Injured in a robotaxi or by a driverless car: who may be responsible
Fully driverless vehicles, such as the robotaxi services operated by companies including Waymo and Zoox, and Tesla’s robotaxi service, have no human driver to hold responsible in the traditional way. That changes who may be liable when someone is hurt.
Possible responsible parties
- The operator company that runs the robotaxi service and is responsible for the vehicle’s operation, maintenance, and remote assistance
- The vehicle manufacturer, under product liability law, if a design or manufacturing defect contributed
- The software or sensor provider, if the automated driving system failed to perceive or respond properly
- Other drivers or parties, such as a human driver who caused the collision or a road agency responsible for a dangerous condition
Passengers vs. people outside the vehicle
Passengers may have claims based on the operator’s duty to transport them safely, and their ride terms of service may include provisions (such as arbitration clauses) that affect how a claim proceeds. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers generally have no contract with the operator and may bring negligence or product liability claims.
Evidence matters
Driverless vehicles typically record camera, sensor, and system data. A prompt written request to preserve that data, along with photos, witness information, and medical records, can be important.
Rules vary by state
Laws on autonomous vehicle testing, operation, insurance, and liability differ from state to state and are changing. In California, autonomous vehicle deployment is regulated by the DMV and the California Public Utilities Commission. An attorney can explain how the rules apply to your situation.
General information only, not legal advice.