For many years, vehicle collisions across California have been a main source of conversation involving personal injury claims. Many firms across the state have built successful businesses representing those who have been involved in these types of accidents. However, as the transportation industry continues to change, and self-driving vehicles such as Waymo and Tesla are becoming increasingly popular, many legal professionals are wondering how this change may affect their business in the coming years.
The World is Changing
In today’s world, Waymo operates commercial autonomous ride-hailing services in several metropolitan areas, while multiple automotive manufacturers and technology companies continue expanding autonomous driving research. These systems are developed with a straightforward objective. That is to ultimately reduce crashes caused by human error.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), human error contributes to a substantial percentage of motor vehicle crashes. Autonomous technology’s main purpose is to reduce risks associated with the following.
- Distracted drivers
- Impaired drivers
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Other human behaviors
Personal Injury: Constantly Changing
Personal injury law is unlikely to disappear in its entirety. People will continue to experience injuries involving the following.
- Commercial trucking
- Premises liability
- Products liability
- Medical negligence
- Construction accidents
- Wrongful death claims
- Catastrophic injuries
- Defective autonomous vehicle technology
- Software failures
- Infrastructure-related incidents
However, the design of automobile accident litigation may change as autonomous vehicles become more common in people’s everyday lives.
Future cases could involve entirely different legal questions, including:
- Software design defects
- Artificial intelligence decision-making
- Sensor failures
- Product liability
- Cybersecurity issues
- Fleet operator responsibility
- Vehicle manufacturer liability
- Component supplier responsibility
Practice Planning
Many personal injury attorneys who built their firms during the past 30 to 40 years are now approaching retirement. For these attorneys, one important question goes beyond financial planning. Many are asking the following.
What happens to the practice and the firm if you've spent decades creating it?
A law practice often represents more than its annual income. It reflects years of client relationships, professional reputation, referral networks, experienced staff, and community trust. Evaluating your practice as early as possible allows you to better understand its current position and explore possibilities while maintaining flexibility.
The qualified personal injury attorneys at KAASS LAW are ready to help you understand the value of your work and ensure you are protected when it comes to the law. We can evaluate your situation and provide you with the best care and support you may need in order to proceed with your case moving forward.
Private Equity
Over the past several years, private equity investment has expanded into many professional industries, including legal services where allowed by applicable law and through various business structures.
Some attorneys view outside investment as an appealing exit opportunity. Others prefer to see their life's work continue under attorneys who share similar professional values and client-centered philosophies. That’s where KAASS LAW comes in. Our legal team values client relationships and continues to build trust day by day.
Every practice owner has unique goals, and there is no single approach that fits every situation.
Before making significant decisions, it may be worthwhile to understand the available options and carefully evaluate what matters most to you, your employees, your referral partners, and the clients who have trusted your firm for many years.
One’s Legacy
For many attorneys, their practice represents decades of dedication to helping individuals during difficult moments in their lives. That legacy may include the following.
- Long-standing client relationships
- Community involvement
- Experienced legal staff
- Referral networks
- Established operational systems
- A respected reputation earned over many years
These qualities often extend beyond financial components alone. For attorneys considering retirement within the next several years, evaluating succession opportunities today may provide greater flexibility than waiting until circumstances require a quicker decision.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Support
Legal guidance and support are important when determining who is to be held liable for accidents involving self-driving vehicles in today's society. In addition, for firms who may want to retire, it may be best to reach out to KAASS LAW for a courtesy assessment.
Oftentimes, these types of personal injury cases can become challenging and complicated for many individuals and their families. Many firms also wonder if personal injury law will be needed moving forward. The answer is yes. Personal injury law is much more than a vehicle collision. Our legal team may explain the different ways injuries may occur in everyday life.
How KAASS LAW Can Help
Our professional attorneys at KAASS LAW are determined to help victims and businesses who have suffered from the increase of self-driving vehicles. In addition, a qualified personal injury attorney from KAASS LAW may explain applicable California laws, speak to insurance companies, and help victims understand their potential options throughout the claims process.
If you have been involved in a vehicle collision with a self-driving vehicle, you are not alone. Call KAASS LAW today for a confidential consultation.