Document Type
Response or Comment
Publication Date
Spring 7-1-2020
Abstract
The modes and levels of vehicle automation have advanced over the years with the goal of making driving safer. Features like self-steering, lane assist, and blind-spot warning are designed to assist drivers in operating their vehicles. However, the emergence of autonomous vehicle technology self-driving capabilities raises new questions about tort liability.
Since 2016, there have been numerous fatalities involving autonomous vehicles. In this Note, Alejandro Monarrez explores how we should assess liability in autonomous vehicle-related accidents when vehicles are in full automation mode. Monarrez similarly argues the common carrier liability scheme first conceptualized by Dylan LeValley in Autonomous Vehicle Liability—Application of Common Carrier Liability, is the appropriate regime to apply to these kinds of accidents involving autonomous vehicles because of the control that autonomous vehicle manufacturers maintain over the manner and means of transportation via onboard vehicle software and technology.
Recommended Citation
Alejandro Monarrez, Autonomous Vehicle Manufacturers: Applying a Common Carrier Liability Scheme to Autonomous Vehicle Manufacturers—and Why Elon Musk Will Be Haunted by His Words, 43 Seattle U. L. Rev. SUpra 1 (2020).
