As self-driving cars become more common on California roads, so do the accidents involving them. If you’ve experienced a self-driving accident, you may be unsure about who is at fault and how to seek compensation. These cases raise new questions about driver responsibility, insurance coverage, and even manufacturer liability.
At KAASS LAW, we help clients understand and assert their rights when injured by autonomous vehicle technology. Here’s what you should know if a self-driving vehicle caused your accident.
What Is a Self-Driving Car?
Self-driving cars—also called autonomous vehicles (AVs)—use advanced software, cameras, radar, and machine learning to operate with little or no human input. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies automation into levels, from basic driver assistance to full autonomy.
Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Cruise have deployed semi- and fully autonomous vehicles on California streets. Although marketed as safer alternatives, these vehicles remain imperfect. Errors in software or environmental conditions can still cause serious collisions.
For more on the official definitions of automation levels, visit the NHTSA’s AV overview.
Common Causes of Self-Driving Accidents
Even advanced technology can fail. Self-driving vehicles may crash due to:
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Algorithmic misjudgments
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Sensor failure or miscalibration
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Weather or road conditions that disrupt navigation
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Lack of driver intervention during emergencies
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Poorly marked roads or faulty infrastructure
When an autonomous vehicle strikes a pedestrian or another car, these factors must be evaluated to determine liability.
Who Holds Responsibility in a Self-Driving Accident?
Finding fault in accidents involving automated vehicles requires a process that proves more difficult than typical vehicle inspections. However, someone still bears legal responsibility for your injuries. Potentially liable parties include:
1. The Driver or Vehicle Owner
According to California law, the control failure of a human driver behind the wheel could lead to legal responsibility. Owners of Teslas with Autopilot must keep their attention on the road because these automation systems need human operators to stay alert to take control.
2. The Manufacturer
The manufacturer of an affected vehicle and the company that writes its program both become accountable for product defects that lead to accidents under product liability law. The claims show that both a defect in the system existed and it directly resulted in your injury.
3. Another Driver or Third Party
Sometimes another human driver causes the accident by driving recklessly or violating traffic laws. In other cases, city governments or contractors may have failed to maintain road conditions or signage, which also creates legal liability.
Our attorneys at KAASS LAW investigate every angle of your case to hold the appropriate parties accountable.
Steps to Take After a Self-Driving Vehicle Accident
After any car crash, what you do immediately afterward can influence your ability to recover damages. If you’re involved in a self-driving accident, follow these steps:
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Call the police and report the accident
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Seek prompt medical attention
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Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries
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Collect witness names and contact details
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Avoid making statements to insurers before speaking with a lawyer
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Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in autonomous vehicle claims
Quick action strengthens your claim and helps preserve evidence that may include digital driving logs or sensor data.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you suffered injuries in a crash with a self-driving vehicle, California law allows you to pursue compensation for:
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Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
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Lost wages and reduced future earnings
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Pain and suffering
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Vehicle damage and other property losses
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Emotional trauma or psychological harm
In certain cases, such as accidents caused by reckless corporate behavior or gross negligence, the court may also award punitive damages to deter future misconduct.
How KAASS LAW Supports Victims of Self-Driving Car Accidents
When dealing with a self-driving crash, you’re not just going up against a careless driver—you may face tech giants, insurance companies, and corporate legal teams. We help level the playing field.
Our attorneys at KAASS LAW will:
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Obtain autonomous driving data and diagnostics from the vehicle
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Analyze system logs to detect errors or violations
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Collaborate with accident reconstruction and technology experts
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Negotiate with insurance providers
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File a lawsuit if necessary to secure fair compensation
We combine legal experience with a deep understanding of emerging automotive technologies to give our clients a strategic advantage.
California Regulations on Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving technology faces the most stringent oversight in California among all US states. The DMV runs complete oversight through three main areas, including permitting tests of autonomous vehicles while enforcing safety standards and requiring reports of accidents.
Organizations need to fulfill mandatory standards for protocols in driver training, along with data recording regulations, to obtain permission for the road deployment of Autonomous Vehicles. Your injury claim will gain additional strength when a company breaks the rules set by authorities. We track all state and federal autonomous vehicle updates in order to stay agile with autonomous vehicle litigation procedures.
Don’t Wait—Speak with a Lawyer Today
If a self-driving accident disrupted your life, you deserve to understand your rights and fight for fair compensation. These cases are complex, but you don’t have to face them alone.
KAASS LAW offers free initial consultations and personalized representation to help victims of autonomous vehicle crashes recover what they’re owed.
Visit KAASS LAW to schedule your free consultation today.
As autonomous vehicle use grows, so do the legal challenges they create. These aren’t ordinary car accidents—your case might involve software defects, vehicle recalls, or regulatory violations. You need a law firm that understands how to build a strong case against both individuals and corporations.
At KAASS LAW, we’re ready to help you seek justice after a self-driving accident in California.