Elon Musk says we’re only a couple of years away from seeing driverless taxis everywhere. That might sound exciting, or maybe even a little scary, depending on how much you trust technology. Either way, the roads in Florida are going to look very different soon.
But here’s the real question no one is talking about:
If an autonomous car hits you, who’s responsible?
The Future Is Here. So Are the Risks.
We’re already seeing cars like Teslas operating in autopilot mode. But now companies like Waymo, Cruise, and Apple are testing fully autonomous vehicles with no one behind the wheel.
That might sound like progress, but when one of these vehicles causes an accident, things get complicated. Fast.
Instead of filing a standard car accident claim, these cases often fall under products liability. That means the company that made the car, the software developer, or even the sensor manufacturer might be held responsible.
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Why These Accidents Are So Complicated
At MG Injury Law, we stay ready for what’s next, and we’re already preparing for the wave of injury claims that involve autonomous technology. Here’s why these cases are different:
- There may be no driver involved at all.
- The responsible party could be a massive company like Tesla, Waymo, or Cruise.
- Proving what went wrong might involve reviewing data logs, video, software coding, and sensor reports.
- State and federal laws on self-driving cars are still evolving, so there’s no single rulebook.
- The claim or lawsuit may depend on whether there is adequate car insurance on the autonomous vehicle, including uninsured motor (UM) coverage and bodily injury (BI) coverage.
These cases aren’t just about proving someone ran a red light. They often require digging into the technology, corporate safety practices, and even artificial intelligence decision-making.
Real-World Example: Cruise Robotaxi Crash in San Francisco
In late 2023, a Cruise robotaxi in San Francisco made headlines when it ran over a pedestrian who had already been hit by a human driver. The autonomous vehicle attempted to pull over but ended up dragging the injured person several feet. The incident sparked national outrage and forced Cruise, owned by General Motors, to pause operations across the country.
This crash raised serious questions about how self-driving cars make split-second decisions — and what happens when they fail. It also highlighted the question of who’s liable when AI and humans are both involved.
Cases like this show just how complicated these situations can get. Was it the fault of the human driver who hit the pedestrian first? The robotaxi’s software for not responding appropriately? Or the company for deploying technology that wasn’t ready?
These are exactly the kinds of questions we’re preparing to answer on behalf of our clients.
What to Do If You’re Hit by a Self-Driving Car
If you’re injured in a crash involving an autonomous vehicle, here’s what you should do:
- Get medical attention right away.
- Take photos and videos of the scene, the vehicle, and anything that could be important.
- Get witness contact information if anyone saw the crash.
- Don’t talk to the insurance company without legal advice.
- Call a lawyer who understands these cases.
We’re Ready for What’s Coming
Our team has handled hundreds of serious injury cases, and we’re already preparing for the next generation of claims. Whether the accident involves a traditional driver or a vehicle controlled by artificial intelligence, we’ll be ready to fight for you.
At Mausner Graham Injury Law, we never back down from a tough case, especially when big companies are involved.
Contact us today for your free & confidential case review. Our team will help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I sue Tesla or Waymo if their car caused the crash?
A:Yes. If a self-driving feature or system error caused the accident, the company behind it could be held accountable under products liability law.
Q: Who is responsible if an autonomous car causes a crash?
A:It depends. The manufacturer, software company, and/or others involved in the vehicle’s technology could be liable.
Q: What if I was a passenger in the self-driving vehicle?
A:You may still have a claim, especially if the vehicle malfunctioned or another driver was at fault.
Q: Are these cases harder to win?
A:They can be more complex, but with the right legal strategy, you still have a strong chance of recovering compensation.
Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
If you or someone you know was hurt in a crash involving a self-driving car or autonomous taxi, reach out to our team. These cases are new territory, but we’re already studying how they work and building strong cases for the future. Contact our team of personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.
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Last Updated Friday, June 20th, 2025
