Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm is a premier personal injury law practice in Las Vegas, dedicated to delivering justice for accident victims. With a reputation for relentless advocacy and client-focused representation, The Firm ensures injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve.
When the Driver Is a Computer: Navigating the Future of Injury Law
Las Vegas is no stranger to innovation—and that includes the growing presence of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on city streets. Self-driving rideshare services like Waymo and others are becoming more common, offering convenience and novelty to residents and tourists alike. But what happens when something goes wrong? If you’re injured in an accident involving a driverless car, who’s responsible—and what are your legal rights?
This blog explores the evolving legal landscape around AVs, who may be held liable, and what steps you should take if you’re injured in a self-driving vehicle incident.
What Counts as an Autonomous Vehicle Accident?
AV accidents can involve:
- Riders injured while inside a self-driving vehicle
- Pedestrians or cyclists struck by an AV
- Collisions between AVs and traditional vehicles
- Rear-end or intersection accidents caused by autonomous navigation errors
Whether fully autonomous or semi-autonomous (driver-assisted), these incidents introduce unique legal questions.
Who Could Be Liable in a Self-Driving Car Crash?
In traditional accidents, liability often falls on a negligent driver. But with AVs, responsibility can be shared—or shifted entirely—to other parties:
- The tech company or manufacturer (e.g., Waymo, Tesla) for software or hardware failure
- The rideshare service for improper deployment or maintenance
- The vehicle’s safety operator (if one is present and failed to act)
- Another human driver who collided with the AV
- City or state entities if poor road conditions contributed to the accident
An experienced attorney can help identify the responsible party or parties and build a case around negligence, product liability, or both.
Proving Fault in an AV Accident
AV crashes often involve massive amounts of technical data—including sensor logs, camera footage, and GPS coordinates. Unlike human drivers, AVs usually record every detail before and after impact. Your legal team can use this information to:
- Prove the vehicle made a navigational error
- Show a failure in object detection or braking systems
- Demonstrate manufacturer or operator negligence
Subpoenaing this data quickly is key, as companies may not share it willingly without legal pressure.
What Damages Can You Claim?
Victims of AV accidents may be entitled to the same types of compensation as other accident victims, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
In some cases, punitive damages may apply if the manufacturer or tech company knowingly ignored safety risks.
Tourists and Out-of-State Claims
Las Vegas attracts millions of visitors annually—many of whom may try AV rideshares during their stay. If you’re a tourist injured in a self-driving car accident, jurisdictional issues may arise. Your best bet is to work with a Nevada-based attorney who understands both state law and the complexities of AV liability.
What to Do After an Autonomous Vehicle Accident
- Seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to law enforcement and request a copy of the police report.
- Document the scene—take photos, note the vehicle company, and gather witness info.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers or tech companies.
- Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in emerging technology claims.
Why This Area of Law Is Still Evolving
Because self-driving car technology is relatively new, the law is still catching up. Federal regulations are limited, and Nevada’s laws are rapidly evolving to address these futuristic concerns. That’s why it’s critical to have a legal team that stays informed about regulatory changes and can handle cutting-edge cases with confidence.
Why Choose The Firm
At The Firm, we’re not just experienced personal injury attorneys—we’re forward-thinking advocates ready to tackle the next generation of injury claims. Preston Rezaee, Esq. and his team have the resources and technical knowledge to hold corporations accountable when their innovations cause real harm.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The content is based on the author’s understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing and is not tailored to the specific circumstances of any individual or entity.
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