California Waymo Accidents
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Waymo Accidents Raise Unique Legal Questions — We’re Here To Help.
Waymo accidents are becoming more common as self-driving cars appear more frequently on California roads. Claims involving these crashes can be complex, especially when it’s unclear who is at fault. While Waymo vehicles operate using automated systems, accidents can still happen for many reasons. A human safety driver might be present, another driver could be involved, or a system malfunction may have played a role.
If you were injured in one of these accidents and are thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer who understands autonomous vehicle cases,” call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review. This initial consultation is free and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. It’s simply an opportunity to understand your legal options.
These cases differ from typical car accidents and often involve large companies and complex insurance policies. If you’re dealing with medical bills or lost wages, we’re here to support you.
Our team, under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has handled motor vehicle accident claims throughout California. We take the time to explain your rights, outline your legal options, and guide you every step of the way. At Arash Law, we stay informed on updates in self-driving vehicle laws to assist clients better. During your free consultation, we’ll offer helpful legal insight so you can make informed decisions before moving forward.
What Injury Lawyers Do For Accident Claims
Claims involving Waymo accidents can be challenging to navigate. Self-driving technology, the potential involvement of multiple parties, and unclear liability often make these cases more complicated than the average car accident. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through each step of the legal process.
Here’s what one of our attorneys can do to support your claim:
- Investigate — Your attorney will review the accident details to identify who may be liable. Potentially responsible parties could include the vehicle’s operator, Waymo, the developers who work on the vehicle’s software, or another driver.
- Review Insurance Coverage — Waymo accidents often involve layered insurance policies. A lawyer can examine available coverage and determine which policies may apply to your injuries and losses.
- Calculate Your Damages — An attorney can help you determine the full value of your claim. They can help assess your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies — Insurers may try to reduce what they pay out. Your lawyer can respond to low offers, present strong evidence, and negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Represent You In Court If Needed — If a fair agreement isn’t possible, your attorney can prepare your case for trial and represent you in court.
Legal support can make the process less stressful and more effective. Having someone who understands California law and the evolving world of autonomous vehicles can make a real difference in your recovery.
Deadline For Filing A Waymo Accident Claim
If you suffered harm in a Waymo accident, you need to act quickly to protect your right to compensation. In California, the law gives most injury victims two years from the accident date to take legal action. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. The court may no longer consider your case if you wait too long.
Some situations may give you more time. For example, if the injured person is under 18, the two-year period usually starts on their 18th birthday. However, this exemption does not necessarily bar legal action. A parent or legal guardian can file a claim for the child. The court may also appoint a guardian ad litem to help protect the child’s rights during the legal process.
Starting early can make a difference. Key evidence, like vehicle data, video footage, or witness statements, can become harder to find. When you contact a lawyer shortly after the crash, your legal team can begin gathering the information needed to support your case.
Each case has its timeline. A lawyer can review the facts and explain how to protect your rights after a Waymo crash. Filing within the deadline helps you preserve the chance to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Why Hire An Attorney Focusing On Waymo Accidents
Waymo accidents are rarely simple. Cases may involve intricate factors like autonomous driving software, advanced vehicle sensors, remote system monitoring, and multiple layers of insurance coverage. A lawyer who understands these matters can help you take the right steps after the accident.
Here’s how an attorney focusing on Waymo accidents can support your case:
- Break Down The Technology Behind Waymo — Self-driving cars are complex. Your attorney can translate technical information into a clear legal case that proves fault.
- Push Back Against Lowball Offers — Insurance companies may try to pay less than you deserve. A good lawyer builds a strong case backed by evidence to demand full compensation.
- Bring In The Right Experts — From accident experts to vehicle technology specialists, your attorney can bring in professionals to support your claim.
- Take Care of Paperwork And Deadlines — Legal cases can be overwhelming. Your lawyer handles the forms, phone calls, and court filings so you don’t have to.
Hiring a lawyer with experience in Waymo accident claims can give you a clearer understanding of your situation. Your attorney can guide you through the legal process, help you avoid costly mistakes, and explain how to move forward after the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waymo Accidents
At Arash Law, we understand that self-driving vehicle accidents raise many questions. Below are clear answers to some of the most common concerns from people involved in Waymo accidents.
