For regular readers of our blog and tech enthusiasts alike, the notion that Silicon Valley is going full-speed ahead to embrace self-driving comes as little surprise. What may be surprising, however, is that Apple is also involved in the ever-growing competition for dominance in the self-driving car sector.
Apple has kept their self-driving car program largely under wraps, but the tech giant’s secretive program reportedly suffered from its first crash in September of 2018.
Apple’s “Project Titan” Has First Crash
Apple’s self-driving car program is referred to as “Project Titan”, which would otherwise be even more anonymous but for California regulations. Indeed, California requires companies to report crashes to the DMV if an autonomous vehicle’s crash occurs on a public road in the state.
A self-driving vehicle from Apple happened to crash on a California public road, which is why this interesting news gained more widespread attention. According to the DMV crash report, an Apple self-driving Lexus SUV was traveling at less than a mile per hour when a Nissan Leaf rear-ended the self-driving car.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the accident, although both vehicles did sustain some damage. As such, the most significant news from this accident is the reminder that Apple is yet another Silicon Valley “titan” that has entered the self-driving car space. Many others, such as Uber, Lyft, Google and others have all made plans for the self-driving sector.
What Is Apple’s Goal for Project Titan?
However, the difference between Apple and these competitors is that most of the other’s goals are relatively clear. Uber and Lyft, with their ride-hailing apps, have an obvious interest in the technology. So, too, does Google’s Waymo, which has already logged millions of miles from their self-driving car fleet.
Apple’s goal is less clear, and given the secretive nature of the project, it is not as if those goals have been publicly indicated. Apple CEO Tim Cook has, however, suggested that the company is interested in developing self-driving car software to be used by other companies. Whether Apple’s own autonomous vehicles are simply means to test this software is still uncertain.
We do know, however, that Apple has placed considerable emphasis on gaining permits to test 55 vehicles on California roads. As self-driving cars continue to take the road, the need for self-driving car accident lawyers who are familiar with the nuances of legal liability in these accidents will only increase.
Talk to Ledger Law If You Have Been Injured in a Self-Driving Car Accident
The Ledger Law Firm is a national personal injury law firm whose nationally recognized personal injury lawyer, Emery Ledger, is licensed in California. Our firm has helped personal injury victims recover millions in compensation after being injured in a car accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a self-driving car accident, a self-driving car accident attorney at Ledger Law is ready to discuss your case. Contact us online for a free case evaluation to discuss your legal claim with a California self-driving car accident lawyer today.
