⚠️ NHTSA's Standing General Order on Crash Reporting requires autonomous vehicle companies to report crashes. Through June 2024, data shows 1,270+ Waymo incidents have been reported nationally. As robotaxis expand to new cities, understanding ythe legal rights after a Waymo accident is critical.
Waymo & Robotaxi Accident Lawyer: Self-Driving Car Injury Claims
Waymo—the self-driving car company owned by Alphabet (Google's parent company)—operates robotaxi services in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin. When these autonomous vehicles crash, victims face a fundamentally different legal situation than traditional car accidents: there is no human driver to sue.
NHTSA Autonomous Vehicle Crash Data
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires AV companies to report crashes through its Automated Vehicles Safety program. The data reveals significant incident rates:
- Total AV Incidents Reported: 3,979+ through June 2024 (all manufacturers)
- Waymo Specifically: 1,270+ crashes reported to NHTSA
- Injury Rate: Approximately 24% of reported AV crashes cause injuries
- Fatal Incidents: Multiple fatalities involving autonomous vehicles
The Cruise Suspension: A Warning
In October 2023, GM's Cruise robotaxi division had its California deployment permit suspended by the California DMV after a pedestrian was struck and dragged 20+ feet. Key lessons from Cruise's collapse:
- Hidden Information: Cruise initially didn't disclose the dragging to regulators
- System Failure: AV ran over already-injured pedestrian
- Nationwide Shutdown: Cruise suspended all operations after permit revocation
- Settlement: Victim reportedly received $8-12 million settlement
Who is Liable When a Waymo Crashes?
Unlike traditional accidents where drivers are liable, robotaxi crashes create corporate liability. Potentially liable parties include:
- Waymo LLC: Operator of the robotaxi service, designer of the software
- Alphabet Inc.: Parent company with ~$2 trillion market cap—deep pockets
- Component Suppliers: LIDAR, sensor, and camera manufacturers
- Vehicle Platform: Jaguar (current Waymo One vehicles)
Legal Theories for Waymo Accident Claims
Product Liability
The Waymo robotaxi is a product. Under product liability law:
- Design Defect: The AV system's design creates unreasonable danger
- Manufacturing Defect: Hardware or sensor failures
- Failure to Warn: Inadequate warnings about AV limitations to passengers and public
Negligence
- Negligent Design: Failed to use reasonable care in developing the system
- Negligent Deployment: Operated in conditions the system couldn't handle
- Negligent Supervision: Remote operators failed to intervene
Settlement Values in Robotaxi Cases
Based on available information from AV settlements:
- Minor Injuries: $50,000 - $250,000
- Moderate Injuries: $250,000 - $1,000,000
- Serious Injuries: $1,000,000 - $5,000,000
- Catastrophic/Fatal: $5,000,000 - $15,000,000+
- Cruise SF Settlement: Reportedly $8-12 million for pedestrian victim
Waymo's Current Markets
- San Francisco: Full commercial deployment
- Los Angeles: Expanding service area
- Phoenix: Longest-running robotaxi service in US
- Austin: Recently launched commercial service
- Planned: Atlanta and additional cities announced
What to Do After a Waymo Accident
- Document Everything: Photos of the Waymo vehicle (get license plate, branding)
- Call 911: Get a police report—specify it's an autonomous vehicle
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor
- Get Witness Information: Other pedestrians, passengers, drivers
- Contact an Attorney: AV cases require specialized knowledge
- Don't Accept Quick Settlement: Waymo may offer fast, low settlements
✅ Hit by a Waymo or other robotaxi? Call Quick Claim at (773) 839-6086. We connect victims with attorneys experienced in autonomous vehicle liability claims against Waymo and Alphabet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue Waymo if their robotaxi hits me?
Yes. Unlike traditional car accidents where you'd sue the driver, Waymo accidents create corporate liability. Waymo LLC and potentially parent company Alphabet Inc. can be held liable for crashes caused by their autonomous vehicles.
How is liability different with self-driving cars?
Traditional crashes involve human driver error. With robotaxis, the "driver" is software designed by a corporation. Product liability principles apply—the company that designed and deployed the defective product is liable for harm it causes.
What evidence is available from Waymo crashes?
Waymo vehicles record extensive data: sensor readings, video from multiple cameras, system logs, and decision-making processes. This data can be obtained through litigation discovery and is often more comprehensive than traditional crash evidence.
Does Waymo settle quickly?
Waymo and Alphabet often prefer to settle claims to avoid negative publicity and legal precedent. However, quick settlement offers may undervalue your claim. Having an attorney evaluate any offer before accepting is essential.