What If I Can’t Afford To Pay A Lawyer After A Waymo Accident?
Many people wonder, “Do lawyers only get paid if they win?” Arash Law offers contingency-based fee arrangements, which means lawyers’ fees come from the amount recovered through a settlement or court award. You and your attorney will agree on the percentage and terms in writing before representation begins.
This arrangement allows many clients to pursue legal action without paying upfront hourly fees. However, depending on the terms of the agreement, clients may still be responsible for certain case-related costs. A written fee agreement will explain the breakdown of legal fees and case-related expenses. If you have questions, we can discuss them during your consultation. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form to start the conversation.
Should I Speak To Waymo’s Insurance Adjusters?
Consulting your lawyer before speaking with Waymo’s insurance company is an important step that might be beneficial for your claim. If Waymo’s insurers call you, you can confirm basic details, such as your name and contact information. However, avoid stating how the crash happened or describing your injuries. Insurance adjusters may try to use your words against you. It is safer to say, “I am receiving medical treatment and will follow up once I have more information,” and refer them to your attorney at Arash Law.
Will I Need To Take My Waymo Accident Case To Trial?
Most accident claims settle before trial. Those involving Waymo incidents are no different. However, a trial may be necessary if the insurance company denies responsibility or refuses to offer a fair settlement.
If your case goes to court, your attorney will present evidence, question witnesses, and explain your side to the judge or jury. Arash Law will prepare thoroughly to seek the best possible result, whether your case settles or goes to trial.
Will My Car Insurance Cover My Waymo Accident Claim?
It depends on the facts of the crash and who was at fault. If a Waymo vehicle caused the accident, its commercial insurance policy may apply. Waymo, like other autonomous vehicle operators, is required to carry liability insurance in California. The company typically maintains high-limit policies to cover injuries and property damage from accidents involving its self-driving vehicles.
In some cases, more than one insurance policy may apply. For example:
- Waymo’s commercial liability insurance may apply if the company’s vehicle or system caused the crash.
- If the safety driver had control of the vehicle or contributed to the crash, their personal or commercial auto insurance might be involved.
- Your insurance coverage could apply through:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) if the at-fault party does not have enough insurance to cover your losses.
- Collision coverage for repairs to your vehicle.
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay) helps pay immediate medical expenses, regardless of fault.
These policies often work together, and determining which ones apply can be complicated. A lawyer experienced in Waymo accidents can review the insurance documents, assess who may be responsible, and help you understand the available coverage based on your specific situation.
What Is The Role Of Expert Witnesses In Waymo Accident Claims?
Waymo accident cases often involve complex technology, vehicle systems, and liability questions. Expert witnesses help make this information easier to understand for insurance adjusters, judges, and juries. Attorneys may work with these professionals to clarify technical issues, explain injuries, and support claims for financial losses.
Here are some examples of how expert witnesses can support your case:
- Reconstructing The Crash — Accident reconstruction experts and engineers analyze crash data, vehicle damage, and road conditions. They help explain how the collision happened and whether human error or system failure played a role.
- Evaluating System Performance — Vehicle and software experts can examine how the Waymo system functioned at the time of the crash. Their findings may highlight potential issues with the vehicle’s autonomous operation.
- Explaining Your Injuries — Medical professionals can describe how the crash caused your injuries, the care you need, and how long your recovery might take. Their input can help clarify the medical impact of the crash.
- Assessing Financial Impact — Economic experts can calculate losses related to medical treatment, missed work, and future expenses. Their analysis can show how the accident affected your financial situation.
Each expert provides valuable insights that strengthen your case. Not every case requires expert testimony, but when the facts are complex or disputed, expert input can help build a clearer, stronger claim. Your Waymo accidents attorney can decide whether working with expert witnesses makes sense based on the details of your case.
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Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Common Causes Of Waymo Accidents
Waymo vehicles use what’s called Level 4 automation:
- Level 0-2 — Human drivers do most or all driving.
- Level 3 — The car can drive itself sometimes, but a human must stay alert.
- Level 4 — The vehicle handles all driving in certain areas without human supervision.
- Level 5 — The car drives itself anywhere, anytime.
At Level 4, Waymo vehicles can operate without human input in approved areas. They use sensors, cameras, and advanced software to navigate roads and traffic.
