Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) And Liability In Michigan Auto Accidents
As Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) become increasingly common in vehicles on Michigan roads, the role of technology in promoting safety has grown considerably. However, despite the potential benefits of ADAS features, including automatic braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control, these systems can introduce complex issues around liability in the event of a car accident. For drivers and accident victims alike, understanding how ADAS impacts liability is essential, especially since Michigan law may hold drivers, manufacturers, or both responsible for accidents involving ADAS technology. We will now discuss how Michigan’s auto accident laws apply to ADAS-related accidents, explore liability issues, and examine relevant Michigan statutes. As Detroit auto accident attorneys, we’re here to help clarify these issues for anyone involved in such an accident.
Understanding Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
ADAS technologies encompass a range of features designed to help drivers avoid collisions and manage their vehicles safely. Common ADAS features include:
Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – which detects potential collisions and applies the brakes if needed.
Lane-Keeping Assistance (LKA) – helps the driver stay within lane boundaries.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – maintains a safe following distance from other vehicles.
While these systems can reduce accidents caused by driver error, they’re not foolproof. For example, a miscalibration in AEB or a failure in LKA could lead to an unintended incident. Michigan law considers these incidents carefully when assessing liability in accidents involving ADAS.
Liability In Michigan Auto Accidents Involving ADAS
Determining liability in an auto accident involving ADAS is complex and typically hinges on the specific circumstances of the accident. Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that each party’s own insurance typically covers their injuries and damages, regardless of fault. However, when an accident involves significant injuries or damages, fault may become relevant, especially if a lawsuit is filed.
In cases where ADAS malfunctions contribute to an accident, we must assess whether the fault lies with the driver, the vehicle manufacturer, or potentially both. Michigan law, particularly in cases involving product liability, holds manufacturers responsible if a defective ADAS feature contributed to an accident. Additionally, the Michigan Product Liability Act could apply if a design or manufacturing defect caused the ADAS feature to fail.
Driver Responsibility With ADAS Technology
Although ADAS technology assists drivers, Michigan law does not permit drivers to surrender full control to these systems. Drivers are legally obligated to operate their vehicles in a safe manner, paying full attention and remaining ready to take control at any moment. For example, even if a vehicle has lane-keeping assistance, a driver can still be held liable if they fail to respond to a situation that the ADAS failed to manage, such as a sudden obstruction.
Michigan’s comparative fault rule means that a driver’s own negligence could reduce their claim if they were partially responsible for the accident. For instance, if a driver placed excessive reliance on ADAS and failed to prevent a collision, Michigan law may assign them a percentage of fault.
Manufacturer Liability For ADAS Failures
When an ADAS malfunction causes or contributes to an accident, Michigan law allows accident victims to pursue claims against the vehicle manufacturer. Under Michigan product liability law, manufacturers have a duty to ensure that the ADAS features in their vehicles are designed, manufactured, and calibrated correctly. If an ADAS system malfunctions because of a defect, such as a failure in the braking or lane-keeping system, the manufacturer may be liable for the damages resulting from that failure.
In Michigan, injured parties can seek compensation from a manufacturer by filing a product liability claim. Such claims must demonstrate that the ADAS malfunction was a substantial factor in causing the accident and that the feature was used as intended at the time. Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.2945-2949 govern product liability cases and provide specific guidance on claims involving defective products like ADAS.
Role Of Insurance In ADAS-Related Accidents In Michigan
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system ensures that most accident-related medical costs and other losses are covered, regardless of fault. However, if an ADAS-related accident results in serious injury or death, the injured party may have grounds to file a lawsuit for additional damages. This claim may include a lawsuit against the other driver, the manufacturer, or both, depending on the situation.
For ADAS-related accidents, insurance companies may investigate the role of the ADAS in the crash and examine whether there were any recalls, design issues, or warnings regarding the system. If the ADAS manufacturer or the dealership that serviced the vehicle failed to address known ADAS issues, they might also face liability.
Challenges In Proving ADAS Liability In Michigan Courts
Proving liability in cases involving ADAS can be challenging due to the technical nature of these systems and the difficulty in pinpointing malfunction causes. Accident reconstruction experts may need to review data from the vehicle’s event data recorder (EDR) or “black box” to assess whether the ADAS performed as expected. Michigan law allows EDR data to be used as evidence in court if relevant, providing insights into how the ADAS contributed to the incident.
In Michigan, we work closely with experts to establish a clear link between an ADAS malfunction and the accident, which is critical for securing compensation. This may involve complex technical testimony, but we’re prepared to work through these challenges to protect the rights of those injured.
ADAS Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sue If The ADAS System In My Car Failed And Caused An Accident?
Yes, you may be able to sue the manufacturer or another responsible party if an ADAS system malfunction caused or contributed to an accident. Under Michigan law, a product liability claim may be appropriate if the ADAS feature had a defect that was a substantial factor in causing the crash. However, establishing this requires evidence showing that the ADAS malfunctioned and that the defect directly impacted the accident. Accident reconstruction experts and EDR data are often crucial in proving such cases.
If The Other Driver Was Using ADAS, Can They Still Be Held Liable For The Accident?
In Michigan, drivers are responsible for safely operating their vehicles, even if they are using ADAS features. While ADAS can assist with certain driving tasks, drivers are expected to maintain control and pay attention to the road. If a driver over-relied on ADAS and failed to react appropriately, they could still be held liable under Michigan’s comparative fault rules. Michigan law does not exempt drivers from responsibility simply because they were using ADAS technology.
Can I Recover Compensation If Both My ADAS System And Another Driver Were At Fault For The Accident?
Yes, Michigan’s comparative fault rule allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible. The court will assess the degree of fault for each party, and any award will be adjusted based on your level of responsibility. If your ADAS system contributed to the accident, your recovery may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to your actions or system.
Call Detroit Auto Accident Attorney For A Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident involving ADAS technology, Ravid & Associates, P.C. is here to help. Navigating the complexities of ADAS-related liability requires a knowledgeable legal team to guide you through Michigan’s laws. As dedicated Detroit auto accident attorneys, we understand the unique challenges ADAS accidents present, and we’ll work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Detroit auto accident attorney at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today by calling (248) 948-9696 to schedule your consultation. From our office locations in Southfield, Michigan, we proudly represent clients in Detroit and throughout the state.
