GM’s Cruise Recalled 1,200 Robotaxis Following a NHTSA Investigation Into Hard Braking Hazards

The recall aims to close a federal probe, as regulators focus on safety concerns surrounding autonomous vehicles.

General Motors’ Cruise unit, responsible for the development of autonomous vehicles, has voluntarily agreed to recall nearly 1,200 robotaxis following concerns raised by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This recall stems from an investigation that was launched in December 2022 after three rear-end collisions involving Cruise’s autonomous vehicles resulted in two injuries. The recall, though not agreed upon by Cruise as necessary, was implemented to resolve the ongoing investigation.

The recall centers on Cruise’s autonomous vehicles, which were reported to have issues with hard braking. Hard braking events, which can occur unexpectedly, are believed to have contributed to the rear-end accidents that were the subject of the NHTSA’s investigation. Despite the recall, Cruise maintains that its vehicles had already undergone software updates that greatly minimized the risk of unexpected braking incidents. In fact, Cruise claims that the frequency of such braking events is considerably lower in its autonomous vehicles compared to those driven by humans.

This recall comes at a crucial time for Cruise as it attempts to reassure both state and federal regulators that its autonomous driving technology is safe. Cruise, like other self-driving vehicle companies such as Waymo and Zoox, has been under increasing regulatory scrutiny as the autonomous vehicle industry navigates growing concerns over safety. The self-driving sector has had to contend with accidents, pedestrian incidents, and more, putting the spotlight on the safeguards that companies like Cruise have in place to protect passengers and pedestrians.

One of the most significant incidents contributing to the increased scrutiny occurred in October, when one of Cruise’s robotaxis struck a pedestrian who had been hit by another vehicle and dragged her for 20 feet. This accident triggered not only the NHTSA’s hard-braking investigation but also opened separate investigations by the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition to these federal investigations, California’s Public Utilities Commission imposed the maximum penalty of $112,500 on Cruise for its failure to provide timely and complete information about the October accident.

Despite these setbacks, Cruise is working to get back on track. The company resumed supervised autonomous driving in May in Phoenix, Arizona, with safety drivers present. However, the company’s plans to deploy its fully autonomous Origin vehicle, which lacks a steering wheel, have been indefinitely suspended due to the ongoing safety concerns.

How People Are Harmed by Autonomous Vehicle Malfunctions

The risks associated with autonomous vehicles like those produced by GM’s Cruise are not limited to just passengers but also extend to pedestrians and other road users. While advancements in autonomous driving technology are meant to reduce human error and make roads safer, unforeseen malfunctions such as hard braking issues and failure to detect pedestrians pose significant risks. Pedestrians can be particularly vulnerable in scenarios where an autonomous vehicle behaves unpredictably or fails to stop in time.

In addition to pedestrian accidents, passengers within the autonomous vehicles may experience injuries due to the sudden and unexpected stopping of the car. Hard braking incidents can cause passengers to be thrown forward, potentially leading to serious neck, back, or head injuries. Additionally, sudden stops can increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions, putting not only the occupants of the self-driving vehicle at risk but also the occupants of other vehicles.

Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit

For individuals harmed by autonomous vehicle malfunctions, seeking compensation through a product liability lawsuit may be an option. Those who have sustained injuries due to issues such as unexpected braking or failure of the vehicle to respond to external hazards could potentially hold the manufacturer or operator liable for damages.

In a product liability lawsuit, victims will need to prove that the vehicle in question was defective or that its design or manufacture posed an unreasonable risk to users. This can include demonstrating that the technology, while innovative, failed to meet safety standards or that the software controlling the vehicle malfunctioned, leading to injury. Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages directly resulting from the incident.

Navigating the legal process following a self-driving vehicle accident can be complex. Determining liability is often challenging, particularly in situations involving advanced technology. For instance, the responsibility may not lie solely with the manufacturer but could extend to software developers, operators, or even third-party maintenance companies. For these reasons, victims are encouraged to seek legal representation to guide them through each step of the lawsuit process.

Why You Need an Attorney

Hiring an attorney is crucial for those pursuing a product liability lawsuit related to autonomous vehicles. The evolving nature of self-driving technology, combined with the complexity of product liability law, means that victims are best served by legal professionals who understand both the technical and legal nuances of these cases. Attorneys can help gather the necessary evidence, identify liable parties, and negotiate with insurance companies or defense attorneys to ensure that victims receive the compensation they are entitled to.

Furthermore, attorneys are skilled in navigating the court system, managing deadlines, and filing the required documentation. Given the high stakes of these lawsuits, such as the potential for life-altering injuries or even fatalities, having experienced legal representation can significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Potential Damages

The damages available in a product liability lawsuit related to autonomous vehicle accidents can vary based on the severity of the injury and the specifics of the case. Victims can potentially recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In cases involving fatalities, families of the deceased may be entitled to wrongful death damages, which can include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.