Driverless cars are the latest buzzword in the tech and car industries. This led the public to believe that soon the road would be filled with 100% autonomous self-driving cars. While many early adopters are excited at this prospect, many drivers are uneasy by this idea. It also creates interesting legal questions regarding who could be at fault for injury if an accident involving a driverless car occurs. Without a doubt, the driverless car could be the future, but it is unlikely that the first models will be entirely autonomous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has organized the types of driverless cars into six stages based on their level of autonomy.

Stage 0: No Automation

At this stage, the car is entirely dependent on the driver and offers no self-driving features. In other words, most, vehicles on the road today fit into this stage.

Stage 1: Driver Assistance

This includes some features like steering and acceleration to assist the driver. However, at this stage of automation, the driver has to remain actively aware of road conditions. The driver must still keep their hands on the steering wheel and be ready to operate the pedal

It has been reported that, despite laws designed to help keep drivers focused on the road, the rate of auto accidents occurring in Illinois continues to increase. If you are injured in a car accident  the pain suffered can have lasting results. However, the law provides a variety of options one can pursue to help offset the various expenses that accompany most automobile accident injuries.

Your Options

If you or someone close to you is injured, whether as a pedestrian, driver or passenger, it is important to know the various avenues to consider when seeking monetary relief to help pay for medical bills or cover loss of income.

Recovering money damages for your injuries from a car accident requires you to prove several facts. Some people think that just being hurt in a car accident means that they have a successful lawsuit in their possession, but this could not be further from the truth.

There Are Many Complications that Could Arise in Your Car Wreck Lawsuit

Few car accident cases, especially where there is a large amount of damages at stake, are cut and dry. Most of these accidents have facts that could be damaging to your ability to recover. It is the job of your attorney to assess these weaknesses and determine possible defenses.

Car accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. However, your odds of getting into a car accident are higher at certain locations and certain times of the day. Being aware of these risk factors can help you avoid accidents and practice defensive driving.

When Do Car Accidents Occur?

Nighttime accidents are especially dangerous. About 49 percent of fatal crashes occur at night. That means that the fatality rate per mile is three times higher at night than in the day. A key factor in the number of fatalities at night is seat belt use. Of nighttime fatalities, about 65 percent of motorists were not wearing a seat belt.

When a family member dies in an accident and another party should be responsible, there are two actions that can be brought under Illinois law: a wrongful death lawsuit and a survival action. Each of these claims is meant to address different injuries sustained by different parties. 

What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death suit is brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. If there is not a representative appointed in the will, a court will appoint someone.