PHILADELPHIA SELF-DRIVING CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
Content Legally Reviewed & Approved
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
Self-driving cars have grown in popularity in the United States, especially in busy cities like Philadelphia. However, as their numbers grow, incidents involving these vehicles also rise.
Self-driving car accidents can result in serious, life-changing injuries. From severe bone fractures to permanent spinal cord damage, victims of these incidents often face extensive medical bills and ongoing care.
If you have been injured in a self-driving car collision, do not wait to get the legal help you deserve. Contact Cordisco & Saile, LLC, today to get support fighting for fair compensation.
Navigate This Page
- Why Philadelphians Choose Cordisco & Saile for Self-Driving Accident Claims
- We Offer Compassionate Care and Direct Communication After a Crash
- Types of Compensation Available in a Self-Driving Car Accident Claim
- Identifying At-Fault Parties in a Philadelphia Self-Driving Car Accident
- Recovering and Preserving Evidence To Establish Liability
- The Difference Between Driver Assistance and Fully Autonomous Vehicles
- Common Causes of Self-Driving Accidents in Philadelphia
- How Pennsylvania’s Self-Driving Car Laws Affect Accident Cases
- Contact a Philadelphia Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer at Cordisco & Saile
Why Philadelphians Choose Cordisco & Saile for Self-Driving Accident Claims
Our Philadelphia lawyers have extensive experience handling unique collision claims, like self-driving car accident cases. Cordisco & Saile is an award-winning personal injury law firm that has fought for clients throughout Pennsylvania for over 30 years.
Managing Attorney Michael L. Saile, Jr, is recognized in the Brain Injury Association of America’s Preferred Attorney Program and The National Trial Lawyers Brain Injury Top 25. He and his team of nationally recognized attorneys have secured over $100 million in settlements and verdicts.
We are local to the Philadelphia area and have an in-depth understanding of Pennsylvania’s accident and personal injury laws. Get started with your case today by calling our law office and speaking with a member of our team.
We Offer Compassionate Care and Direct Communication After a Crash
In many of these cases, the victim is left feeling frustrated, unsupported by the difficult-to-navigate legal system, and disheartened by interactions with insurance companies.
This is where our team steps in.
Aggressive insurers often look for ways to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line, leaving injured clients to fight on their own. Cordisco & Saile helps level the playing field by representing individuals in these challenging situations, explaining their legal rights, and pushing back against unfair settlement offers.
I called Cordisco & Saile to seek help for my brother who was injured in a car accident. I had the pleasure of speaking with Barbara Mohr who was incredibly helpful AND compassionate. I wanted to make sure my brother was properly taken care of and chose a smaller firm where I knew he would receive the proper support. I have not been disappointed… Barbara was exceptional.
Todd Sailer was AMAZING!! He was referred to me by a friend. I thought my car accident lawsuit would take at least 4-5 years. Todd was able to secure a settlement for me in 2 1/2 yrs. The settlement he was able to win takes off a tremendous amount of pressure and stress while I continue to recover. I can not recommend him enough!!!! Thank you Todd and your firm for everything you have done for me and I am forever grateful!
I would like to say Michelle Recchia, from this law firm, has been nothing but my shoulder to lean on through these dark times. She is so compassionate, empathetic, and supportive. This law firm is the best. When times are rough they go above and beyond to help you. Thank you!!
Types of Compensation Available in a Self-Driving Car Accident Claim
Compensation from a self-driving car accident generally consists of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the tangible losses the victim experiences, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages consist of intangible losses, like pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. In some cases where especially egregious behavior is involved, the court may award punitive damages as a means of punishing the defendant.
Our seasoned attorneys can calculate your damages from a self-driving car crash and pursue a final payout that fully reflects these losses.
Identifying At-Fault Parties in a Philadelphia Self-Driving Car Accident
Self-driving car wrecks are rarely straightforward. The vehicle’s autonomous technology, software systems, sensors, maintenance history, and design can all impact the outcome of a case when determining what cause and liability.
Evidence is used to identify who is responsible, such as another driver, the vehicle manufacturer, a technology company, a software developer, or another party involved in designing, maintaining, or operating the vehicle. These cases can involve complex issues such as product liability, defective technology, corporate negligence, and insurance disputes.
A skilled attorney can investigate the circumstances of an incident and build an evidence-based claim by consulting with qualified experts and accident reconstructionists. With the right legal guidance, you can build a stronger case and pursue the compensation you need after a serious self-driving vehicle wreck.
Recovering and Preserving Evidence To Establish Liability
In a driverless accident, the strength of your evidence can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case. Your evidence will need to show how the accident happened, prove who was responsible, and demonstrate the impact of your injuries. Strong evidence includes:
- Police reports
- Photos and videos
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Surveillance footage
- Expert testimony
At the onset of your case, we will work to preserve critical evidence, including the vehicle’s onboard data, event recordings, software logs, maintenance records, and other information that may be overwritten or lost over time. Our team can also investigate the crash scene, review available footage, and interview witnesses to get to the bottom of what caused the accident.
