Who’s to Blame? What to Do If You’re Hit by a Self-Driving Car

Self-driving cars were supposed to make our roads safer. But what happens when one hits you instead? Unlike traditional car accidents, where fault is usually clear-cut, autonomous vehicle crashes raise big legal questions:

✅ Is the car’s owner responsible, even if they weren’t driving?

✅ Can you sue the car manufacturer, or was it a software glitch?

✅ What if it was a rideshare car—who pays for your injuries?

If you’ve been hit by a self-driving car, you need to act fast. Here’s what you should do, who may be held responsible, and how to get the compensation you deserve.

Step 1: Call 911 and Get Medical Help

Just like any other accident, your safety comes first. Even if your injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask serious conditions like internal bleeding or concussions. A police report will also be critical for your case.

🚨 Pro Tip: When the officer arrives, make sure they note that the vehicle was self-driving. Autonomous vehicles store data that could prove what happened—but you need a legal record to request it later.

Step 2: Gather Evidence at the Scene

Self-driving cars are recording everything—and so should you. Take pictures and videos of:

📸 The vehicle, including any company logos (like Waymo, Tesla, or Uber)

📸 The accident scene, road signs, and traffic signals

📸 Any damage to your car, bike, or personal belongings

📸 Your injuries, even if they seem minor

Also, get contact information from:

🔹 Witnesses

🔹 The car owner (if present)

🔹 The rideshare or delivery driver, if applicable

🚨 Pro Tip: Ask if the self-driving vehicle was in “full automation mode” or if a human had partial control. This detail can determine liability later.

Step 3: Who’s Liable? Identifying Who Should Pay

Unlike a normal car accident, where it’s usually one driver’s fault, an autonomous vehicle crash could involve multiple responsible parties:

🚗 The Human "Driver" (If Present)

Even self-driving cars require some human intervention. If the car’s owner wasn’t paying attention, failed to take over when needed, or engaged in reckless behavior, they could be held partially or fully liable.

🏭 The Car Manufacturer

If a mechanical defect (like faulty brakes or a failed sensor) caused the crash, the car manufacturer—Tesla, GM, Ford, etc.—could be sued under product liability laws.

🖥 The Software Developer

Autonomous vehicles run on AI software that determines when to stop, turn, or accelerate. If a coding error or glitch led to the crash, the software company (such as Google’s Waymo or Tesla’s Autopilot team) may be at fault.

🚕 Rideshare or Delivery Companies

Was the car a self-driving Uber, Lyft, or Amazon delivery vehicle? If so, the company may be responsible for your injuries. These companies often carry commercial insurance policies worth millions—meaning you could be entitled to a significant settlement.

🏛 The City or Road Authorities

If the accident happened because of bad road conditions, missing signs, or faulty traffic signals, a local government agency might be liable for failing to maintain safe infrastructure.

🚨 Pro Tip: Liability in self-driving accidents is complicated—which is why it’s crucial to have a lawyer investigate the case before dealing with insurance companies.

Step 4: Beware of Insurance Companies & Quick Settlements

Once you file a claim, insurance companies will move fast—but not in your favor. They may:

❌ Offer you a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover all your medical bills

❌ Claim you were partially at fault to reduce their payout

❌ Delay payments, hoping you’ll accept a bad deal

🚨 Never accept an offer without speaking to a lawyer first. You may be entitled to far more than they initially offer.

Step 5: Contact a Lawyer Experienced in Self-Driving Car Cases

Self-driving accidents are a new legal frontier. Unlike regular car crashes, these cases require:

✔ Accessing vehicle data logs to prove what the car was doing before impact

✔ Filing claims against major corporations like Tesla, Uber, or Google

✔ Dealing with high-powered insurance lawyers who want to protect their company’s money

💰 Compensation you may be entitled to:

✅ Medical expenses (including future treatments)

✅ Lost wages if you can’t work

✅ Pain and suffering damages

✅ Punitive damages (if a company was negligent)

🚨 Don’t go up against big tech alone. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a self-driving car, contact us today for a free case review. We’ll fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Final Thoughts: Are Self-Driving Cars Safe?

While self-driving technology aims to reduce accidents, it’s not perfect. Some autonomous vehicle crashes have been linked to:

🔹 Sensor failures that didn’t detect pedestrians

🔹 Software bugs that misinterpreted road signs

🔹 System malfunctions causing sudden acceleration

If you've been injured by a self-driving car, you have rights. Make sure you understand your legal options—and don’t settle for less than you deserve.

🚨 Ready to take action? 

Contact Brinkley Law today at 317-766-1379!

Your fight for justice starts now. 💼⚖