Waymo Car Accident Lawyer

What Is Waymo and How Does It Work?

Google’s Waymo launched in 2009 and uses a combination of cutting-edge tech and sensors, including LiDAR, radar, cameras, and machine learning to create a 360° view of their surroundings, helping them make real-world driving decisions. 

Today, Waymo vehicles operate autonomously in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, Arizona. Some vehicles operate fully autonomously, while others might operate with a human “safety driver” for ongoing testing and monitoring.

While there’s no break in sight for this type of tech, Google has expressed plans to expand into other metropolitan areas, including Miami, for additional testing and continuous monitoring.

Are Waymo and Self-Driving Cars Safe?

Waymo has published its safety report alongside its partners at Swiss Reinsurance Company, and the report claims that Waymo’s safety record is strong. 

The report highlights that Waymo vehicles have surpassed 25 million miles on public roadways. Between 2018 and 2024, Waymo accidents included just nine property damage insurance claims and two bodily injury claims.

However, the 2023 California DMV Collision Reports for Waymo (the most recent) indicated 64 reported incidents were with Waymo vehicles.

While these initial Waymo safety findings are impressive at face value, it’s important to recognize that the type of driving Waymo vehicles engage in is different than that of everyday drivers. 

For example, Waymo vehicles are operated in a climate that does not see obstructive weather like heavy rain or snow that drivers in other parts of the world might encounter. These varying climate and roadway conditions can impact the overall safety of these vehicles.

Who Is Liable if a Self-Driving Car Causes an Accident?

So, if a self-driving car causes an accident, who is liable? Determining liability in a self-driving car accident case is generally more complex than traditional car accident cases, largely because there are many other factors at play regarding self-driving vehicles. 

The type of accident (e.g. head-on collision or rollover car accident) will also impact liability. The liable parties could include:

• The company: Due to negligence in design, testing, operations, and software failure. 
• Vehicle manufacturer: If there are defects in hardware components.
• Maintenance companies: Due to improper upkeep. 
• Safety driver: Due to negligence on their part.
• Other human drivers: Such as a reckless driver.
• Government entities: Due to poor road conditions or maintenance issues.

The legal concepts of product liability versus negligence of the driver play at a much higher level when it comes to car accidents involving self-driving vehicles like Waymo, as compared to traditional car accidents. 

A thorough investigation by both police officers and your legal team is essential to help pinpoint and begin the legal process.

Steps To Take Immediately After a Waymo Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a Waymo car accident, it’s important to act quickly. Knowing what to do after a Waymo accident can ensure your safety and your legal rights and options are protected. 

Here’s what to do after a car accident. 

• Prioritize your safety: Check for injuries, move to a safe location, if possible, and do not deny yourself medical care, even if you think your injuries are minor.
• Call 911: Report the accident and obtain the police report number. This helps start the paper trail if you pursue a legal claim.
• Document everything: Take photos and videos of the scene, document all vehicle damage, your injuries, road conditions, note the weather, and take down the Waymo vehicle’s identifying number and/or markings.
• Gather information: Exchange info with other drivers, get witness contact info, and make a note if a safety driver was present in the Waymo.
• Continue medical care: Keep up with all your medical appointments.
• Do not admit fault: Don’t admit fault or give detailed statements to Waymo representatives or insurance adjusters without legal advice. Your statement could be used against you, even if you were not partially at fault.
• Contact an attorney: An experienced car accident attorney will help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process so that you stay protected during legal proceedings.

How Bernstein & Maryanoff Can Help With Your Waymo Accident Claim

Car accidents involving self-driving vehicles are complex, challenging an attorney’s understanding of technical nuance, and how that plays into negligence under state and local law. 

If you’ve been injured in an autonomous vehicle accident, speak with a Waymo self-driving car accident lawyer who understands the nuances of these emerging accidents. When you turn to the team at Bernstein & Maryanoff, our Miami self-driving car accident attorneys will help you do the following:

• Thoroughly investigate your case by gathering police reports, witness statements, securing vehicle data like logs and sensor data, and dealing with the large tech corporations at play.
• Collaborate with experts in the field, including accident reconstructionists and technology experts who can help you strengthen your case.
• Determine liability by analyzing all factors and identifying all potentially responsible parties.
• Calculate damages you’re owed including the cost of medical bills (current and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage.
• Negotiate aggressively with insurers and corporate legal teams. If a settlement can’t be reached, our attorneys are prepared to defend you in court.

Our attorneys are experts in the field of personal injury and have relevant knowledge of today’s emerging tech trends, like autonomous vehicles and their impact on the safety of drivers and pedestrians on Miami’s roadways.

Compensation Available in Self-Driving Car Accident Cases

The type of compensation you can pursue in a case involving a self-driving vehicle remains largely the same as the damages in any other personal injury case. You’ll be able to pursue both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages refer to the tangible losses you’ve endured. This can include:

• Medical bills and expenses (current and future)
• Lost income and lost wages
• Property damage

Non-economic damages refer to the intangible, difficult-to-calculate losses. This might include:

• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Permanent injury or disability
• Emotional distress

Related: Miami Hit-And-Run Accidents

Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff Today for a Free Consultation

Car accidents involving self-driving cars can be complex, highly technical and nuanced, and difficult to navigate. As such, the right Waymo car accident lawyer can make all the difference in helping you recover the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys are committed to fighting for the rights of victims like you who have been injured because of autonomous vehicles. 

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about the strength of your case, understand your legal rights and options, and map out how to move forward as you pursue the compensation you deserve.

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