Trucking regulations are already complex, encompassing both federal and state rules. Introducing autonomous, or self-driving, technology only makes them more complex. Florida has introduced some recent legislation covering autonomous trucking. Read on to learn more about Florida’s regulations.
Are Autonomous Trucks Allowed in Florida?
Yes, autonomous trucks are allowed in Florida under Florida Statute 316.85. Under this law, companies may test and use autonomous vehicles on Florida roadways. They must simply comply with the state’s legal and insurance requirements.
Under Florida’s rule, a human passenger is not required in the vehicle during operation. This opens the door to fully autonomous trucks on the state’s roadways.
Are There Federal Regulations for Autonomous Trucks?
The trucking industry is already complex. This industry must follow both state and federal rules. Florida’s laws now allow autonomous trucks to operate in the state, but many people wonder about the federal rules for autonomous trucks.
Today, federal rules regarding autonomous trucks are somewhat lacking. However, some members of Congress are pushing for a set of consistent rules that can be implemented and followed across the country. The recent introduction of the “America Drives Act” seeks to do just that.
Today, there is no specific prohibition on autonomous trucking at the federal level. However, these new rules aim to clarify many of the questions that often arise about autonomous trucks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs most trucking operations today. They hope to have federal rules in place by 2027 to govern autonomous trucking.
Traditional Liability in Truck Accidents
Autonomous trucking has the potential to completely change how liability is established after a truck accident. After a truck accident, several parties could have liability for any injuries or damages resulting from the accident.
Those include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Maintenance or service providers
- Equipment manufacturers
Negligence on the part of any of those named above could result in a truck accident. Typically, the investigation starts with the driver. Speeding, distracted driving, or other careless behavior could put the blame solely on the driver.
Expanding Liability Beyond the Driver
The investigation could expand to include additional parties beyond the driver. If their negligence played a role in the accident, they could face liability. In many cases, liability may be shared among several parties, making determining responsibility more complex and increasing the potential sources of compensation for victims.
Shifting Liability With Autonomous Trucks
However, autonomous truck accidents may be completely different. There would be no driver in these cases. Instead, an investigator may have to research software and algorithms used in the truck’s navigation system.
Could liability be extended to software companies? What about software engineers who programmed the truck’s driving system? These types of questions will have to be answered soon, as autonomous trucking is becoming increasingly real.
Implications for Personal Injury Claims
You may wonder how this could affect your case after a truck accident. These types of scenarios could have several repercussions.
Some ways that these rules and regulations may affect your personal injury claim after a truck accident are:
- A longer amount of time required for the investigation
- More technical expertise needed to prove fault
- More potential defendants in truck accident cases
- New challenges and more difficulty proving liability and fault
These new challenges could make handling truck accident claims much more complicated. Truck accident lawyers will need to become very familiar with all the new regulations. They must also learn how to prove fault in these complex cases. Plus, the amount of time it takes to settle a truck accident claim may increase significantly.
Contact the Jacksonville Truck Accident Lawyers at The Truck Accident Law Firm for Help Today
Although Florida’s regulations currently allow autonomous trucks, do not be surprised to see additional clarifications in the future. If you have been hurt in a truck accident, do not hesitate to get help. Call the experienced team at The Truck Accident Law Firm for a free consultation with a Jacksonville truck accident attorney.
