Impact of Technology in Personal Injury Law

There is no doubt that advances in technology have a significant impact on the way we communicate. In addition, the advanced safety technology available in today’s cars and trucks help keep motorists safe by helping prevent serious traffic accidents. In some cases, however, technology can be dangerous, particularly when it is not used correctly or responsibly. This can result in serious injuries. This has also had an impact on personal injury law, as there has been an increase in injuries related to certain types of technologies, including self-driving cars, hoverboards, and drones.

Technology-Related Injuries

• Self-Driving Vehicles: From Google to Tesla, several companies are developing their version of an autonomous vehicle. It is one of the most significant and anticipated technologies of the 21st century. Because they eliminate human error, they have the potential to prevent accidents related to drunk driving, distracted driving, and drowsy driving, to name a few. However, the technology is not foolproof. Autonomous vehicles are currently five times more likely to crash compared to traditional cars. In addition, they log 9.1 crashes per one million miles compared to traditional cars, which only experience 1.9 crashes per one million miles. As a result, passengers in autonomous vehicles are four times as likely to be injured in an accident involving a self-driving car.
• Hoverboards: These were one of the top-selling Christmas gifts in 2015. Unfortunately, due to a faulty battery, there were numerous reports of the hoverboards catching on fire. The Underwriters Laboratories did not certify them as safe, and in 2016, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 501,000 hoverboards. Many of the battery malfunctions were relatively minor, but in March 2017, a faulty battery caused a massive house fire, which resulted in the death of two children.
• Drones: In recent years, drones have taken the world by storm. In 2015, drone sales peaked at $200 million, according to a 2016 report. While the technology was initially only available for military purposes, it has become more widely accessible to the general public. Consumers use drones for everything from logistics and transportation to photography, mapping, and entertainment. However, there are risks involved. In 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration received close to 160 reports per month of drones that were flying too close to aircrafts. There were also reports of lower-flying drones that hit people, causing minor injuries.

From a legal perspective, questions arise over who is liable for injuries that are caused by drones. Possible parties include the manufacturer, the auto company, the software engineer, or the car operator. A skilled personal injury lawyer can determine who is responsible for the accident and negotiate a fair settlement.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Compensation for Accident Victims

If you have been injured in an accident, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will thoroughly investigate the accident and determine who is liable for your injuries. Our skilled legal team will protect your rights and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.