Mercury Insurance has found that 70 percent of Americans would not know what to do if they were involved in an accident involving an automated vehicle.
Even more perplexing, Mercury said in a statement, is what to do if an automated vehicle hits another vehicle and drives away from the scene. The insurer said that a recent incident caught on video during the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas showed this exact scenario and it is a potential problem both manufacturers and consumers need to prepare for as society moves closer to self-driving vehicles becoming a mainstay on the nation’s roadways.
“Drivers involved in a ‘hit-and-run’ incident with an automated vehicle should proceed the same way they would if there was someone behind the wheel,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of claims and customer experience at Mercury. “Try to get the license plate, make, model, and color of the vehicle and call the police. We can identify the vehicle from the plate, but whether you get the plate or not, call the police and report a hit and run accident immediately.”
Mercury recommended that drivers take the following actions if involved in a collision with an automated vehicle:
- Move to a safe area immediately. If you are unable to move the vehicle, turn on the vehicle hazard lights to warn other drivers. If you have road safety flares, use them.
- Park your vehicle and get out if you can. First, turn off the engine and then make sure it is safe to exit your vehicle.
- Ensure everyone involved in the collision is okay. If someone is injured, call 9-1-1 immediately. Calling law enforcement to the scene is also recommended whether someone is injured or not.
- Gather as much information as you can, including the year, make, and model, plus the license plate number and vehicle identification number (“VIN”) of all vehicles involved. “The key is to get a photo of the VIN, license plate, and make and model of the other vehicle, if safe to do so,” Mr. Quinn said. “Smartphones make it easy to take photos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved. A photo is ideal but writing down the information works, too.”
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses, and be sure to note the date, time, and location of the accident. Record which direction each vehicle was heading at the time of the crash. “The more information you’re able to provide to police or your insurance company, the easier it will be for them to reconstruct exactly what happened and determine who’s at fault,” said Mr. Quinn. “In the case of colliding with an automated vehicle, take photos and video of the weather conditions.”
- Get the badge number of responding law enforcement officers when they arrive, and be sure to find out how and when you can obtain a copy of their report. The officer may be able to give you an accident report number at the scene.
- Call your insurance company to file a claim as soon as possible. Note the name of the insurance adjuster handling your claim, date, and time of the call and your claim number. They will need the same information provided to the police. Even if you are in a minor fender bender, report it so you are protected against unforeseen or future claims, because sometimes injuries and damage are not readily apparent. You should also make your personal insurance agent aware of the accident, as he or she can help spot red flags and help resolve problems.
Mercury added that if a hit-and-run incident occurs, it is still important for the driver to contact his or her insurance company because it may be able to provide assistance in identifying the owner of the automated vehicle and will take legal action against the other carrier (or manufacturer) if warranted.
Mr. Quinn added that this advice also applies to pedestrians or cyclists who are involved in a hit-and-run incident or collision with an automated vehicle.
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].