Autonomous Vehicle Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina is one of several states that has passed legislation allowing for the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles. [NC Regulates Fully Autonomous Vehicles] [House Bill 469 / SL 2017-166 – Regulation of Fully Autonomous Vehicles. 2017-2018 Session]
According to the details of House Bill 469, a self-driving or autonomous vehicle is defined as one which can perform a real-time operation on roads and in traffic without driver assistance. Bill 469 requires that the operator of a self-driving vehicle must be a licensed driver and that the vehicle must also be registered and insured. Autonomous vehicles and their operators must also comply with all traffic laws and regulations.
Liability in a Self-Driving Tesla Accident
Clearly, Tesla isn’t the only company manufacturing autonomous vehicles, but they’re at the forefront of development when it comes to AV technology. When 
it comes to determining liability in a self-driving vehicle accident in North Carolina, there are several potential parties that may be held responsible. These include:
- The driver: If a human driver was behind the wheel of the Tesla/Autonomous Vehicle at the time of the accident, they may be held liable for any damages or injuries that result. This is true even if the vehicle was in autonomous mode at the time of the accident.
- Tesla: If a defect or malfunction in the autonomous technology contributed to the accident, Tesla may be held liable for any damages or injuries that result. However, Tesla may argue that the driver was at fault for failing to properly monitor the vehicle.
- Other drivers: If another driver on the road contributed to the accident, they may also be held liable for any damages or injuries that result.
Determining liability in a self-driving Tesla accident can be a complex process. This is because there are often multiple factors at play, including the actions of the driver, the performance of the autonomous technology, and the behavior of other drivers on the road. In order to determine liability, it may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation of the accident and gather evidence from multiple sources.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Self-Driving Tesla Accident
If you are involved in a self-driving Tesla accident in North Carolina, there are several steps you should take to protect your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine after the accident, it is important to seek medical attention to make sure you do not have any hidden injuries. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not manifest symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle or the Tesla. This can help establish fault and document damages.
- Contact a car accident lawyer: If you have been injured in a self-driving Tesla accident, contacting a car accident lawyer can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Contact your insurance company: Even if the accident was caused by a defect or malfunction in Tesla’s autonomous technology, it is still important to contact your insurance company and report the accident.
Understanding the relevant autonomous vehicle laws and working with an experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that your legal rights are protected.
