Autonomous vehicles are no longer futuristic. They are already driving through the streets of Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. For the tech-savvy Californians who have embraced this technology, a serious legal question has emerged: Who is responsible for self-driving car accidents?

At Deldar Legal, we help people across California who have been injured in collisions involving self-driving or semi-autonomous vehicles. When these accidents happen, figuring out who is at fault is not always clear. This article explains what you need to know and what steps to take if you are injured.

Key Takeaways for Self-Driving Car Accidents

Since this is a fairly new concept, let’s go over some key takeaways about self-driving car accidents:

Multiple parties may be responsible for autonomous vehicle crashes: drivers, vehicle owners, manufacturers, or software developers.
The statute of limitations for a self-driving car accident personal injury claim in California is still two years. It is critical to act quickly.
You should gather as much evidence as possible from the scene of the accident: photos, videos, conversations with witnesses, etc.
Insurance claims with autonomous vehicles have added layers of legal language because product liability comes into play. There is no driver on the other side, just a vehicle controlled by computers.
Deldar Legal offers a Free Case Review 24/7. Call us at (844) 335 3271 to speak with an attorney.

Evolution of Self-Driving Cars in California

California has long been a testing ground for autonomous vehicle technology. From early experiments by tech giants to today’s commercially available systems, the state has played a leading role in the development of self-driving cars. These vehicles use sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate roads with limited or no human input. Over time, manufacturers have introduced increasingly advanced driver assistance systems that blur the line between convenience and autonomy.

Waymo, an Alphabet/Google subsidiary, is currently the most popular choice in the market. Other companies are gearing up to launch their own fleets as well, including:

Tesla Robotaxi
Cruise (General Motors)
Motional (Hyundai)

The next evolution in the rideshare industry is self-driving cars. However, these systems vary in how much control they give the vehicle, and none are completely error-free in all conditions. As the technology in cars advances, more residents will share the road with these vehicles. That growing presence makes it more important than ever to understand how liability works when a self-driving car is involved in an accident. It turns out the answer to our main question, who is responsible for self-driving car accidents, is about to become more complicated.

Understanding Liability in Self-Driving Car Accidents

Can the Driver be at Fault?

Even with autonomous features activated, human oversight is often expected. If the system asks the driver to take control and they fail to respond, the driver may still be found negligent.

What About the Vehicle Owner?

Under California Vehicle Code section 17150, the vehicle owner may be held responsible if they allow unsafe conditions or if their vehicle causes an accident due to improper use or maintenance. So, who is responsible for self-driving car accidents? It could be the company who owns the vehicle.

Could the Manufacturer or Software Company be Liable?

Yes. If the crash was caused by a defect in design, software malfunction, or hardware failure, the manufacturer or the software developer could be held accountable under California law.

Can a Third Party be Held Liable?

Definitely. If a third party such as a repair shop, parts supplier, or maintenance provider played a role in a vehicle malfunction, they may also share responsibility for the crash.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim in California

The statute of limitations sets the legal deadline to file your personal injury claim after an accident. In California, you usually have:

Two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim
Three years to file a property damage claim
Six months if filing against a government entity

A self-driving car accident is unlikely to involve a government claim because most autonomous vehicles on the road today are privately owned or operated by tech companies. However, this could change in the future as cities begin to deploy self-driving trains, buses, and other public transportation systems. If a government-operated autonomous vehicle causes an accident, then special rules for filing claims against public entities would apply.

What to Do After a Self-Driving Car Crash

Taking the right steps after a self-driving car accident can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation. Immediate action also helps preserve evidence that could be vital to your case. Below is a checklist of what to do following a crash involving an autonomous vehicle:

Get medical help immediately – prioritize your health and ensure any injuries are properly diagnosed and documented.
Call the police or California Highway Patrol – make sure law enforcement files an official accident report at the scene.
Take photos and videos – capture the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
Request the vehicle’s system data – obtain crash logs, sensor records, and camera footage from the autonomous system.
Secure software update and maintenance records – these documents may reveal prior issues or missed repairs.
Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers – speak with a lawyer first to avoid saying something that could be used against you.
Stay off social media – do not share details about the crash, injuries, or blame until your case is resolved.
Contact an attorney right away – Deldar can act quickly to preserve evidence and begin building a strong legal claim on your behalf.

