Who is Liable for Accidents Caused by Driverless Cars in California?

If you or a loved one has been injured in or by a driverless vehicle, this page is for you. At Johnson Attorneys Group, our experienced driverless car accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. We represent injury victims across California, with convenient offices in Bakersfield and Newport Beach.

Accidents involving autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles can cause devastating injuries, and the legal questions around liability are far more complex than traditional car crashes. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another motorist, our attorneys have the knowledge and resources to hold negligent parties accountable.

If you have been in an auto accident with a driverless car in California, you may be entitled to compensation for any resulting injuries and losses due to the negligence of the other driver or their semi-autonomous vehicle. Contact Johnson Attorneys Group today at 800-248-6822 for your complimentary case review to determine your legal options.

Man in a Driverless Car

Understanding Semi-Autonomous Technology

Driverless cars, also known as autonomous vehicles (AVs), rely on a combination of sensors, cameras, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to navigate roadways. Some vehicles operate in semi-autonomous modes, such as Tesla’s Autopilot or GM’s Super Cruise, while others are tested as fully autonomous under special permits.

While these technologies are designed to improve safety, malfunctions, software glitches, or operator misuse can cause serious accidents. Even “self-driving” cars still require human oversight under most current laws.

Current State and Federal Regulations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets federal guidelines for autonomous vehicle safety. However, California has some of the most detailed state-level regulations, overseen by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Manufacturers testing AVs in California must:

Obtain a special testing permit from the DMV.
Carry at least $5 million in insurance coverage or a surety bond.
Report all accidents and disengagements of autonomous technology.
Ensure trained safety drivers are present unless they have a driverless testing permit.

Despite these rules, liability after a crash often comes down to proving negligence, which is why victims need skilled driverless car accident attorneys to guide them.

Liability in Driverless Car Accidents in California

Determining who is liable after a driverless car crash can be more complex than with traditional accidents. Potentially responsible parties may include:

The vehicle operator – If the human driver failed to pay attention, misused the technology, or ignored warnings.
The manufacturer – If defective software, sensors, or design flaws caused the crash.
Third-party software developers – In cases where navigation or AI systems failed.
Vehicle maintenance providers – If improper upkeep contributed to the accident.
Other motorists – If their negligence caused or worsened the collision.

When You May Have a Lawsuit

To bring a successful lawsuit, certain circumstances must exist:

Negligence – A driver, manufacturer, or company acted carelessly, leading to the crash.
Product Defect – The vehicle’s technology or design was defective and directly caused injury.
Failure to Warn – The manufacturer did not provide adequate warnings or instructions.
Breach of Duty – Taxi fleets, rideshare companies, or commercial AV operators failed to meet safety obligations.

Our attorneys review all evidence, from vehicle data logs to manufacturer recalls, to determine liability.

Insurance Issues After a Driverless Car Crash

Insurance companies often resist paying out on claims involving new technologies, arguing about fault or pointing fingers at manufacturers. Victims may face:

Delayed claims while insurers investigate liability disputes.
Denials based on “unproven” technology failures.
Low settlement offers that do not cover medical bills and long-term care.

Because California requires AV testing companies to carry significant liability coverage, victims may be able to recover substantial damages, but only with the help of experienced driverless car accident lawyers who know how to navigate these disputes.

How Johnson Attorneys Group Helps Victims

At Johnson Attorneys Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win. Our approach to autonomous vehicle cases includes:

Investigating the accident – Gathering police reports, crash data, and vehicle event logs.
Consulting experts – Working with engineers and accident reconstruction specialists.
Identifying all liable parties – From human drivers to global tech corporations.
Building strong claims – Ensuring all medical and financial losses are accounted for.
Negotiating aggressively – Standing up to insurers and corporate legal teams.
Preparing for trial – Taking cases to court when settlement isn’t enough.

Damages Available in Driverless Car Accident Claims

Victims of autonomous vehicle crashes may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment)
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Wrongful death benefits for families who lose a loved one

FAQs About Driverless Car Accidents in California

Can I sue if a driverless car hit me while I was walking or biking?

Yes. Pedestrians and cyclists injured by autonomous vehicles may pursue claims against the operator, manufacturer, or both, depending on the cause of the crash.

What if I was a passenger in a driverless taxi?

Passengers are almost never at fault. Liability typically falls on the manufacturer, fleet operator, or technology provider.

Do different laws apply to driverless cars compared to regular cars?

Yes. California requires driverless car companies to carry higher insurance, report crashes to the DMV, and meet safety standards. These laws give victims additional avenues for compensation.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years, but claims against government entities or involving regulatory violations may have shorter deadlines.