Self-driving cars—once a futuristic concept—are now a reality on Portland’s roads. With tech giants and car manufacturers investing heavily in autonomous vehicle (AV) development, the number of semi-automated and fully automated vehicles is growing rapidly. But with innovation comes uncertainty—especially when accidents happen.
Who’s liable when no one is technically “driving”? The answer isn’t always clear. In this post, we’ll explore how Oregon law applies to self-driving car collisions and what you should do if you’re involved in one.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident?
Determining fault in a self-driving car crash is more complex than a typical car accident. Several parties may be responsible, including:
The Vehicle Manufacturer
If the crash was caused by a flaw in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing—such as faulty sensors or malfunctioning software—then the automaker may be liable under product liability laws.
The Software Developer Autonomous vehicles rely on advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence. If the software makes a poor decision (e.g., misidentifies a pedestrian), the tech company responsible could be held accountable.
The Human “Driver” *
Most AVs today still require some human oversight. If the operator fails to take over when necessary or is distracted, they may be partially or fully at fault.
Third Parties
Other drivers, city governments (for poor road maintenance), or fleet operators may also share responsibility depending on the situation.
Oregon Law and Comparative Negligence Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning more than one party can be at fault—and still liable. If you’re less than 51% responsible for the crash, you can recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you’ll receive $80,000. This is particularly important in self-driving cases, where multiple actors (human and machine) could have contributed to the crash.
What to Do After a Self-Driving Car Crash If you’re involved in a collision with a self-driving or semi-autonomous vehicle, here’s what you should do: Get Medical Attention Even if injuries seem minor, always seek medical help. It documents your condition for insurance and legal claims. Document the Scene Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, signage, and visible injuries. File a Police Report Always have law enforcement document the incident. This becomes key evidence later. Collect Info Get contact and insurance details from all parties, including witnesses. Contact an Experienced Lawyer Self-driving car accidents involve complex legal and technical issues. An attorney familiar with AV technology and liability can protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
At Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the legal gray areas surrounding emerging transportation technologies. Our team:
Investigates crashes with accident reconstruction experts
Analyzes vehicle data logs and software systems
Holds manufacturers and tech companies accountable
Pursues maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
We’ve handled a variety of cutting-edge accident cases and offer a free consultation to help you understand your legal options.
Don’t Navigate It Alone
As autonomous vehicles become more common, so will the legal challenges that come with them. If you or a loved one were hurt in a self-driving car crash in Oregon, it’s essential to act fast.
Let Tillmann Law fight for your future. We’re here to help you make sense of a complicated situation—and get the justice you deserve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a personal injury lawyer for a car accident in Portland?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Portland, it is highly recommended to consult a personal injury lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How do I choose a reliable personal injury attorney in Portland?
Choosing a reliable personal injury attorney in Portland involves considering their experience, success record, and client testimonials to ensure they have the expertise to effectively represent your case and secure fair compensation.
Can a personal injury attorney in Portland help with lost wages?
A personal injury attorney in Portland can help recover lost wages from missed work due to an accident or injury. They can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation for lost income.
Can a Portland personal injury attorney help with medical bills?
A Portland personal injury attorney can help with medical bills by negotiating with insurance companies and healthcare providers to get your medical expenses covered as part of your personal injury claim settlement.
What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Portland?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Portland can provide benefits such as navigating the legal system, maximizing compensation, and ensuring your rights are protected after an accident.
How to find the best personal injury attorney in Portland?
Finding the best personal injury attorney in Portland involves researching their experience, success rate, and client reviews to ensure they have the expertise to handle your case effectively and secure the compensation you deserve.
How does a Portland personal injury attorney prove negligence?
To prove negligence, a Portland personal injury attorney must demonstrate that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care, their actions directly caused the plaintiff's injuries, and the plaintiff suffered quantifiable damages.
How do I find a reliable personal injury lawyer in Portland?
Finding a reliable personal injury lawyer in Portland involves researching local firms, reading client reviews, and consulting with lawyers to assess their experience and success in recovering compensation for personal injury cases.
How does a personal injury attorney in Portland handle insurance companies?
