Liability Allocation in Autonomous Vehicles: From Ethics to Law

Abstract

This paper addresses the complex issue of liability allocation in autonomous vehicle accidents, considering both legal and ethical perspectives. With the rapid development of autonomous driving technology, traditional legal frameworks struggle to cope with the new challenges posed by driverless vehicles. The ambiguity in liability arises from the involvement of multiple parties, including vehicle manufacturers, software developers, and car owners. Ethically, decisions made by autonomous vehicles in unavoidable accident scenarios raise difficult questions about moral responsibility, such as whether to prioritize passengers or pedestrians in emergency situations. The paper explores these ethical dilemmas, using the “Trolley Problem” as a reference, and argues for the development of an ethical framework for algorithmic decision-making. Additionally, the paper critiques the lag in legal adaptation and proposes reforms to establish clear liability frameworks. In conclusion, it emphasizes the need for a legal system that integrates technological progress with ethical considerations to ensure fairness and accountability in the era of autonomous vehicles.