The Difference Between Driver Assistance and Fully Autonomous Vehicles
Vehicle automation is classified by the Society of Automotive Engineers into six levels, ranging from no automation to fully autonomous driving:
- Level 0: The driver performs all driving tasks without automation, though some alerts or safety features may be available.
- Level 1: Driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping help, but the driver remains fully responsible.
- Level 2: Advanced driver assistance systems can control steering, acceleration, and braking in certain conditions, but require the driver to monitor the road and be ready to take over.
- Levels 3–5: Higher levels of automation allow the vehicle to perform more or all driving tasks under certain conditions, with level 5 representing fully autonomous vehicles that do not require human input.
Many vehicles advertised as self-driving today still require active driver supervision. Even advanced automated systems can fail due to software errors, sensor limitations, outdated mapping data, and improper driver use.
Common Causes of Self-Driving Accidents in Philadelphia
Automated driving systems are designed to improve safety, but they are not immune to failure. If a self-driving system contributes to a crash, you may have a case depending on the circumstances and who was responsible.
- Failure to detect obstacles or pedestrians: Sensors or cameras may fail to detect pedestrians, vehicles, or other hazards in the roadway, leading to a collision.
- Incorrect lane positioning or navigation errors: Automated systems may drift out of lanes, misread road markings, or make unsafe decisions due to inaccurate mapping data.
- Software or system malfunctions: Bugs or glitches can cause a vehicle to accelerate, brake, or steer incorrectly.
- Poor performance in certain conditions: Heavy rain, fog, construction zones, or damaged road markings can hinder automated technology.
- Driver misuse or overreliance on automation: A driver who fails to monitor the system or respond when required may share responsibility for a crash.
Determining fault in a self-driving car accident can be complicated because responsibility may involve multiple parties. A thorough investigation can help identify whether a technology failure or human error contributed to your injuries.
How Pennsylvania’s Self-Driving Car Laws Affect Accident Cases
Self-driving vehicle laws are still evolving, making it difficult to determine who is responsible after a crash.
Pennsylvania Act 130 of 2022 established a legal framework for Highly Automated Vehicles, including requirements for testing and operation. Other rules that may affect your case include PennDOT’s oversight of Level 3–5 automated vehicles and its testing guidelines for companies operating automated vehicles on Pennsylvania roads.
Federal reporting requirements also provide important information. The NHTSA Standing General Order requires certain crashes involving automated driving systems and Level 2 driver-assistance technology to be reported.
As these laws continue to develop, working with an attorney who understands automated vehicle technology and closely follows Pennsylvania liability laws will give you a greater chance for a successful claim. You only get one chance to bring your claim. Choose the firm whose lawyers have experience with self-driving car accidents and won’t stop fighting for you.
Contact a Philadelphia Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer at Cordisco & Saile
If you or your loved one were injured due to someone else’s actions, whether that be a reckless driver or a negligent manufacturer, Cordisco & Saile can seek the maximum compensation you deserve. Protecting your future starts with taking action early.
Contact our law office at 215-642-2335 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and learn how our Philadelphia self-driving car accident lawyers can help pursue a fair recovery.
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Our Attorneys
Real Stories. Real Results.
“I was in a serious accident in 2021. My injuries were new however they mimicked some of the injuries I received in a 2017 accident. After treating with 2 doctors, both who stated my injuries were permanent, I was recommended to Cordisco & Saile. My attorney, Steven DeBonis, was wonderful. He listened and guided me through the process. He worked endlessly to ensure I received a proper settlement. I am so grateful for his effort and kindness. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needed someone to fight for them. The staff was friendly, informative and helpful. They are the best legal team around. Thank you for all you have done.”
I had a slip and fall on Saturday, December 21, 2024. I waited a few days before calling Barbara’s firm and when I decided to reach out, I left a message late at night on the 23rd. First thing Christmas Eve day, Barbara calls me to let me know. She received the message and wanted to chat about my fall. She was extremely professional, detailed the process, and what they would look for in terms of backup documentation, but also instilled a sense of safety and security because she was kind, compassionate and empathetic. She gave the distinct impression that my case would be well researched thoroughly but also be done ethically without having me jump through a whole lot of extra hoops. Five stars, would highly recommend.”
“I had a car accident in January 2019. I called Cordisco and Saile. Michael Saile Jr. worked with me along with his associate Steve, and para legal Michele. They treated me with kindness and respect. I had injuries to my neck and spine. I went through months of physical therapy. The person who t- boned my car had no license, registration or insurance, therefore Mr. Saile had to put together a lawsuit against my own insurance company. I had limited tort insurance but Mr. Saile and his people fought to get me the most money that I was entitled to from my insurance company. It took four years due to the pandemic but they kept at it until they reached the maximum. I cannot thank them enough. Everyone in their office worked very hard for me. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who has had an accident, or any legal work.”
We’re here to listen, help you understand your legal options, and support you during this difficult time. Remember, there is never any cost or obligation when you call our team to learn about your options.
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