Waymo Car Accident: Injured by a Self-Driving Vehicle?
Autonomous vehicles were something you once only saw in the movies, but now they’re as common on the road as regular cars and trucks. Companies like Waymo deploy fleets of robotaxis in major cities like Phoenix, Miami, Dallas, and are soon coming to Minneapolis, Denver and Chicago. Waymo is working to create a future without human error and safe streets, but at the same time, it’s built on technology, and technology fails.
Just like humans, it’s not perfect and is subject to error. Software glitches can happen, other drivers on the road can be unpredictable, and extreme weather conditions can confuse even the smartest advanced robotics system. So, what do you do when their technology fails and you’ve been injured in a Waymo car accident?
What Happens if a Waymo Gets in an Accident?
In a traditional car crash, you exchange insurance information with the other driver, however, self-driving cars don’t have a human driver. Waymo operates Level 4 autonomous vehicles, meaning they can drive themselves without human intervention within specific approved areas and conditions. When a robotaxi causes an accident, figuring out who to sue can be complicated. If you’ve been injured due to a Waymo’s operating failure, it’s important to contact a Postman Law self-driving car accident attorney so we can protect your rights and determine fault to secure the maximum compensation possible.
Who’s Liable if You’re Injured by a Self-Driving Vehicle?
Liability in an autonomous vehicle crash is usually due to a defect in the software system. If a Waymo vehicle causes a crash, the fault likely lies with the company that designed the software or manufactured the hardware.
Product Manufacturer
Under product liability law, a company is responsible if they put a defective product on the market and it failed or injured someone. Victims may pursue claims against Waymo, the sensor manufacturers, or the parent company, Alphabet Inc.
Another Vehicle
If another human driver rear-ends a legally stopped Waymo, that party is at-fault. The self-driving car’s extensive camera and sensor data will usually capture the exact sequence of events, so it’s easy to prove the other driver’s negligence in an accident claim. However, if another driver swerves to avoid an erratically behaving autonomous vehicle, fault becomes more complicated. The accident will be investigated to determine whether the software behaved unpredictably, and caused the other driver to make a dangerous maneuver.
Self-Driving Vehicle Safety Concerns
Engineers program these vehicles to follow traffic laws and avoid collisions, but they also program them to make split-second choices during unavoidable accidents. How does the software decide what choice it should make?
As autonomous vehicles are being used more and more, people want to understand how these systems handle life-or-death situations. Because passengers and drivers of other vehicles don’t know how the AI chooses actions in critical situations, there is growing pressure for ethical accountability, transparency, and oversight to ensure these vehicles operate safely and responsibly.
Pedestrian & Passenger Safety
While Waymo tests its vehicles in closed environments, nothing replicates the chaos of driving on city streets. Companies like Waymo and Tesla that deploy self-driving vehicles have an ethical responsibility to prioritize public safety because regulations, liability laws, and safety standards hold them accountable if their vehicles are unsafe.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured by a Self-Driving Vehicle
If you’re injured in an accident involving a Waymo or another self-driving vehicle, here are the steps to take after the crash.
Prioritize Your Safety
Your first priority should be your safety. Check yourself for injuries, and if you can, get out of the vehicle and go to a secure location away from traffic.
Call 911
Call 911 right away and make sure a police report is filed because this is important evidence for insurance claims or legal cases. Request paramedics to assess you at the scene, even if you feel fine because some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
Document & Collect Evidence
If you’re able to, collect as much information as possible. If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their names and phone numbers because witness statements can help establish what caused the crash. Other evidence to collect includes:
- Take photos of all vehicles involved.
- Road conditions.
- Weather conditions.
- Any visible injuries.
- Download the ride receipt and screenshot your trip details.
See a Medical Professional As Soon As Possible
Even if you feel fine and have been checked by paramedics, it’s crucial to get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible. Adrenaline from the accident can hide serious injuries, so seeking medical attention right away not only protects your health but also creates a documented record linking your injuries to the crash that will be important evidence to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Report the Accident to Waymo
If you’re involved in an accident with a Waymo vehicle, contact the company right away. You can use the in-car support button, call 1-844-263-9885, or report it online at waymo.com/notify. Be sure to only state the facts and not speculate because this could harm your defense if you pursue compensation.
Should I Contact a Waymo Self-Driving Attorney After an Accident?
Filing a claim against a massive tech company requires legal firepower. Companies like Waymo have huge corporate liability policies, but their insurance adjusters will work hard to minimize a compensation payout. If you’ve been injured in a Waymo accident, contact Postman Law’s car crash attorneys immediately so that they can send the company a spoliation letter. This prevents the company from destroying evidence and preserving all data related to your accident. We’re here to fight for your rights and ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. We only get paid if you win. Contact us for a free consultation 24/7 at 844-POSTMAN or by filling out our online form. We have offices in Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, and Cincinnati, but help clients nationwide who’ve been injured in a Waymo accident.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance regarding your situation, consult a licensed attorney.
FAQs
Waymo may be responsible if its autonomous system caused the accident, but fault could be shared if others were involved.
The timeline depends on the complexity of the accident, injuries, and liability. Some claims may take a few weeks, while complex cases can take months or longer. Contact Postman Law for a free case consultation so we can discuss next steps.
The deadline depends on your state’s statute of limitations. In many states, you have between one to three years to file a personal injury claim.
If Waymo caused the accident, their commercial insurance usually covers medical bills, lost wages, and other injury-related damages. If another driver contributed to the crash, their auto insurance may cover part of your injuries.
Nothing! Postman Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. We only charge a fee if we win your case or secure a settlement for you. The fee is typically a percentage of the total compensation you receive.
Postman Law specializes in personal injury cases, including car and truck accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, medical malpractice, product liability, wrongful death, workplace injuries, and more. Our attorneys have secured over $3 billion for more than 1.4 million clients.
We move quickly to gather evidence, thoroughly investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court when necessary. You pay nothing up front. We only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you.
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