Lane departure warning is a collision avoidance system and a standard safety feature of most new vehicles. If the system fails to operate correctly, car accidents can occur, resulting in injuries and fatalities. We regularly handle car accidents in Los Angeles and throughout California caused by safety defects, including collisions caused by defective lane departure warning systems.
Whether you have a claim against the automaker, product manufacturer, or a negligent driver, you can depend on us to help you recover meaningful compensation. Contact our office today to arrange a free consultation.
What Is Lane Departure Warning & How Can It Cause An Accident?
Lane departure warning is a safety system that alerts drivers when their vehicle begins to move out of a freeway lane. This system is supposed to minimize collisions caused by driver errors such as distracted or drowsy driving.
This technology use cameras and sensors mounted near the rearview mirror to track a vehicle’s position within a lane. These systems capture a moving view of the road, monitor lane markers, and alert drivers when they have drifted over the lane markings. Alerts vary but can include:
- Audible signals
- Visual indicators
- Vibrating seats or steering wheels (in luxury models)
In some models, the system includes a counter-steering mechanism to help the driver move back into the middle of the lane. Lane departure warning also recognizes when the driver’s turn signal is on and will not create an alert.
Lane Departure Warning Defects Can Result in Car Accidents In Los Angeles
Just because a vehicle has a lane departure warning does not mean that drivers can rely on it to protect them. The cameras and sensors must be operating and calibrated to receive accurate feedback from the road, which must have visibly painted lane stripes.
The software, hardware, or how they interact can be defective and malfunction, like any safety technology. Also, drivers must still pay attention to the road and respond to alerts. In addition, poorly maintained roads that lack painted stripes can impact the effectiveness of lane departure warning systems. Finally, poor weather conditions like heavy rain and snow can adversely affect the performance of cameras and sensors, resulting in collisions and injuries.
These factors can make determining liability in a car accident challenging. Depending on the circumstances, one of the following parties may be held responsible:
- The automaker and product manufacturer if the technology was defective
- A driver who failed to maintain the system or ignored a lane departure alert
- The government agency responsible for the maintenance of lane markings
If you were involved in a collision with a vehicle equipped with a lane departure warning system, it takes a skilled Los Angeles car accident attorney to protect your rights and get you just compensation.
How Los Angeles Firm J&Y Law Can Help
We have extensive experience handling car accident cases caused by technological malfunctions. By collaborating with accident reconstruction specialists and technical experts, we will determine whether defective equipment caused or contributed to the accident that caused your injuries. If we find a defect in the safety system, we will file a product liability lawsuit against the responsible party to help you recover damages for your losses.
Also, lane departure warning systems only assist drivers; however, drivers still have a duty of care to drive safely and responsibly, maintain their vehicles, and avoid causing injuries to other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.
If we determine the other driver was negligent, we can pursue a personal injury claim against that person. Finally, if our investigation finds that the lane markings were faded or not visible, we can file a municipal liability lawsuit against the appropriate government agency. While car accident claims often settle out of court, we will take your case to trial if necessary.
Lane Departure Warning Damages We Will Fight For
The damages you can recover depend on factors such as the extent of your injuries and the identity of the responsible party. In any event, we will fight to help you obtain damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitative costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Attorneys’ fees and court costs
If a loved one has died in an accident caused by a defective lane departure warning system, you have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to obtain compensation and justice. Regardless of the circumstances, we will guide you through every step of the process and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Los Angeles Defective Lane Departure Warning Accident Attorney
Collision prevention technology is supposed to keep drivers safe, but technological defects and negligent drivers can cause car accidents that result in serious injuries. If you have sustained an injury in an accident caused by a defective lane departure warning system, turn to J&Y Law. We offer free consultations and will charge no attorneys’ fees until we win compensation for you. Contact us today to get started.