Navigating Self-Driving Truck Accidents in Ohio: What You Need to Know

The rise of self-driving technology has the potential to transform the transportation industry. As autonomous trucks become more common in Ohio, however, it is only natural to feel concerned about their safety. What happens if you get injured in an accident with a self-driving truck?

Our Cleveland truck accident lawyers are committed to helping victims who have been injured by the negligence of others. We understand the uncertainty most drivers may have about crashes involving these vehicles as there are still a lot of unknowns.

Friedman, Domiano & Smith offers free initial consultations, and we also accept injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means if we represent you, there are no costs to pay us up front, and you only pay our fees if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

What Are Self-Driving Trucks?

Self-driving trucks, also called autonomous trucks, use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar and artificial intelligence (AI) to operate without human intervention. These vehicles are designed to reduce human error, which is a major cause of road accidents involving semi-trucks and other big rigs. The integration of these massive vehicles raises a lot of questions, including how they may impact safety on Ohio roadways.

Safety Features of Autonomous Trucks

Modern self-driving trucks are equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including:

• Lidar and Radar Systems: These high-tech systems help trucks detect obstacles, other vehicles and changes in road conditions. They also provide a 360-degree view, which improves situational awareness.
• Automatic Emergency Braking: If a potential road hazard is detected, these vehicles can automatically apply braking to help reduce some type of crashes.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: This feature maintains a safe distance from other vehicles. The gap, or distance, between vehicles can be adjusted based on speed, weather and traffic conditions.
• Lane-Keeping Assist: This feature helps keep the truck within its lane, reducing the risk of lane departure accidents.

Are Self-Driving Trucks Allowed on Ohio Roads?

Ohio allows autonomous trucks on state roads, but with certain limitations. Currently, “platooning trucks” are being used. This means there are two self-driving trucks that travel together as follows:

• A human driver must be in each vehicle
• The leading self-driving truck controls the direction and speed of both trucks in the platoon
• The second truck responds to the first truck autonomously
• If another vehicle gets in-between a set of platooning trucks, they automatically separate, allowing more distance between them until the car or other vehicle moves into another lane.

What Could Cause a Self-Driving Truck Accident?

Self-driving truck accidents could result from a mix of technological, mechanical and environmental factors. While autonomous systems aim to improve safety, they can still be susceptible to various issues, including some you are familiar with, that may lead to accidents.

Potential causes of self-driving truck accidents include:

• Sensor malfunctions or inaccuracies
• Software glitches or programming errors
• Cybersecurity breaches or hacking
• Inadequate responses to unusual road conditions or emergencies
• Misinterpretation of traffic signals or road signs
• Unexpected behavior of other drivers or pedestrians
• Poor weather conditions affecting sensor performance
• Tire blowouts or other tire-related issues
• Brake failures or malfunctions
• Other mechanical failures (e.g., steering, suspension, engine)
• Insufficient testing or validation of the autonomous system
• Human error during manual takeover situations
• Improper maintenance of the vehicle’s mechanical components
• Cargo-related issues (e.g., improper loading, shifting loads)

What Are Self-Driving Trucks’ Current Limitations and Risks?

While self-driving trucks have advanced safety features, there are also several limitations and risks to consider:

• Technology Limitations: Autonomous systems can struggle in adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, which may affect sensor performance and vehicle control.
• Complex Traffic Situations: Self-driving trucks may struggle with complex traffic situations, like construction zones, roundabouts and unpredictable behavior from other drivers.
• Cybersecurity Risks: Like any connected technology, autonomous trucks are at risk of cyber-attacks, which could jeopardize safety.
• Human Factors: The technology relies on precise algorithms and data, which may not always accurately predict actions of human drivers.

How Do Self-Driving Trucks Impact Ohio Roadways?

In Ohio, the adoption of self-driving trucks brings both potential benefits and challenges:

Increased Safety

Autonomous trucks have the potential to reduce accidents caused by human error, such as speeding, drowsy driving or distracted driving. This could lead to safer highways and reduced traffic fatalities.

Economic Impact

The introduction of self-driving trucks may affect the job market, particularly for truck drivers. It could, however, boost economic growth by making freight transportation more efficient. It may create other jobs as well, such as for those who manage self-driving truck technology.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

Ohio, like other states, must develop regulations to ensure the safe integration of self-driving trucks. This includes establishing standards for testing these vehicles, overseeing their operation and maintenance and liability if a crash occurs.

Insurance Considerations

The presence of autonomous trucks on Ohio roads will likely influence insurance policies and liability considerations. Understanding how liability is determined in self-driving truck accidents is crucial for drivers and insurers alike.

What Cleveland Drivers Should Know

As self-driving trucks become more common, Cleveland drivers should not fear this technology, but it is important to do the following:

Stay Informed

All drivers have a legal duty to stay informed about any changes to the law. It is also important to pay attention to the latest developments in how autonomous vehicles are used on Ohio roads. The more you can learn about how these vehicles operate, including their limitations, the safer you will be able to drive around them.

Exercise Caution

Self-driving trucks are designed to improve safety, but it is also important to still exercise caution around them, such as by:

• Staying alert to their presence and anticipating their movements
• Not driving too close behind any truck, self-driving or otherwise
• Taking care not to cut off a self-driving truck or any truck
• Avoiding driving between two semi-trucks

The technology of a self-driving vehicle could malfunction at any time. It is vital that drivers always remain alert. If you encounter a self-driving truck that appears to be malfunctioning or behaving erratically, put as much space between your vehicle and that truck as possible. When you can do so safely, you should also report it to the appropriate authorities. This helps ensure that potential safety issues are addressed promptly.

Who May Be Liable for a Self-Driving Truck Accident?

Liability in accidents involving autonomous trucks is no less complex than those involving vehicles fully operated by a human truck driver.

Liability for a self-driving truck accident could involve multiple parties, including:

• Truck manufacturers: For defects in the vehicle’s design or construction
• Software developers: If accidents result from flaws in the autonomous driving system
• Fleet operator or trucking company: For improper maintenance or operation policies
• Human safety driver (if present): For failure to intervene when necessary
• Cargo loader: If improper loading contributed to the accident
• Other drivers on the road: If their actions contributed to the accident
• Government entities: For poor road design or maintenance
• Sensors or component manufacturers: If their parts malfunctioned
• Truck owner: For neglecting required maintenance or updates
• Hackers: In cases of cybersecurity breaches causing accidents

Evidence That May Help Support Your Truck Accident Claim

In addition to the police report and photos of the crash scene, witness statements and any available dashcam or traffic cam footage may provide evidence that could help determine what happened.

Even with evidence, truck accidents differ greatly from injury claims involving smaller passenger cars, making them far more complex.

Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side ensures your legal rights and best interests are protected.

Were You Involved in a Car Accident with a Self-Driving Truck? Call Friedman, Domiano and Smith

You do not have to try to navigate a truck accident claim process alone. At Friedman, Domiano & Smith, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for truck crash victims.

We have extensive knowledge of the complex laws and regulations involving commercial trucks. Our firm also has the staff and resources to fully investigate your truck accident and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

During a free legal consultation with one of our qualified attorneys, you can share your potential case. If we determine you have a case and you choose our firm to represent you, there are no upfront fees or costs to pay.