As autonomous vehicle (AV) technology advances, Texas has become a significant testing ground for companies like Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. While Waymo driverless car services promise improved transportation efficiency, they also raises legal questions concerning safety, liability, and regulatory compliance.
In the guide below, the personal injury attorneys at Kherkher Garcia provide an overview of Waymo’s operations in Texas, associated concerns, and the legal landscape governing AV-related incidents. Kherkher Garcia is a leading personal injury law firm in Texas that has recovered billions of dollars for clients. We are ready to tackle driverless car accident claims.
Waymo’s Expansion in Texas
Waymo has been actively expanding its presence in Texas. In 2025, the company initiated testing of its self-driving vehicles in Houston, with plans to operate in neighborhoods such as Midtown, Norhill, and Greenway, as well as on major highways like I-45, I-10, and I-69. The testing phase began with manual driving to collect data on local streets, followed by autonomous operation with a safety driver present.
Additionally, Waymo has been mapping San Antonio’s streets using human drivers in anticipation of a future driverless launch. In Austin, Waymo has deployed 100 Jaguar I-PACE vehicles via Uber, where they have outpaced most human drivers in trip numbers.
Reported Complaints and Incidents
Despite technological advancements, Waymo’s operations have not been without issues. In Austin, residents have reported near-miss incidents involving Waymo vehicles. Similarly, in Houston, concerns about safety have emerged, with some residents expressing unease about the presence of autonomous vehicles on local roads.
Even first responders are pointing out serious concerns about the safety of driverless vehicles. Complaints already include:
- Blocking police escorts
- Bypassing security checkpoints
- Causing accidents
- Hitting animals
Waymo Passengers in Austin Report Being Locked Inside
In a troubling incident involving Waymo’s driverless taxi service in Austin, passengers were trapped inside an autonomous vehicle that came to a stop in a merging lane under the busy MoPac Expressway. The vehicle reportedly bypassed the passengers’ intended destination and then parked in a high-traffic area, locking the doors and leaving them stranded for several minutes as cars sped past.
The passengers, feeling unsafe and unable to exit, recorded the experience and shared it on TikTok, where the video quickly went viral. They eventually exited the vehicle after about five minutes. Shortly afterward, the car re-engaged and drove off without them. Viewers and commenters highlighted the danger of being immobilized on that stretch of road, calling it one of the most hazardous in the city.
Despite Waymo’s explanation, this incident adds to a series of reported problems with the company’s self-driving taxis.
Numerous Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
In addition to the Austin incident, there are other complaints of passengers being locked inside. Additionally, complaints in other parts of the country include:
- San Francisco in May 2023, where a Waymo robotaxi, while in autonomous mode, struck and killed a dog.
- In February 2024, a driverless Waymo robotaxi struck a cyclist in San Francisco.
- Also in February 2024, Waymo issued recalls for 444 of its vehicles after two hit the same truck being towed on a highway.
Potential Hazards of Autonomous Vehicles
While AVs offer potential safety benefits, several hazards have been identified:
- Sensor and Software Limitations. Adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, or snow can impair sensors, causing the car to misinterpret road conditions.
- Human Intervention. Confusion about when and how a human should intervene can lead to accidents, especially if the driver is inattentive.
- Unexpected Objects or Events. AVs can struggle with unexpected objects or behaviors, such as pedestrians suddenly entering the road or erratic actions from other drivers.
- Software Bugs and Glitches. Complex software systems can have bugs or glitches that cause malfunctions, sometimes resulting in accidents.
- Misinterpretation of Road Markings or Signs. Damaged or unclear signs and markings can confuse the vehicle’s AI, causing it to misread the road.
Legal Framework and Liability in Texas
Texas has enacted legislation to facilitate the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles:
- Senate Bill 2205 (2017). This bill allows autonomous vehicles to operate on Texas roads without a human driver, provided they meet certain safety standards and are insured.
- House Bill 3693 (2019). This legislation further refined regulations, focusing on the safety and insurance requirements for AVs.
In the event of an accident involving an AV, liability can be complex:
- Manufacturer Liability: If a defect in the vehicle or its software contributes to an accident, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws.
- Software Developer Liability: Companies that develop the software for AVs could be held responsible if their technology fails to perform as intended.
- Human Driver Liability: If a human operator fails to intervene when required, they could be held accountable for negligence.
- Other Parties: In some cases, other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists may be at fault. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning liability can be shared among multiple parties.
Data and Transparency
Determining liability in AV-related accidents often relies on data from the vehicle’s sensors and software logs. This data can provide insights into the vehicle’s behavior leading up to an incident. However, accessing and interpreting this data can be challenging, and manufacturers may be reluctant to share proprietary information.
Looking Ahead at Waymo Driverless Car Services in Texas
As Waymo and other companies continue to expand their autonomous vehicle operations in Texas, it is crucial for legal professionals to stay informed about the evolving landscape. Understanding the potential hazards, legal frameworks, and liability considerations is essential for effectively representing clients involved in AV-related incidents.
For individuals affected by accidents involving autonomous vehicles, consulting with experienced legal counsel is vital to navigate the complexities of this emerging area of law.
Kherkher Garcia is Ready to Tackle Driverless Car Claims
As driverless car services like Waymo expand throughout Texas, legal complexities around liability, passenger safety, and injury compensation are growing just as fast. At Kherkher Garcia, we are prepared to meet these challenges head-on. Our experienced attorneys are closely following the evolving landscape of autonomous vehicle regulations and incidents to ensure victims of self-driving car accidents receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Driverless vehicles may promise convenience and innovation, but when something goes wrong – like being locked inside a malfunctioning AV or suffering injuries in a crash – the consequences can be terrifying. Passengers and other road users may not know where to turn or how to prove fault. These cases often involve advanced technology, massive corporations, and murky responsibility between software developers, vehicle manufacturers, and fleet operators.
Kherkher Garcia understands these complexities. We have the legal resources, technical knowledge, and trial experience to investigate driverless car incidents thoroughly. Whether you were injured as a passenger, another motorist, or even a pedestrian, we work to uncover what went wrong and who should be held accountable.
Start Your Free Case Review
If you have been affected by a driverless vehicle incident, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact Kherkher Garcia for a free case review. We are not just keeping up with the future of transportation – we are ready to fight for your rights in it.
Get started right now by calling us at 713-333-1030. You can also reach out to us online via our contact form.
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