Automobile manufacturers are constantly innovating new technologies that are intended to make driving easier, safer, and more enjoyable. As such, new models of cars are designed and built every year and put on the market with colorful advertising about all the updated bells and whistles that are being offered.

When a new car is designed, it will also be tested to make sure that the car functions appropriately and does what it is intended to do. It also helps to rate how safe the car is and if the crash avoidance systems are effective. Still, drivers should understand how to manually operate their vehicles without the help of these systems because they may not always be reliable and they do have the potential to fail. For example, if a driver does not know how to use their mirrors to back out of a parking spot because they are always reliant on their rearview camera and alarm sensor, this could be a major problem should these driving aids stop working.

When a safety system malfunctions in some way, this could lead to an accident. If you were in an accident in or around Jacksonville, and you would like assistance with a Florida personal injury claim, connect with the Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at Sheftall Law. The legal team at Sheftall Law uses both strength and experience to help improve victims of vehicular accidents’ ability to obtain maximum recovery from their injury claims.

What Car Safety Systems Are Used Most Often?

There are several different safety systems that are found across the board in modern cars. Car accident avoidance technology that was once only found in luxury vehicles can now be expected in most car models on the market. Some of the most common of these advanced systems include:

• Lane departure warnings.
• Driving control.
• Rear cross-traffic alert.
• Forward collision warning.
• Auto brake.
• Blindspot monitoring.
• Pedestrian identification with automatic braking.
• Adaptive headlights.
• Rear cameras.
• Drowsiness detection.
• Parking assistance.

These systems are incredibly helpful to keep drivers more alert to their surroundings. Automatic systems can also react fast to avoid a hazard in certain situations specifically if the driver does not detect it first. 

While these safety technologies can support safer driving, there are also implications that come with such advanced safety systems. Drivers can trust these systems so much, that they may ignore their own senses and responsibilities while behind the wheel. When a driver becomes so dependant on a car to do the work of being cautious and alert for them, this can turn out to be a major problem. Particularly so in situations where the car’s safety systems fail.

What Happens When a Car Accident Avoidance System Fails and Crash Results?

The most devastating outcome of a car accident avoidance system failure is a crash. Car accidents can have catastrophic results. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that in 2020, there were 341,399 total crashes. Out of these, 212,432 people suffered injuries while 3,332 died.

Car accidents can happen as a result of a variety of different factors. Human error is the leading reason for accidents. Defective parts and malfunctioning components can also lead to a crash on the road. If you were in a car accident, no matter if it was because of another driver’s negligent actions or a mistake made by a driver when their driver assistance technology malfunctioned, there are important steps that should be taken by those involved in the crash.

• Check to see if anyone was injured and if you or another party was harmed, call 9-1-1.
• Do not flee the scene. Stay until first responders arrive.
• Do not admit to any responsibility for the accident.
• Never apologize.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with others involved in the collision.
• If you were injured, seek medical attention to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan. 
• Connect with a Jacksonville car accident lawyer at Sheftall Law for help filing a personal injury claim against the negligent party or parties that caused the crash to take place.

Personal injury claims can include all of the damages you suffered from your crash such as:

• Medical expenses.
• Pain and suffering.
• Lost wages.
• Property damages.

Determining Fault When a Car Accident Avoidance System Fails

An attorney can examine your accident situation and figure out who is at fault for causing the crash. In minor collisions, under Florida’s car accident laws, a victim would use their own insurance to cover their costs. But when the damages are extensive, then a victim has the right to file a claim against the party who caused the accident.

Determining fault after a Florida car accident can be complicated as there may be more than one party liable. If a car accident avoidance system fails and that causes a crash, the driver may still be at fault. This is because ultimately, the driver should remain aware and alert to take action even if their car’s technology is not working properly. While an automobile’s safety system can be helpful for minimizing the risk for a crash, technology is not a substitute for a driver’s responsibility to be active and safe while operating their motor vehicle.

In other situations, if a car has defective parts and that is what leads to a crash, then the situation could be a bit different. It may be possible to hold the car’s manufacturer accountable for the resulting damages. An experienced attorney will be able to dissect a car accident situation and place fault on the appropriate parties.

Speak to a Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney Today

Driver assistance technologies are helpful for drivers. These systems have been shown to be fairly reliable and beneficial towards keeping the roads safer. But, there is no system that is infallible. 

The Jacksonville car accident lawyers at Sheftall Law can assist you with obtaining compensation after your car accident experience. To learn more schedule a free consultation with an attorney at Sheftall Law today by calling 904-647-2296.