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Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane-keeping, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control. While these features are designed to make driving safer, malfunctions or misuse can still lead to devastating accidents.
Understanding liability in these cases is vital for protecting your rights. For over 35 years, NST Law has guided accident victims through complex claims, combining compassionate care with the resources needed to challenge powerful auto companies and insurers.
Key Takeaways
- Depending on the circumstances, the driver, manufacturer, or both may be liable for malfunctioning auto features.
- Drivers must remain attentive and maintain control, even with advanced features.
- Manufacturers may be liable for design defects, faulty software, or failure to warn consumers.
- NST Law has over 35 years of experience, billions won, and a client-first approach to complex auto accident cases.
- Are Drivers Responsible When Auto Features Fail?
- When Is the Manufacturer Liable?
- Can Liability Be Shared Between Driver and Manufacturer?
- How NST Law Helps in Auto Malfunction Cases
- Contact an Auto Malfunction Car Accident Lawyer Today
- Our Auto Malfunction Car Accident Lawyers
- FAQs About Auto Feature Malfunction Liability
Are Drivers Responsible When Auto Features Fail?
Even with advanced safety features, drivers are expected to always remain alert and in control. Automated systems can reduce risk but are not flawless and cannot replace human judgment. Investigators and courts often examine whether the driver acted responsibly behind the wheel when crashes happen.
Recent studies show that many drivers rely heavily on these systems. In a 2023 survey, half of the respondents said they use advanced features every time they drive, while 15% admitted to heavily depending on them. This growing reliance makes it more likely that courts will scrutinize driver behavior when accidents occur.
Drivers may still be held liable if they:
- Drive distracted, such as taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road while relying on autopilot or lane-keeping.
- Fail to intervene, like ignoring alerts or refusing to take back control when the system requests it.
- Misuse features, i.e., engage adaptive cruise control or autopilot on roads not designed for those systems.
- Ignore maintenance or recalls, like failing to update software or fix known issues with sensors or cameras.
- Drive under the influence, and expect the vehicle’s technology to “drive safely” despite their impairment.
- Speed or drive recklessly, assuming the safety features will compensate for aggressive behavior.
When Is the Manufacturer Liable?
Manufacturers may be responsible when a malfunction is caused by:
- Defective design: unsafe systems built into the car.
- Manufacturing flaws: faulty sensors, cameras, or braking components.
- Software bugs: errors in the code controlling automated functions.
- Failure to warn: not providing adequate instructions or warnings about feature limits.
Product liability law may apply in these cases, allowing victims to hold large auto companies or tech developers accountable if a system like Tesla Autopilot, Waymo software, or other ADAS fails and causes injury.
Can Liability Be Shared Between Driver and Manufacturer?
Questions about who is liable in a self-driving car accident are common because these cases are often complex, involving both driver error and system malfunctions. For example, a lane-keeping system might fail to detect a faded road line while the driver also fails to remain alert. In such cases, many states apply comparative negligence, assigning percentages of fault to each party; rules and thresholds vary by state. As a result, financial responsibility may fall on the driver, the manufacturer, or both, depending on the facts.
How NST Law Helps in Auto Malfunction Cases
Handling a case involving faulty vehicle technology takes both legal and technical experience. With more than 175 staff members, over 35 years of service, and billions recovered in car accident verdicts and settlements, NST Law is prepared to guide clients through even the most complex claims. Our attorneys are available day or night and will meet clients wherever they are to ensure support is always within reach.
Clients also count on us for more than courtroom results. Guided by the Six Pillars of NST Law and supported by decades of community involvement, we focus on accessibility, compassion, and personalized service.
Hear From Our Satisfied Clients
Countless clients have shared how NST Law’s compassion and persistence supported them through complex cases:
“I can not give this firm enough praise. When I say they came through with a team to tackle my case, I mean the whole squad. It was always someone there to answer my questions or even just listen to my concerns, between the lawyers assigned to my case and their paralegals.”
“NST worked hard on my case, by filing my claim, gathering all the needed documents, and negotiating my settlement with the insurance company. I would recommend them to all my friends, family, and anyone else that needs a good lawyer firm. I am very pleased with all the hard work they put into my case and am happy to give them a 5 star rating. Thank you NST!”
Contact an Auto Malfunction Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been in a crash, it’s important to speak with a lawyer before talking to insurance so your claim is not undervalued. Auto feature malfunction cases are complex, and having the right attorney ensures your rights are protected from the start.
With NST Law, you will have a team that listens, answers your questions, and stands by you through every step of the process, including dealing with aggressive insurance tactics. Call 800-529-4004 or contact us online today to speak with our team of experienced attorneys. With no upfront cost, we are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our Auto Malfunction Car Accident Lawyers
Founding Member – Senior Partner
Phone: (901) 683-7000
Attorney
Phone: (901) 683-7000
Attorney
Phone: (901) 683-7000
Founding Member – Senior Partner
Phone: (901) 683-7000
Attorney
Phone: (901) 683-7000
Attorney
Phone: (901) 683-7000
Attorney
Phone: (901) 683-7000
Attorney
Phone: (901) 683-7000
Founding Member – Senior Partner
Phone: (731) 319-9864
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Founding Member – Senior Partner
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (865) 568-5582
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 319-9864
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 319-9864
Attorney
Phone: (731) 319-9864
FAQs About Auto Feature Malfunction Liability
Crashes involving malfunctioning auto features raise unique questions. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns:
What Kinds of Auto Features Are Most Likely to Malfunction?
Advanced driver-assistance systems are most at risk since they rely on complex sensors and software. Examples include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, and self-parking systems. Malfunctions may be caused by software bugs, faulty sensors, manufacturing defects, or improper calibration.
How Do I Prove a Malfunction Caused the Crash?
Evidence often includes accident reports, vehicle data logs, maintenance records, and witness statements. Many vehicles store “black box” data, which can show whether the system was active at the time of the crash. Expert testimony from engineers or accident reconstruction specialists may also be needed.
Due to the complexity of these cases, most victims need experienced legal help to connect the malfunction to the accident. NST Law supports clients from gathering the evidence to receiving your settlement, ensuring the strongest possible case is built on your behalf.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After an Accident Caused by Faulty Auto Tech?
Every state sets its own deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury claim. Missing that deadline can mean losing your right to compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. Many states are still developing laws around autonomous car crashes as new technology becomes more common, which makes it even more important to consult an attorney quickly to protect your rights.
Do I Need a Lawyer Experienced in Both Auto Accidents and Product Liability?
Cases involving faulty auto features often include both negligence and product liability claims. A lawyer experienced in these overlapping areas can better navigate complex evidence, multiple defendants, and large corporations. NST Law provides that level of representation, ensuring clients have strong advocacy against auto companies and insurers.