Personal injury attorneys in Portland negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for their clients' injuries, medical expenses, and other damages by leveraging their legal expertise and negotiation skills.
What are the common cases handled by Portland personal injury attorneys?
The common cases handled by Portland personal injury attorneys include car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries, providing legal representation to help clients recover compensation for their injuries.
How do I choose the best personal injury lawyer in Portland?
Choosing the best personal injury lawyer in Portland involves considering their experience, success rate, communication skills, and accessibility to ensure you receive the highest level of legal representation for your case.
Can a personal injury lawyer help with lost wages in Portland?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland can help recover lost wages from an accident, including past and future lost income, to ensure fair compensation for the victim.
What is the process of filing a personal injury claim in Portland?
The process of filing a personal injury claim in Portland typically involves gathering evidence, filing a claim with the at-fault party's insurance company, and potentially pursuing legal action if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
What is the role of a personal injury lawyer in Portland?
The role of a personal injury lawyer in Portland is to provide legal representation and assistance to victims of accidents, helping them secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Can a personal injury lawyer help with pain and suffering in Portland?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland can help recover compensation for pain and suffering experienced due to an accident or injury, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
How long does a personal injury case take in Portland?
The duration of a personal injury case in Portland can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the extent of the injuries. On average, personal injury cases in Portland can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to resolve.
What is the average settlement for personal injury cases in Portland?
The average settlement for personal injury cases in Portland can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors. Settlement amounts typically range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
What is the average settlement in a Portland personal injury case?
The average settlement in a Portland personal injury case can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries, liability, and other factors, but typically ranges from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
Can a personal injury lawyer help with medical bills in Portland?
A personal injury lawyer in Portland can help with medical bills by negotiating with insurance companies and recovering compensation to cover medical expenses related to the injury.
What are the qualifications of a personal injury attorney in Portland?
The qualifications of a personal injury attorney in Portland typically include extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, in-depth knowledge of local laws, and a proven track record of securing fair compensation for injured clients.
What is the statute of limitations in Portland personal injury cases?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Portland, Oregon is generally two years from the date of the incident.
How much does a personal injury attorney in Portland cost?
The cost of a personal injury attorney in Portland can vary, typically ranging from a contingency fee of 33-40% of the settlement or award amount recovered on the client's behalf.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Portland?
The cost of a personal injury lawyer in Portland can vary, typically ranging from 33-40% of the client's final settlement or award, plus additional expenses. The specific fees are determined based on the complexity of the case and the services required.
What is the role of a personal injury attorney in Portland?
The role of a personal injury attorney in Portland is to provide legal representation and assistance to victims of accidents, helping them secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
How does a personal injury lawyer get paid in Portland?
Personal injury lawyers in Portland typically work on a contingency fee basis, where they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for their client's injuries.
Do personal injury attorneys in Portland offer free consultations?
Personal injury attorneys in Portland often offer free consultations to evaluate your case and provide guidance on the legal process.
What are common personal injury cases in Portland?
Common personal injury cases in Portland include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, premises liability, dog bites, and medical malpractice, where victims may seek compensation for their injuries and damages.
What are the most common causes of personal injury in Portland?
The most common causes of personal injury in Portland include motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, workplace accidents, and pedestrian/bicycle collisions.
What are the benefits of hiring a Portland personal injury attorney?
Hiring a Portland personal injury attorney can provide crucial benefits, such as navigating the legal process, negotiating with insurance companies, and maximizing the compensation for your injuries and losses.
What should I expect during my consultation?
During your consultation, you can expect a thorough review of your personal injury case, an assessment of your legal options, and a discussion on how Tillmann Law can assist in securing the compensation you deserve.
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Self-driving cars—once a futuristic concept—are now a reality on Portland’s roads. With tech giants and car manufacturers investing heavily in autonomous vehicle (AV) development, the number of semi-automated and fully automated vehicles is growing rapidly. But with innovation comes uncertainty—especially when accidents happen.
Who’s liable when no one is technically “driving”? The answer isn’t always clear. In this post, we’ll explore how Oregon law applies to self-driving car collisions and what you should do if you’re involved in one.