GM Faces Rebuke by California Judge After Pedestrian Dragged by Robotaxi
As the transport industry continuously evolves, California residents face new threats every day. The rise of driverless vehicles has sparked considerable controversy. Despite promises that this technology is completely safe, numerous rideshare accidents in California have been linked to self-driving vehicles. One recent example involves GM’s “Cruise” robotaxis – and a personal injury lawsuit is currently underway involving one of these vehicles.
Judge Orders GM to Offer Plaintiff the Maximum Possible Settlement
On February 7, 2024, it was reported that a California judge had ordered GM to offer an injured pedestrian the maximum possible settlement for a crash that almost claimed her life. The crash made headlines around the world when GM’s self-driving vehicle dragged the pedestrian for almost a city block before “registering her presence.” It goes without saying that a human driver would have felt a body wedged underneath a vehicle in this manner – and they probably would have heard the victim’s screams for help.
This incident was the straw that broke the camel’s back – forcing GM to retire its entire fleet of Cruise vehicles. This also led to a serious investigation into GM and Cruise, and the result of that investigation has only led to further controversy. The plaintiff is seeking damages from Cruise, and initially, the company offered what one California judge thought was too low of an offer. The judge apparently reprimanded GM and ordered them to pay a higher settlement offer. This new offer is apparently somewhere in the six-figure range.
How Common are Lowball Offers in California Injury Settlements?
These so-called “lowball offers” are extremely common during negotiations for injury settlements in California. After getting into a car accident or slipping on a spill in a grocery store, you might receive many of these low offers before insurers and defendants start to take you seriously. Obviously, their hope is that you simply accept the first settlement offer and walk away with compensation that is far lower than what you are entitled to receive.
A personal injury attorney can help you navigate this process with a sense of confidence and efficiency. Not only can they help you avoid lowball offers, but they can also push back with counteroffers as they seek a positive outcome on your behalf. Speak with a qualified personal injury lawyer to learn more about how a personal injury lawyer can guide you toward the compensation you deserve.
Find an Experienced Injury Attorney in California
If you have been searching for an experienced personal injury attorney in California, look no further than the Knez Law Group, LLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs throughout the Golden State – including those who have been hurt in rideshare accidents. We know how dangerous self-driving cars and tech companies can be, and we can help you hold negligent parties accountable. Book your consultation today or call us at 951-742-7681 to get started with an effective action plan.
Matthew J. Knez graduated from the University of Redlands in California where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing. He went on to pursue his Law Degree at the University of LaVerne, College of Law in Ontario, California. While pursuing his law degree he earned various awards, including CALI Award in Torts and he was on the Dean’s List. Mr. Knez was also a member of the Justice and Immigration Clinic where he worked with people seeking asylum into the United States from countries where they had experienced persecution or threat of persecution. Additionally, Mr. Knez was a member of Law Review where he was an Associate Editor and published a Law Review article on California family custody move-away cases.