As the self-driving vehicle industry expands, so too does the legal landscape surrounding accidents involving autonomous cars. Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, operates autonomous robotaxis in several U.S. cities, including San Francisco and Austin. While the technology is marketed as cutting-edge and safe, several incidents involving Cruise vehicles have raised serious concerns. If you were injured in a crash involving a Cruise robotaxi, you may be entitled to legal compensation—and it’s important to understand how these cases are handled.
Types of Cruise-Related Accidents
Legal claims can arise from a variety of incidents involving Cruise vehicles. Common situations include:
- A Cruise robotaxi colliding with a pedestrian or cyclist in a crosswalk
- A Cruise vehicle rear-ending a car in stop-and-go traffic
- A robotaxi stopping abruptly and causing a chain-reaction crash
- Injuries to passengers riding inside the autonomous vehicle
- Emergency responders or construction crews injured when Cruise vehicles fail to recognize hazards
In one widely reported case, a Cruise vehicle dragged a pedestrian after a collision, drawing scrutiny from both regulators and the public. These scenarios show that when the technology malfunctions—or fails to interpret complex environments—serious injuries can result.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Cruise can potentially be held liable under multiple theories:
- Negligence in operation of its autonomous fleet
- Failure to respond to known software bugs or limitations
- Product defects in the vehicle’s systems, such as sensor arrays or braking algorithms
- Inadequate oversight or training for remote human monitors (if applicable)
Claims may also target General Motors, the parent company, particularly when broader systemic decisions are involved in the vehicle’s operation or design.
Legal Complexities in Autonomous Vehicle Cases
Suing Cruise is different from suing a human driver. These cases often involve:
- Highly technical evidence, including sensor data, AI decision logs, and real-time diagnostics
- Questions of foreseeability and software limitations
- A lack of clear legal precedent in some jurisdictions
- The need to counter Cruise’s potential arguments that the robotaxi operated as designed and that any crash was unavoidable
Moreover, these companies are likely to resist settlement and aggressively defend their technologies. Victims need attorneys who understand how to navigate these complexities.
What to Do After a Robotaxi Accident
If you’re injured in a collision involving a Cruise vehicle, take these steps immediately:
- Get immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries.
- Report the incident to local authorities and ensure it is documented.
- Take photos or videos of the scene, vehicle, and your injuries.
- Gather witness information, if possible.
- Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in autonomous vehicle cases.
Preserving data early is critical, especially when dealing with companies like Cruise that control vast amounts of proprietary information.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for Help
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we help individuals injured in emerging technologies navigate their legal options. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a Cruise robotaxi, don’t wait. Call 713-804-9306 to speak with a lawyer today. We’re ready to investigate the accident, secure critical evidence, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.