However, self-driving technology isn’t perfect. Here are the most common causes of Waymo accidents:
Sensor Or Hardware Failures
Waymo vehicles rely on a group of sensors to “see” the environment. If a lidar unit, radar system, or camera fails, the vehicle may not detect nearby cars, cyclists, or pedestrians. A sensor defect or delay can result in unsafe driving decisions and Waymo accidents.
Unfavorable Road Or Weather Conditions
Autonomous vehicles operate best in ideal conditions. Poor lighting, heavy rain, fog, snow, or unclear lane markings can affect how the system interprets the road. Road construction zones or unmarked detours can also confuse the vehicle’s sensors and software, increasing the risk of a collision.
Actions By Other Drivers
Waymo vehicles follow traffic rules strictly. However, human drivers around them may speed, tailgate, or cut them off. The Waymo system may not always predict or respond quickly to sudden human mistakes, leading to accidents.
Human Support Error
Waymo’s Fleet Response agents may be involved in some accidents if their remote guidance leads to unsafe driving behavior. Although they don’t directly control the vehicle, they can assist during navigation or unexpected situations. If a team member gives wrong or delayed instructions, like telling the car to move when it isn’t safe, it could cause a crash. In these cases, responsibility may fall on the response team, the vehicle’s automated system, or other drivers, depending on what happened.
Failure To Predict Hazards Accurately
Waymo uses advanced algorithms to predict the movement of nearby cars, bikes, and people. If the system misjudges how fast something moves or fails to identify a potential hazard in time, it may not respond appropriately.
Self-driving technology continues to advance, but accidents can still happen. If you got hurt in a Waymo vehicle accident, an attorney can review your case and help identify which factors may have contributed to the incident.
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Proving Liability In Waymo Accidents
Figuring out who is responsible for a Waymo accident can be more complicated than a typical car crash. While traditional accidents often involve just one at-fault driver, autonomous vehicle collisions may involve several parties, including a human operator, the vehicle manufacturer, or the software developer.
Negligence-Based Liability
In California, most personal injury claims are based on negligence. To prove negligence, the injured party must show four key elements in Waymo accidents:
- Duty of Care — All drivers, including operators of autonomous vehicles, must act with reasonable care to avoid harming others on the road.
- Breach of Duty — If the human operator fails to act responsibly, such as ignoring traffic signs or failing to take control when needed, that may be considered a breach of duty.
- Causation — There must be a clear connection between the breach and the accident. For example, if the operator was distracted and failed to stop the vehicle in time, that action may have directly caused the crash.
- Damages — The injured person must show they suffered harm, such as medical expenses, lost income, or property damage.
Waymo vehicles are designed to operate without human input, but California law still requires a backup driver in many cases. That person must be ready to take control at any time, and failing to do so can result in personal liability.
An attorney familiar with autonomous vehicle laws can help gather evidence, evaluate liability, and explain your legal options based on the details of your case.
Product Liability And Defects
Sometimes, the crash may stem from problems within the vehicle itself. If a defective part, such as a faulty sensor or software glitch, contributed to the crash, the manufacturer or software company may be held responsible under strict liability laws. In these cases, the injured party doesn’t need to prove negligence. They only need to show that the defective product caused harm during everyday use.
Product defects may involve:
- Design flaws in the vehicle or its autonomous systems.
- Errors in how the car was built or assembled.
- Missing or unclear safety warnings or instructions.
Autonomous vehicles rely heavily on complex software. If poor programming or system errors caused the car to behave dangerously, liability may extend to the developers responsible for that code.
Determining who is at fault is crucial in any personal injury claim. Whether the issue was human error, a system failure, or both, a thorough investigation is needed to prove what went wrong. An attorney knowledgeable in Waymo accidents can help identify the responsible parties so you can take the appropriate legal steps.
Damages In Waymo Accidents
Crashes involving self-driving vehicles like Waymo can have various physical, emotional, and financial impacts. When someone is injured, the losses they suffer may support an injury claim. These losses are known as damages and can take many forms depending on the facts of the case.
Medical costs often make up a large portion of a claim. Victims may need emergency care, follow-up appointments, or long-term treatment for injuries such as concussions, spinal damage, broken bones, or soft tissue injuries. Some may also require physical therapy, surgery, chiropractic care, or medication over time.
