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Fully Autonomous Vehicles are Subject to the Same Traffic Laws
Were you involved in a crash with a self-driving vehicle in Nevada? It is important to recognize that the same laws apply. Here are some key points to be aware of:
- Self-Driving Cars Must Comply With Traffic Regulations: In Nevada, fully autonomous vehicles are required to follow the same traffic laws as human-driven vehicles. Along with other things, self-driving cars must obey speed limits, follow traffic signals, and comply with right-of-way rules. Failure to comply with traffic laws can result in fines and penalties—just the same way it would for a human driver.
- Nevada Uses a Fault-Based Standard of Liability for Crashes: Fault matters and this is the case for both crashes involving human drivers and crashes involving self-driving vehicles. Nevada follows a fault-based system for determining liability. In the event of a crash—an investigation is a must. The party at fault is then held liable for damages, which may include medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
- Comparative Negligence May Be an Issue in a Self-Driving Car Collision: Under Nevada law (NRS 41.141), a modified comparative negligence standard applies to the full range of motor vehicle collisions, including fully autonomous car crashes. Under this rule, the fault of each party is assessed as a percentage, and the amount of compensation a plaintiff can recover is reduced by their degree of fault. However, if a person is found to be 50 percent or more at fault, they may be barred from recovering any damages.
- A Two-Year Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Claim: Motor vehicle accident claims are subject to strict legal deadlines. There is a two-year statute of limitations for the full range of car accident claims, including negligence claims and product liability claims. Do not wait to get started with your case: Consult with a Las Vegas self-driving car crash attorney right away after a bad accident.
The Vehicle Operator and/or Manufacturer May Be Liable for a Self-Driving Car Crash
Self-driving automobile accident claims can be exceptionally complicated. In Nevada, liability for a self-driving car crash can fall on both the vehicle operator and the manufacturer—depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Every accident should be carefully investigated:
- Operator Liability: If the autonomous vehicle was in manual mode or required human intervention at the time of the crash, the operator may be held liable. Notably, a company that owns and operates a self-driving car may be liable if that vehicle causes a crash because it made a “mistake.”
- Manufacturer Liability: if the crash resulted from a malfunction or defect in the vehicle’s autonomous system, the manufacturer could be held responsible under product liability laws. Nevada holds manufacturers strictly liable for harm caused by a product defect.
Indeed, the key thing that makes self-driving auto accident claims different is that there are often issues related to manufacturer liability. A crash needs to be carefully investigated to determine exactly what went wrong.
Contact Our Las Vegas Car Crash Attorney Today
At Ace Law Group, our Las Vegas auto accident lawyers are standing by, ready to fight for your rights. If you have any specific questions about a self-driving car crash, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us online for a free case review.
With a law office in Las Vegas, our firm handles self-driving vehicle collisions in Clark County and throughout all of Nevada.