Drivers injured in crashes with remotely-driven cars need the same access to fair and timely compensation as other motorists, a campaign group has warned.
“The time when a car is travelling on a motorway whilst being controlled by someone elsewhere is not far off”, said lawyer John McQuater, president of not-for-profit campaign group APIL.
“The technology is already used on farms and in warehouses. Rolling out remotely-driven vehicles onto the roads is now being considered."
“Before remotely-driven vehicles are used on public roads measures must be in place to ensure people are properly looked after if injured as a result of such a vehicle”, he went on.
“Injured people need proper compensation to help to put their lives back on track. In some cases, their injuries will be life-changing”, he explained.
“The law needs to be updated so that if a crash is caused by a fault with the technology, the motor insurer is automatically responsible for paying compensation. Once the claim is settled, it is then up to the insurer to pursue the manufacturer to recover the money. That will protect the injured person from getting into a direct legal fight with a manufacturer.”
“The law will then work in the same way as when employees are injured by faulty equipment at work. That will safeguard injured people from having to enter what might be a costly and time-consuming process”, John explained.
“Delays in redress for injuries can lead to delays in rehabilitation, which can affect someone’s wellbeing permanently”, said John.
“It’s remarkable what technology is capable of helping us to achieve. Remotely-driven vehicles could be used in the freight industry, or by rental firms to get hire cars back to base, for example. But it is critical to ensure that the right things are in place for when the worst happens.”