Self-driving cars like Waymo are becoming more common in Los Angeles. While they are designed for safety, accidents still happen, and determining liability can be challenging—especially because there’s no human driver behind the wheel. If you were injured in a Waymo accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. However, Waymo and its insurers will try to minimize your claim. Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is Waymo?
Waymo is a self-driving car company owned by Alphabet, Google’s parent. These autonomous vehicles rely on sensors, cameras, and AI to operate without a human driver. While self-driving technology is supposed to reduce accidents, Waymo cars have been involved in numerous crashes.
Common causes of crashes include:
- Sensor errors – The car fails to detect obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles.
- Software malfunctions – The system makes a bad driving decision, such as stopping suddenly or turning at the wrong time.
- Unexpected human actions – Other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians may move in ways the Waymo does not expect, leading to an accident.
Waymo vehicles are fully autonomous, and the company is responsible for maintaining and programming them. If a system failure causes an accident, Waymo may be held accountable.
Waymo Accidents Involving Pedestrians & Cyclists
Waymo accidents don’t just involve other vehicles—they can also put pedestrians and cyclists at risk. A serious accident can occur if Waymo’s sensors fail to detect a person crossing the street or a cyclist in a bike lane.
For example:
- A pedestrian may be hit at a crosswalk if Waymo misjudges their walking speed.
- A cyclist could be sideswiped if the car doesn’t correctly detect the bike lane boundaries.
- A stopped Waymo may suddenly accelerate into a pedestrian or vehicle because of software errors.
If you were a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a Waymo car, you have the same legal rights as any other accident victim. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Contact our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation!
What to Do After a Waymo Accident in Los Angeles
If you’ve been in an accident with a self-driving vehicle, follow these steps to protect yourself and your claim:
1. Call 911 and Get Medical Help
Report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Then, see a doctor—even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show any visible symptoms. The police report and your medical records will be important evidence to support your case and show the extent of your injuries.
2. Gather Evidence at the Scene
After an accident involving a Waymo, gathering evidence is crucial to support your claim. If possible, take the following steps at the accident scene:
Take Clear Photos and Videos of:
- The Waymo vehicle, including its license plate.
- Damage to your car, bike, or other property.
- Traffic signs, signals, and road conditions that may have contributed to the crash.
- Visible injuries you or others sustained in the accident.
Collect Witness Information:
- Speak with witnesses who saw the accident.
- Get their contact information in case their statements are needed later.
Collect Digital Evidence:
Waymo vehicles have built-in cameras and sensors that record accident data, but this footage is not automatically shared. A lawyer can request this data to help determine fault, but since Waymo is unlikely to release it voluntarily, legal action may be required. Other valuable sources of evidence include:
- Traffic cameras at intersections that may have recorded the crash.
- Security cameras from nearby businesses or homes.
- Dash cam footage from other drivers who witnessed the accident.
- Waymo’s internal vehicle data may reveal if the car’s AI system failed.
Since accessing Waymo’s data requires a legal request, our personal injury lawyer can help obtain this critical evidence to strengthen your claim.
3. Do NOT Admit Fault or Talk to Waymo Representatives
Stay neutral and avoid admitting fault, even if you’re unsure about what caused the accident. If Waymo or an insurance company contacts you, do not provide a recorded statement without first consulting a lawyer, as anything you say could be used to minimize or deny your claim.
4. Call an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Waymo is backed by a team of corporate lawyers and insurers who will work to minimize your payout. Hiring a personal injury lawyer ensures that your case is thoroughly investigated, evidence is collected, and negotiations are handled to secure the compensation you deserve.
Who’s Liable for a Waymo Accident?
Determining liability in a Waymo accident can be complex. Waymo may be responsible if its self-driving system malfunctions, but other drivers or third parties may also share the fault. If you were injured in a Waymo accident, you may be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Some liable parties may include:
1. Waymo (Company Liability)
Waymo may be liable if its self-driving technology malfunctions and causes an accident. This could include sensor errors, software failures, or improper vehicle programming. However, holding Waymo accountable can be challenging, as the company may argue that its technology is safer than human drivers or attempt to shift blame onto other factors.
If Waymo denies responsibility or refuses to compensate you fairly, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover damages. Our firm can help you take legal action against Waymo and its insurers to fight for the compensation you deserve.
2. Another Driver’s Liability
If another driver ran a red light, rear-ended you, or caused the crash, they may be responsible instead of the Waymo vehicle. In these cases, their insurance policy would typically cover the damages.
3. Third-Party Liability
Sometimes, other parties may share fault for a Waymo accident. This could include:
- Government entities can be responsible for poor road conditions or faulty traffic signals.
- Manufacturers of defective vehicle parts if they contributed to the crash.
- Other drivers who acted negligently and triggered the accident.
Our car accident attorney can investigate the circumstances and identify all responsible parties to ensure you receive maximum compensation. However, don’t delay! Under California law, accident victims generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if a government entity is involved (e.g., poor road design contributed to the crash), you may have only six months to file a claim.
How A Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
A Waymo accident can leave you with injuries, medical bills, and insurance headaches. Since self-driving car cases are complex, having an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
Here’s how we help:
- Investigate the accident – Gather evidence, request Waymo’s black box data, and consult experts.
- Prove liability – Determine if Waymo, another driver, or a third party was responsible.
- Handle insurance negotiations – Fight for fair compensation and prevent insurers from lowballing you.
- File a lawsuit if needed – Take legal action against Waymo or insurers if they refuse to pay.
- No upfront costs – You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call us today for a free consultation! Let us fight for you while you focus on recovery.
Don’t Let Waymo or Insurers Get Ahead of You! Call Us Today!
A Waymo accident can leave you overwhelmed with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about what comes next. You don’t have to face this alone. Let our experienced car accident attorneys fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers now for a free consultation—because your recovery should be your priority, not insurance negotiations.
Contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
