brAInfood: Who is liable for a self-driving car accident?

Date of publication: June 2020 /

WHAT IS THIS BRAINFOOD ABOUT?

Who is liable for the damage caused in an accident with (a) self-driving car(s)? This question becomes more important as the autonomy of vehicles increases and the control of humans over the vehicle decreases. The answer to this question is not clear and unequivocal. With this brAInfood, the Knowledge Centre Data & Society aims to provide a concise overview of the legal challenges with regard to this topic.

Would you like more information about liability for self-propelled vehicles and/or other digital technologies? Read this blog post on our website.

WHY SHOULD I READ THIS?

If you want more information about who is held liable for damage caused in accidents with self-driving cars, this brAInfood may be of interest to you. The brAInfood highlights some questions and answers about liability per actor (driver, software publisher, car manufacturer and other actors such as an oncoming car or pedestrian). In addition, for each actor a number of actions and action points are listed that can contribute to more clarity regarding liability for damage caused in accidents with self-driving cars. With this brAInfood we hope to provide more background information and clarity on regulation regarding liability for damage caused in accidents with self-driving cars.

WHAT CAN I FIND OUT WHEN READING THIS?

This brAInfood from the Knowledge Centre Data & Society includes:

• An overview of possible actors who can be held liable for the damage caused in an accident with self-driving cars.
• For each actor, some important questions (and answers) to determine whether the actor in question can be held liable for the damage caused.
• Some additional and/or already taken actions and action points in order to identify which actor can be held liable for the damage caused.