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Will Self-Driving Cars Reduce the Number of Auto Accidents?

Robert Stahle • December 7, 2016
Self-Driving Cars

Will Self-Driving Vehicles Mean Fewer Car Accidents?

With the movement toward self-driving cars, one of the key points for those who want to see them on the streets is that they will reduce the number of car accident claims. But is that really the case? Will these self-driving cars mean safer roadways and fewer accidents? It is entirely possible, given the technology that is being used and how it is being implemented, that these cars could make things safer for everyone. That is not to say that self-driving cars are free from errors, though, because there have been accidents involving them.

The cars have occasionally had problems with understanding their spatial relationship to other objects. In other words, they have failed to realize that another vehicle was in their path, and have not yielded right of way. This has happened with cars that were totally self-driving, and also with cars that offered an auto-pilot option for drivers. While this technology is far from perfect, the number of accidents that have taken place has also been surprisingly small for the number of these types of cars that have been tested and the number of miles the vehicles have logged.

For those who are concerned about a car accident or other type of personal injury involving a vehicle, the self-driving option may be a good choice. It can also make things much easier for people who have some trouble driving, or who need to get around but may not be in the best state to do so. For example, a self-driving car would be able to take someone home if they had too much to drink, or if they somehow were injured and not able to operate the gas pedal and brakes effectively, or steer with a damaged arm.

There are many options for ways that self-driving cars could be used, and the majority of those ways point to a significant reduction in the number of auto accidents that are seen on US roadways. However, there are also some concerns. The largest of these worries is based around the issue of who will be at fault in an accident. If no one is driving, how does insurance handle the collision? That question is one that has yet to be answered, and that will not likely have any easy answers. Only time will tell when it comes to how these issues can be addressed.

Anyone who has been involved in a car accident, whether with a self-driving car or an owner-operated vehicle, may need the services of an attorney who is comfortable with vehicle cases involving personal injury. By having the right attorney on your side, you can be provided with the opportunity for appropriate compensation. That can make a significant difference in your satisfaction with the outcome of your case. There are no guarantees, of course, and the hiring of an attorney for a car accident case is a serious decision that should not be taken lightly. This decision will likely become even more important as self-driving cars - and the potential for accidents involving them - become more common.

Injured in an Accident?

By Robert Stahle • September 5, 2025
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

Know Your Rights:

By Robert Stahle • August 21, 2025
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Nebraska or Iowa Being hit by a drunk driver is traumatic, confusing, and often life-altering. In the aftermath, you may be overwhelmed by medical bills, vehicle damage, missed work, and pain that doesn’t go away. On top of all that, you’re probably wondering: What are my legal rights? At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm in South Sioux City, Nebraska , we help victims of drunk driving accidents across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights, protect their claims, and pursue the compensation they deserve. This post explains what you’re entitled to after a DUI-related crash—and what steps you should take to protect yourself. Drunk Driving Victims Have the Right to Compensation If you were injured by someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you have the legal right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim . These claims are separate from any criminal charges the drunk driver may face. In a civil claim, the goal is not to punish the offender (that’s the court’s job)—it's to recover financial damages for the harm you’ve suffered , including: Emergency medical care Long-term treatment and rehabilitation Lost income and loss of earning potential Pain and suffering Mental and emotional distress Property damage Punitive damages (in extreme DUI cases) At Fitch & Stahle , our job is to make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to—while the at-fault party is held accountable for their reckless actions. Nebraska and Iowa Laws That Protect Drunk Driving Victims Every state handles DUI-related personal injury claims differently. Because Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is licensed in both Nebraska and Iowa , we’re uniquely qualified to navigate the laws in both jurisdictions. Here are some key legal protections available in each state: Nebraska: Dram Shop Liability : If a bar, restaurant, or alcohol-serving establishment over-served the intoxicated driver, you may be able to sue that establishment under Nebraska’s dram shop law. Comparative Negligence Rule : Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Statute of Limitations : You generally have four years to file a personal injury claim in Nebraska, but acting sooner improves your chances. Iowa: Dram Shop Law : Iowa’s dram shop law also allows claims against alcohol vendors who sell to an intoxicated person that causes an accident. These claims have special notice requirements. Modified Comparative Fault : You can recover damages in Iowa as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Statute of Limitations : In Iowa, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Understanding which laws apply—and how to use them to your advantage—requires a legal team with experience in both states. That’s why Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is the trusted choice in Siouxland . What to Do Immediately After a Drunk Driving Crash The steps you take right after a crash can make or break your case. Here's what you should do: ✅ Call 911 and get medical help Always prioritize safety. Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like brain trauma or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away. ✅ Document everything Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, skid marks, and road signs. Get names and contact info of witnesses. ✅ Get the police report A police report stating the other driver was intoxicated is critical to your claim. Ask the responding officer for details about any breathalyzer or field sobriety tests. ✅ Avoid talking to insurance companies alone Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they are trained to protect the company—not you. Don’t give recorded statements or accept offers without legal guidance. ✅ Contact a personal injury lawyer The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better. At Fitch & Stahle , we offer free consultations and handle every step of your claim—from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and going to court if needed. Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes Drunk driving accidents often involve high speeds, poor judgment, and failure to brake—all of which increase the severity of injuries. We commonly represent clients suffering from: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) Spinal cord injuries and paralysis Broken bones and fractures Internal bleeding and organ damage Facial disfigurement and scarring Emotional trauma and PTSD These aren’t just short-term problems. They can impact your career, relationships, and overall quality of life for years to come. That’s why it’s so important to have an attorney who fights for the long-term value of your claim —not just a quick settlement. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? Here’s what makes us different: ✅ We’re local —Based in South Sioux City and serving all of Siouxland ✅ We’re licensed in Nebraska and Iowa ✅ We’ve handled hundreds of personal injury claims ✅ You pay nothing unless we win ✅ We offer compassionate, one-on-one attention When you hire Fitch & Stahle , you're not just another case file—you’re a neighbor, and we take your recovery personally. Get the Legal Support You Deserve Today Drunk driving is a serious offense with serious consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI crash in South Sioux City, Sioux City , or anywhere in the Tri-State area , don’t wait to assert your rights. 📍 Visit our office in South Sioux City, NE 📞 Call us at 402-494-3012 💻 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders while you focus on healing. Fitch & Stahle Law Firm is here to fight for you.