As self-driving cars become a reality on American roads, companies like Waymo – Alphabet Inc.’s autonomous vehicle division – are at the forefront of this transformation. These cutting-edge vehicles promise increased safety and convenience, but they also raise new legal questions and challenges, especially when accidents occur.
At Kherkher Garcia, we are committed to protecting victims of driverless car accidents. If you have been injured in a crash involving a Waymo vehicle, or any autonomous or semi-autonomous system, we can help you understand your rights. If you have a case, our self-driving auto accident attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Is Waymo?
Waymo is a self-driving technology company spun off from Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc. Waymo vehicles use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, lidar, and artificial intelligence to operate without a human driver. The company operates autonomous taxi services in several U.S. cities. In Texas, Waymo is already testing in San Antonio and Houston.
Waymo and similar services, such as Cruise (backed by GM) and Tesla’s Autopilot/FSD, are part of a growing movement toward autonomous transportation. While these technologies aim to reduce accidents caused by human error, they are not infallible.
Potential Risks of Driverless Cars
Autonomous vehicles, including those from Waymo, still face technological and practical limitations. Although marketed as safer alternatives to traditional driving, these systems can malfunction or make errors under certain conditions. Some of the key risks include:
- Software glitches or decision-making errors
- Sensor failures or misreadings of traffic signals, pedestrians, or obstacles
- Inability to properly react to unpredictable human behavior on the road
- Weather-related challenges (fog, rain, snow) that affect navigation
- Unforeseen mechanical failures
Even though autonomous vehicles undergo extensive testing, real-world driving often introduces variables that technology cannot always account for.
Common Causes of Driverless Car Accidents
Driverless car accidents may occur for reasons that are both similar to and different from traditional car accidents. Some of the most common causes include:
- System malfunction or software failure: Unexpected programming errors can cause vehicles to misinterpret road conditions or traffic rules.
- Sensor miscalibration or obstruction: Cameras and lidar systems can be impaired by dirt, weather, or manufacturing defects.
- Cybersecurity threats: Autonomous vehicles may be vulnerable to hacking or data manipulation.
- Improper handoff in semi-autonomous vehicles: Some vehicles still rely on human drivers in certain situations. Confusion about who is in control can lead to delayed reactions.
- Third-party driver error: A human driver in another car may cause a crash, but the autonomous vehicle’s inability to react properly can worsen the impact.
Types of Injuries in Waymo Auto Accidents
As with any auto accident, injuries in a driverless car crash can be severe or even fatal. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Lacerations and burns
- Internal organ damage
- Psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD, anxiety)
Victims may include passengers in the autonomous vehicle, occupants of other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Driverless Car Accident?
Determining liability in a Waymo auto accident can be far more complex than in a traditional crash. Depending on the facts of the case, several parties could be held accountable:
The Autonomous Vehicle Company (e.g., Waymo)
If the accident resulted from a defect in the vehicle’s design, sensors, or software, the manufacturer or operator of the system may be liable under product liability laws.
The Vehicle Owner or Operator
If the vehicle is semi-autonomous (requiring some driver oversight), the owner or user may share liability if they failed to intervene appropriately.
Third-Party Drivers
If another vehicle caused the accident and the autonomous system couldn’t avoid the crash, the at-fault human driver may still bear primary liability.
Parts Manufacturers
In some cases, a defect in a specific component (like brakes or sensors) could make a parts manufacturer liable.
Government Entities
If poor road conditions or faulty traffic signals contributed to the crash, a government agency may be partially responsible.
The key to recovering compensation is a thorough investigation by a qualified legal team, like the attorneys at Kherkher Garcia. We work hard to determine the cause of the crash and identify every potentially liable party.
How Kherkher Garcia Helps Victims of Driverless Car Accidents
Our firm is at the forefront of handling complex and emerging legal claims, including those involving advanced technology and self-driving systems. Here’s how we help:
- Free Case Evaluation: We will review the facts of your case at no cost.
- Independent Investigation: We partner with engineers, crash reconstructionists, and technology experts to analyze what went wrong.
- Evidence Collection: From vehicle logs and black box data to camera footage and maintenance records, we gather what’s needed to support your claim.
- Insurance Negotiations: We handle all communication with insurance companies and corporate defendants.
- Litigation Support: If necessary, we will take your case to court to pursue full and fair compensation.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we recover for you.
With experience in product liability, personal injury, and wrongful death claims, Kherkher Garcia is uniquely positioned to advocate for victims in these high-stakes cases.
FAQs About Driverless Car Accident Claims
Q: Are self-driving cars safer than regular cars?
They are marketed as such, but the technology is still in development. Human error is reduced, but new risks are introduced.
Q: Can I sue Waymo if I was injured in a crash involving one of their cars?
Yes. If evidence shows that the vehicle’s systems failed or acted negligently, Waymo may be held liable for damages.
Q: What should I do after a crash with a driverless vehicle?
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Document the scene with photos or videos.
- Get witness information.
- Call a lawyer experienced in driverless car claims.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
This depends on your state’s statute of limitations, but in Texas, you typically have two years from the date of the accident.
Q: Can I recover damages if I was a pedestrian or cyclist?
Yes. Victims outside the vehicle – pedestrians, cyclists, or other motorists – can recover damages if they were injured due to the autonomous vehicle’s malfunction or negligence.
Contact Kherkher Garcia – Your Trusted Waymo Auto Accident Firm
Accidents involving autonomous vehicles like Waymo raise complicated legal questions. You don’t need to face these challenges alone. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, our skilled team can help you understand your rights, identify liable parties, and fight for the compensation you need to recover.
Driverless cars may represent the future of transportation, but when they fail, real people suffer real injuries. At Kherkher Garcia, we combine aggressive legal advocacy with compassionate support for our clients. We have recovered billions for victims of negligence, and we are ready to stand by your side.
Get a free consultation today. Call 713-333-1030, or complete our online contact form to get more information.
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