What Evidence Is Most Important?

Accidents involving autonomous vehicles often require specialized technical evidence. This may include:

Vehicle sensor data and black box records
Software history and system updates
Maintenance and inspection records
Manufacturer documents, including warnings and limitations
Statements from witnesses and camera footage from nearby sources

Preserving this evidence early is vital. Waiting too long may result in data being overwritten or lost, which can severely weaken your case.

Insurance Coverage for Self-Driving Car Accidents

Insurance coverage still applies when a self-driving vehicle is involved, but the claims process is often more complex. Potential coverage sources may include:

The at fault driver’s liability insurance
Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy
Commercial or product liability policies from the manufacturer or tech company
Rideshare company insurance, if the vehicle was part of a fleet

We strongly advise speaking to an attorney before discussing your case with any insurance company.

Damages You May Be Able to Recover

You may be entitled to financial compensation for the harm you suffered in a self-driving car accident. The types of damages available depend on your injuries and how the crash affected your life. In many cases, victims face both immediate and long-term losses that deserve full evaluation and compensation. Below are the most common categories of damages that may apply to your case:

Medical expenses – includes emergency care, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment costs
Lost income and future earnings – covers wages lost during recovery and potential future income if you cannot return to work
Pain and suffering – accounts for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life
Permanent disabilities or home modifications – includes compensation for lasting impairments and any adjustments needed for daily living

Cases involving self-driving vehicles often involve larger claims, particularly if manufacturers or corporations are found to be partially responsible.

Self-Driving Car Accident FAQs

1. Who is responsible for a self-driving car accident in California?

Liability can rest with the driver, the vehicle owner, the manufacturer, the software company, or even a third party like a repair shop. The cause of the accident will determine who is held accountable.

2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

You have two years for a personal injury claim and three years for property damage. Do not wait. Legal deadlines and procedures take time. Acting as early as possible will help yield better results.

3. Can passengers be liable in a self-driving car accident?

It’s rare, but if a passenger was actively controlling or interfering with the vehicle’s operation, they could share some responsibility.

4. What kind of evidence is needed?

Data from the vehicle’s systems, including logs, cameras, updates, and more, is critical. Witnesses, maintenance records, and photos also matter.

5. Does regular auto insurance cover self-driving car accidents?

Yes, but the responsible policy may vary depending on who or what caused the crash. Sometimes product liability coverage or commercial insurance applies.

Local Insight for California Residents

Self-driving cars are becoming more common in California’s busiest cities, where high traffic volume and dense urban streets increase the risk of accidents. Many drivers assume these vehicles are fully autonomous and error-free, but that is not the case. Self-driving systems still require human oversight and can misread traffic conditions, pedestrians, or other vehicles. California residents who regularly commute in Los Angeles and the Bay Area may encounter autonomous cars without even realizing it. As their presence grows, so does the potential for confusion and danger on the road.

City driving already involves frequent stops, unpredictable turns, and close interactions with pedestrians and cyclists. When self-driving vehicles operate in this environment, the chance of system error or delayed response increases. Drivers must remain alert, even when technology promises safety or convenience. If a self-driving car malfunctions or behaves unexpectedly, the consequences can be serious. That’s why understanding your rights and acting quickly after an accident matters more than ever in today’s evolving traffic landscape.

Call Deldar Legal

At Deldar Legal, we’re more than just attorneys, we’re your partners in recovery. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a top-rated car accident injury attorney in California who will fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life. From the moment you contact us, we handle everything, from medical appointments and transportation to insurance negotiations and legal paperwork, so you can focus on healing.

Our experienced team represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims
Dog bites and animal attacks
Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries
Wrongful death of a loved one

Deldar Legal is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out.

Call us today at (844) 335-3271 or contact us to speak with an experienced California injury lawyer. Let Deldar Legal fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.