Driving Toward Tomorrow: Self-Driving Trucks
Las Vegas, Nevada
AI-powered driverless trucks
In the ever-evolving landscape of transportation technology, self-driving trucks have emerged as a transformative force with the potential to reshape how we transport goods across the globe.
What is a self-driving truck?
A self-driving truck, also known as an autonomous or driverless truck, is a commercial vehicle equipped with advanced technology that operates without the constant direct control of a human driver. These trucks use sensors, cameras, radar, lidar (light detection and ranging), GPS, and sophisticated software to navigate, perceive the environment, make decisions, and control the vehicle's movements.
Self-driving trucks in Nevada
The 18-wheeler self-driving trucks have been on the roads in Nevada since 2015.
Several companies manufacture self-driving trucks today (Waymo, TuSimple, PACCAR, UBER ATG, Volvo and more). They also run pilot programs to test and refine their technology. This development is ongoing.
However, the 18-wheeler trucks you see tested on the roads in Nevada are Daimler (Mercedes-Benz parent company).
It is also worth mentioning even though six (6) different levels of automation exist, Nevada does not issue a permit or license based on an autonomous vehicle's level of automation, nor does the DMV test or certify vehicles.
Nevada law allows ALL automation levels to operate on public roads. Self driving trucks are in this category.
Filing a truck accident lawsuit
Nevada doesn't have special rules for self-driving trucks. So, the motor vehicle accident is just another accident, whether a self-driving truck is involved or not.
The truck accident attorney has to prove that:
1. The negligence of the driver contributed to the accident or
2. The truck (or a part of the truck) was malfunctioning (e.g., bad breaks, faulty tires, or failed electric systems.)
Note: In Las Vegas and Nevada, proving that the truck part was defective and that the bad part caused an accident is enough to file a lawsuit.
Based on current laws, when an accident happens, the at-fault vehicle (or their insurance) must pay all damages, including medical bills (past, present, future), lost wages, property damages, and pain and suffering.
When we talk about at-fault vehicle accidents, it doesn't mean the driverless truck is always at fault; another driver could be negligent, too, and responsible for the accident.
Government regulations today
When it comes to large commercial vehicles - large trucks, semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, big rigs, or 18-wheelers - the truck driver and truck companies must comply with many government regulations and take extra safety precautions. The list of government regulations is long; however, two will most likely be affected when switching to self-driving trucks: "sleeper-berth time" rules and interstate commerce.
Self-driving trucks and a "sleeper-berth time" rules
Typically, "sleeper-berth time" regulations dictate how many hours a driver must rest after a certain number of driving hours before they can legally operate their vehicle again. The government created the "sleeper-berth time" rules for truck drivers to ensure drivers get adequate rest to prevent fatigue-related accidents on the road.
But self-driving trucks don't need these sleep breaks. Self-driving trucks can run for 24 hours non-stop.
The "sleeper-berth time" regulations will most likely go away, as well as agencies that enforce these rules.
Interstate commerce and self-driving trucks
Another regulation involves the operation of commercial carriers across the state line. It means many interstate laws apply not only to truck drivers but also to truck fleet managers, dispatchers, trainers, supervisors, etc..
Nevada's major Interstates utilize trucks: Interstate 15 (connecting Los Angeles and Salt Lake City) and Interstate 80 (connecting San Francisco and Salt Lake City). According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, "Truckers are the 3rd-largest motorist group using Nevada's highways, after commuters and tourists."
Each state has its own set of laws.
A good example would be - the California State Assembly in 2023 passed Assembly Bill 316 (AB316), prohibiting autonomous weighing over 10,000 pounds from operating on the CA state's roads without a human driver. So far, the California Governor vetoed the bill, but if the legislature chooses to vote in favor of it, they can overturn the governor's veto.
Self-driving trucks crossing the state border must comply with other state laws.
Benefits of self-driving trucks
Safety: Autonomous trucks can reduce accidents caused by human error, fatigue, and distractions, as the technology operates without these factors.
Efficiency: Self-driving trucks can operate 24/7, reducing the need for mandated rest breaks and increasing efficiency in the supply chain. Self-driving truck technology is electric.
Reduced labor costs: Companies can save on labor expenses, including salaries, benefits, and rest periods when switching to driverless trucks.
Traffic management: Autonomous systems can communicate with each other and traffic infrastructure, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.
The driver's role is changing
In self-driving semi trucks, also known as Level 2 or Level 3 autonomous trucks according to the SAE classification, the driver's role undergoes significant changes compared to traditional human-driven trucks. While these trucks have advanced automation, they require human oversight and intervention in certain situations.
Most importantly:
1. The driver's primary role shifts from actively controlling the truck to monitoring the automated system's performance.
2. The driver must remain attentive and ready to take control of the vehicle if the system encounters a situation it cannot handle.
3. As technology evolves, drivers need ongoing training to understand how the autonomous system operates, its limitations, and how to interact with it effectively.
Shared liability
Liability in self-driving truck accidents can be complex and might involve multiple parties:
Manufacturer: If the accident resulted from a technical failure or defect, the manufacturer or developer of the self-driving technology could be liable.
Fleet operator: If the trucking company did not maintain or update the autonomous system properly, they could share liability.
Human driver (if present): In semi-autonomous systems, if a human driver was responsible for monitoring and intervening, they might share liability if they failed to do so.
Other road users: If a non-autonomous vehicle caused the accident, they would be liable as in any typical accident.
The transport company that loaded the shipment: The people responsible for loading the truck or trailer could be liable. The unexpected load shift can cause a tractor-trailer to overturn (rollover accidents).
Two other things to remember
a) A truck accident in Nevada may involve drivers and commercial motor carriers from every state. Still, the accident location is the critical factor for filing a lawsuit. If the accident happened in Nevada, the attorney licensed in Nevada is filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation for the victim(s).
b) The trucking companies have commercial insurance with a higher per-accident limit than regular vehicles, but they also have many insurance attorneys to fight back and reduce the compensation amount for the victim. It is common for insurance company attorneys and investigators to arrive at the accident scene before the police arrive. With shared liability, injury compensation could be a long and complex process.
If you have any questions, call us at 702-432-1000.
We plan to follow the laws surrounding self-driving trucks very closely and update this article with new information as soon as it becomes available.
Stay tuned!
Last updated on January 3, 2024.
