Waymo, Google’s self-driving car company, plans to launch driverless rideshare services in Washington, DC by 2026. Vehicles are already being tested on city streets with safety operators inside. Supporters say autonomous cars may reduce collisions, while critics worry about safety on busy urban roads. For accident victims, the important takeaway is that even if the vehicle drives itself, you still have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. Speaking with an attorney early can help you understand how liability may be proven in these new types of cases.
Safety Questions Surrounding Autonomous Vehicles
Waymo reports millions of miles driven without major crashes, yet viral stories from other cities tell a different story. Some cars have stalled in intersections, blocked emergency vehicles, or malfunctioned mid-route. In one case, a rider reported being trapped when the vehicle circled repeatedly before stopping.
These incidents may seem unusual, but in a city like Washington, DC, where pedestrians, bicyclists, tourists, and construction crews share limited space, even a small error could cause severe injuries. Until regulations catch up with the technology, victims of accidents may face unique challenges in proving what went wrong and who is responsible.
Who Can Be Held Accountable
Unlike traditional collisions, an autonomous vehicle crash may involve multiple responsible parties. Liability could rest with:
- The rideshare company is operating the vehicle;
- The manufacturer of the car or its software; and
- A safety operator who failed to take control in time.
Sorting out these questions often requires technical investigations and access to data from the vehicle itself. That process can be difficult without legal support. Understanding potential liability is key to ensuring victims are not left without compensation.
Insurance Complications After Autonomous Vehicle Crashes
Another issue victims may face in DC is how insurance companies handle accidents involving self-driving cars. Traditional policies assume a human driver is at fault, but when software controls the vehicle, insurers may attempt to deny or reduce claims by blaming technology rather than the operator. Some insurers may argue that liability belongs to the manufacturer, not the policyholder, which can lead to lengthy disputes.
For families or individuals dealing with hospital bills and lost wages, these delays create additional stress. It is important to remember that victims should not be caught in the middle of corporate disagreements. The law allows injured individuals to seek compensation, and courts can determine whether the company, the operator, or the manufacturer should ultimately be held liable. Attorneys can help ensure that insurance carriers fulfill their obligations and do not unfairly shift blame to the responsible party.
Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims in DC.
Victims of self-driving car accidents, or families who lose a loved one, can pursue the same types of claims as in any other crash. Personal injury claims may cover hospital bills, rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering. Wrongful death claims may allow families to recover funeral costs, the value of lost financial support, and the emotional loss of companionship.
What makes these cases more complicated is the lack of clear national standards for autonomous technology. Even though companies state they comply with federal rules, those rules were designed for traditional vehicles. This gap means lawyers must often argue liability based on general negligence principles rather than specific regulations.
Contact Lebowitz and Mzhen for Guidance After a DC Car Accident
If you or a loved one is injured in a Washington, DC accident involving a self-driving car or a traditional vehicle, you should not face the process alone. The attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen represent injury victims across the District and have secured millions in compensation for families. Call (800) 654-1949 today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice after a serious crash.