Inkelaar Law Reviews Nebraska Legal Strategies for Regulating Automated Vehicles
OMAHA, NE (PRWEB) September 24, 2014 -- Nebraska car accident law firm Inkelaar Law is examining the implications of California’s recent decision to permit Google’s automated vehicles to be tested on public roads, and how Nebraska can best prepare its legal and regulatory frameworks to address a future with automated vehicles. These cars raise legal questions concerning licensing, liability, insurance and privacy.
“We need laws in order to provide the public with clarity about their rights and responsibilities when using emerging technology such as automated vehicles,” said personal injury lawyer Thomas Inkelaar, founding partner at Inkelaar Law.
The firm identified 4 key factors for governing automated cars that state governments should consider when creating regulatory frameworks for these vehicles in the future.
The firm proposes that states should consider writing new legislation that identifies the kinds of licenses individuals need to operate motor vehicles, how much insurance an automated car should carry and the reach of the product liability laws that will determine who is at fault in an accident.
In particular, Inkelaar expressed concern about the practical and legal implications of how manufacturers, designers, motorists and others will be held responsible for accidents involving automated vehicles.
Inkelaar suggested that existing product liability laws may not offer injured drivers, passengers and other motorists, civil remedies when an individual or property is harmed by an automated vehicle. Because existing product liability principles involve complex interactions between tort and contract law, the firm urges state legislatures to draft legislation that can help determine who is responsible for which damages in the aftermath of an accident.
According to the firm, law makers and private enterprises have to remain flexible, and have the will to create, and adapt, legislation and manufacturing guidelines to deal with quickly-arising liability questions.
According to the Stanford Center for Internet and Society, as of September 2014, California, Nevada, Florida and Michigan are the only states that have legislation permitting driverless cars to be tested on public roads.
These states have begun creating a legal framework that can be extended in the future. Federal agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will also create uniform standards that address safety, privacy and manufacturing standards, advised Inkelaar.
About Inkelaar Law
As a personal injury law firm dedicated to assisting injury and accident victims, the skilled litigators of Inkelaar Law are prepared to put their vast resources and experience to work for their clients. The personal injury attorneys at Inkelaar Law are knowledgeable in all types of personal injury claims including auto accident injuries, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death.
Additionally, Inkelaar Law’s criminal defense lawyers thoroughly investigate the cases of those who have been wrongfully charged with a crime. For more information or for a free, confidential case review, contact Inkelaar Law by visiting justiceyoudeserve.com or by calling 1-877-487-8711. ¡Hablamos Español!
Inkelaar Law
500 S. 24th, Suite 101
Omaha, NE 68107
(402) 345-4155
Inkleaar Law, Inkelaar Law, http://www.justiceyoudeserve.com/, +1 (561) 337-3947, [email protected]
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