As autonomous vehicles become more common on city streets, accidents involving robotaxis are no longer theoretical—they’re real, and some result in serious injuries. Waymo, one of the leading self-driving vehicle companies, has deployed robotaxis in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. When one of these vehicles crashes, the legal path forward can be complicated. Here’s what victims should know about filing lawsuits against Waymo after a robotaxi accident.
When a Waymo Robotaxi Crashes
Waymo operates fully autonomous vehicles with no human driver onboard in many of its test cities. This raises immediate questions when there’s a collision or injury:
- Who is responsible when there is no human driver?
- Is Waymo’s software to blame?
- Was the robotaxi being operated unsafely under certain road conditions?
Victims—whether pedestrians, bicyclists, other motorists, or passengers in the Waymo vehicle—often face unique legal hurdles in determining liability.
Building a Case Against Waymo
Because Waymo develops both the software and operates the vehicles, it may be held responsible under multiple legal theories. These include:
- Negligent operation of an autonomous vehicle fleet
- Product liability for malfunctioning software, sensors, or safety systems
- Failure to respond to known issues or prior safety reports
- Lack of proper remote monitoring or system intervention
Every accident requires a deep dive into what the vehicle did in the moments leading up to the crash. Did it recognize a red light? Did it yield to a pedestrian? Did the LIDAR or camera systems fail to detect an obstacle?
Accessing Robotaxi Data
Waymo vehicles collect enormous amounts of data—including video, sensor readings, and GPS information. However, accessing this data usually requires a lawsuit. Without legal pressure, companies are unlikely to release internal records that could point to failure or negligence.
A knowledgeable attorney can issue preservation and discovery requests to make sure the necessary data is obtained and used to build the strongest possible claim.
Challenges Unique to Waymo Accidents
Lawsuits against Waymo may involve:
- Highly technical expert testimony to interpret self-driving data and systems
- Corporate defense teams well-versed in minimizing the appearance of fault
- Unclear state laws around autonomous vehicle liability
- Delays in public disclosure of crash details by robotaxi operators
These cases are not ordinary car accident claims—they involve cutting-edge technology, evolving legal standards, and a need for aggressive legal strategy.
Talk to a Lawyer Experienced in Robotaxi Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a Waymo robotaxi, Spagnoletti Law Firm can help. Our attorneys are monitoring the rapidly evolving landscape of autonomous vehicle litigation. Call us at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. We’ll help you evaluate your claim and take immediate steps to protect your rights.