The law related to civil liability for accidents involving autonomous vehicles is new and evolving. Various companies are developing autonomous vehicles, which will provide a great number of benefits.

In December 2018, the Fifth Circuit in Randle v. Crosby Tugs, LLC affirmed the lower court’s granting of summary judgment related to the plaintiff’s claim of Jones Act negligence.

(United States of America v. Nature’s Way Marine, LLC, Environmental Pollution Group, LLC, Fifth Circuit No. 17-60698, decided September 21, 2018)

In Bunker Holdings Ltd. v. Yang Ming Liberia Corp., the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals clarified what it means to order necessaries “on the order of the owner of a person authorized by the owner” under 46 U.S.C. Sec. 31342(a), so as to permit the entity furnishing necessaries to have a maritime lien.

(Insurer May Not Pursue Subrogation as to Rights of Insured Suspended Corporation)

(Certifying Question as to Whether an Insurer May Be Bound by Agent’s Representation of Coverage on Certificate of Insurance)

(Regulations Pertaining to Definitions of Insurance Code Section 790.03’s Terms Valid)

(Notice Prejudice Rule Required Insured To Pay Life Insurance Benefits As It Did Not Sustain Actual Prejudice As A Result Of Late Notice Of A Claim For Benefits)