If the crash prevents you from working, you may claim lost income. In more serious cases, where your injuries limit your ability to return to the same type of work, you may also seek compensation for reduced earning capacity.
Pain and suffering damages account for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Examples are ongoing discomfort, mental anguish, or stress that interferes with your daily life.
Additional damages may include:
- Property damage, such as repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
- Loss of enjoyment of life, if you can no longer participate in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed.
- Legal and out-of-pocket expenses, including travel for treatment or legal filing fees.
- Wrongful death damages may apply if the crash results in the loss of a loved one. These may cover funeral costs and loss of companionship.
- Some victims may require ongoing medical care, including physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, or medication to manage pain and restore mobility.
Each case is unique. An attorney with a background in Waymo accidents can help identify the damages that may apply based on your injuries and how the crash has affected you.
Steps To Take After A Waymo Accident
A crash involving a Waymo vehicle can raise complex questions. Taking the proper steps after the accident can help protect your health, document what happened, and support any legal or insurance process that may follow.
- Get Medical Attention — Your health comes first. Some injuries may not show up immediately, so seeing a doctor as soon as possible is essential. A timely visit helps catch any hidden problems and creates a record of your injuries.
- Document The Scene — If you’re recovering, you may not have gathered evidence at the scene. Try to write down anything you remember about the crash.
You can also:- Save any photos or videos you already have.
- Note what you saw, heard, or felt.
- Ask someone to check for nearby cameras.
An attorney may help gather evidence, speak to witnesses, or request video footage while you focus on healing.
- Contact Waymo Support — If you were a Waymo passenger, report the crash to their support team. They may help with transportation, roadside assistance, and filing a report. Keep copies of any messages or emails.
- Notify Your Insurance Company — If you were driving your vehicle, contact your insurer soon after the crash. Share the police report, photos, and any details you gathered. Stick to the facts and await a full medical review before discussing injuries.
- Speak With An Attorney — Waymo accidents can involve complex technology and more than one party. An attorney can review what happened, help collect evidence, and explain your legal options. Reaching out early may make the process easier.
Self-Driving Vehicle Accident Statistics
Federal and state agencies closely track autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle accidents to monitor safety trends and system performance.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, as of May 20, 2025, there have been 817 autonomous vehicle collision reports filed across the state. These reports involve vehicles operating with varying levels of automation, including fully driverless systems.
On a national level, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has collected data on crashes involving Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) — technology that includes features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
As of May 15, 2022, NHTSA had received reports of 392 crashes involving Level 2 ADAS-equipped vehicles. Of those:
- 367 crashes occurred between July 2021 and May 2022.
- 25 crashes either occurred earlier or had no precise incident date.
- 98 crashes included severity data. 6 resulted in fatalities. 5 involved serious injuries.
- 116 crashes involved another vehicle.
- 4 crashes involved vulnerable road users (one cyclist and three pedestrians).
These statistics highlight the need to closely examine how autonomous and semi-autonomous systems perform in real-world driving conditions. If you’ve suffered harm in a crash with a self-driving vehicle, like a Waymo accident, understanding these trends may help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Contact Attorneys Experienced In Waymo Accidents
Accidents involving self-driving vehicles, including Waymo cars, often raise complex legal and technical questions. These cases may involve multiple parties, advanced vehicle systems, and evolving laws. Working with an attorney who understands autonomous vehicle claims can help you navigate the legal process effectively.
At Arash Law, we handle cases involving emerging vehicle technology and the legal issues that come with it. In addition to autonomous vehicle claims, our car accident lawyers represent clients injured in truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, pedestrian accidents, and Uber and Lyft accidents. We understand the unique factors involved in each type of case.
Our team is available to review the facts of your Waymo accident and help you understand what steps you may take. We offer free accident lawyer advice during your initial consultation to help you get answers to your questions in a pressure-free setting. During your evaluation, we can assess available information, explain how self-driving vehicle laws may apply, and outline the process for pursuing a claim.
If you want to speak with a legal professional, contact us online or call (888) 488-1391. Our team serves clients throughout California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, and across Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.
We’re here to listen, provide clear guidance, and help you make informed decisions as you move forward after a Waymo accident.
