Injured in a Waymo Accident? What You Need to Know About Self-Driving Car Crashes in California
Waymo — Google's self-driving car division — is expanding its autonomous ride-hailing services in parts of California, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. While the technology is innovative, it raises important questions for public safety:
What happens if you're injured in a crash involving a Waymo vehicle? Who is legally responsible?
Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver, here’s what you need to know about your rights after a Waymo accident — and how to protect your claim in this evolving legal landscape.
Can You File a Claim If a Waymo Vehicle Caused the Accident?
Yes. If you were injured in a collision involving a Waymo autonomous vehicle — whether it was driverless or had a backup operator — you have the right to file a personal injury claim, just like you would in any car accident.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future treatment or rehabilitation
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
The key difference lies in who is held responsible, and how liability is determined.
Who Is Liable in a Waymo Accident?
Liability in a self-driving car crash depends on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties may include:
- Waymo LLC (or its parent company, Alphabet)
- The backup safety driver (if one was present and failed to act)
- Another human driver (in multi-vehicle crashes)
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer (if a defect contributed to the crash)
In most cases involving a fully autonomous Waymo vehicle, the company may bear responsibility under product liability, negligent operation, or software failure theories. An attorney can help determine which legal avenue best supports your claim.
Common Scenarios Involving Waymo Accidents
Waymo accidents may involve:
- Pedestrians hit while crossing the street
- Cyclists struck by vehicles making turns or lane changes
- Passengers injured in a Waymo ride (e.g., due to sudden stops or rear-end collisions)
- Drivers of other vehicles in crashes involving autonomous Waymos
- Property damage to parked cars, curbs, or businesses
Because self-driving technology relies on sensors, maps, and AI — not human reflexes — accidents can still occur when the system misinterprets data, fails to recognize hazards, or doesn’t react appropriately in complex traffic situations.
How Are Waymo Accidents Investigated?
Waymo vehicles are equipped with multiple cameras, sensors, and data logs that record detailed information about the vehicle’s behavior and surroundings before, during, and after a crash. This data can include:
- Vehicle speed
- Obstacle detection
- Route maps and GPS data
- Video footage
- Braking and steering commands
If you're injured in a Waymo-related crash, an attorney can issue a preservation letter and seek access to this data during the claims process or litigation.
Do Waymo Vehicles Carry Insurance?
Yes. In California, autonomous vehicle operators are required by law to carry adequate liability insurance. Waymo is known to carry commercial policies with high coverage limits, which may be accessed if the vehicle is found at fault.
However, as with any insurance claim, Waymo or its insurer may still attempt to dispute liability or minimize the value of your injuries. That’s why it’s critical to have legal representation — especially in a case involving a major tech company.
What Should You Do After a Waymo Crash?
If you were involved in an accident with a Waymo vehicle:
- Call 911 and report the crash
- Get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Document the scene with photos and video
- Get contact information for any witnesses
- Request a police report
- Avoid discussing the incident with Waymo representatives or insurance adjusters
- Contact a personal injury lawyer familiar with autonomous vehicle claims
Preserving evidence early is key — including any injuries, bike or vehicle damage, or surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Self-Driving Car Accident
Autonomous vehicle claims are new territory. Unlike traditional accidents, they often involve:
- Complex liability issues
- Multiple corporate defendants
- Advanced technology and data access challenges
- Higher stakes and larger corporate legal teams
A skilled personal injury attorney can:
- Investigate the incident thoroughly
- Demand black box and sensor data from Waymo
- Coordinate medical treatment and lien-based care if needed
- Handle all communications with insurers and Waymo’s legal team
- Fight for maximum compensation through settlement or litigation
Injured in a Waymo Accident? Let’s Talk.
As self-driving vehicles become more common, it’s essential to know your rights — and have someone on your side who understands how these cases work.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Waymo-related crash, you may be entitled to significant compensation, even if no human driver was present.
Call Lawyer Gigi today for a free consultation.
We’ll evaluate your case, preserve critical evidence, and help you pursue justice against even the biggest tech companies.
