Call Us!Waymo Accidents
Waymo produces autonomous vehicles by equipping existing vehicles with automated driving systems to create self-driving cars. Waymo cars provide convenient transportation options because they’re fully autonomous, and passengers can use them to transport themselves to different locations without a driver’s license.
There were over 5.9 million car accidents reported in the U.S. in 2022. Given the number of accidents on U.S. roadways, some of these accidents are likely to involve Waymo cars. Many states are still addressing the legal implications of accidents involving Waymo vehicles, particularly those that result in injuries or property damage claims.
Let’s take a closer look at Waymo car accidents and reasons you may need a lawyer if you’re involved in a car crash with a Waymo vehicle, or while riding in a Waymo car.
What Is Waymo And How Do Their Self-Driving Cars Work?
Waymo specializes in autonomous driving technology. Their technology uses sensors, A.I., machine learning, and retrofitted vehicles to produce cars capable of fully autonomous driving.
The sensors provide information that’s used to determine the appropriate course of action. The software creates a travel plan, ensuring the passenger reaches their destination safely and efficiently. The technology’s A.I. and machine learning capabilities enable it to review outcomes and improve its decision-making abilities.
Key Statistics On Waymo Crashes
The number of crashes involving Waymo cars is relatively low. As of June 2022, Waymo vehicles had traveled over 22 million miles and were involved in just 22 crashes resulting in injuries.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Waymo Accidents?
Other motorists are responsible for most accidents involving Waymo cars. The most common causes include the following:
- Motorists rear-ending vehicles.
- Motorists running red lights.
- Motorists turning left in front of an oncoming Waymo car.
Waymo cars have also been sideswiped by other vehicles that were turning or passing.
In some cases, Waymo car sensors were unable to detect oncoming traffic because of other vehicles or objects obstructing their view.
Who Can Be Held Liable In A Waymo Accident?
Those who could be held liable in a Waymo accident include the following:
- Car manufacturers
- Other motorists
- Passengers
- Waymo
Reporting an accident involving a Waymo vehicle to the police ensures they can investigate and determine who was at fault. Any party with a responsibility to conduct themselves in a way to ensure the safety of others could be held liable if they did not conduct themselves appropriately.
Suppose the speed limit is 25 mph. Drivers should refrain from exceeding the speed limit. However, a driver increases speed to 50 mph and causes a crash. They may be liable because they were speeding.
However, if the Waymo vehicle’s software malfunctions and that malfunction causes an accident, Waymo may be liable.
A passenger may be liable if they behaved in a manner that caused the accident. Suppose a passenger threw something out the window and struck a motorcyclist, causing an accident. In that case, the passenger could be liable.
Why Choose Our Waymo Car Accident Law Firm?
Bachus & Schanker is led by top-rated Waymo car accident attorneys recognized among the best in Colorado. With decades of experience and thousands of cases handled within Colorado and nationwide, our team brings a proven track record of results to every case. They have represented clients in autonomous vehicle and Waymo car accident cases across Colorado and nationwide.
At our firm, hands-on case management and personalized attention are central to how cases are handled. Attorneys remain directly involved throughout the process, with a focus on responsiveness, attention to detail, and clear communication at every stage of the case.
The benefits of working with our legal team include:
- Waymo car accident cases taken on a contingency fee basis – no legal fees unless we win your case
- Support of our victim advocates team
- Personalized attention from attorneys who understand Waymo car accidents law
- Proven track record of maximizing settlements and verdicts for clients
- Experience handling cases in Colorado and across the United States
When you need experienced legal representation after a Waymo car accident, choose Bachus & Schanker, recognized as some of the best Waymo car accident lawyers in Colorado.
What Types Of Injuries Can Occur In A Waymo Accident?
The common injuries suffered in a car accident could affect Waymo passengers and other motorists involved in a crash with a Waymo vehicle. Severe crash injuries are more common in high-speed impact crashes; fortunately, to date, most Waymo car accidents have involved minor injuries, such as the following:
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Scrapes/cuts
- Soft tissue injury
- Sprains
- Strains
- Whiplash
What Steps Should I Take Immediately After A Waymo Accident?
You should take the following steps after a Waymo accident:
- Call 911.
- Give your insurance and driver’s license information or Waymo’s information to the other drivers.
- Get other drivers’ insurance and driver’s license information or Waymo’s information.
- Create a written record by making notes about what led to the accident.
- Create a visual record by taking photos and videos of the accident scene.
- Gather contact information for witnesses.
- Seek medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company or Waymo if you are riding in a Waymo vehicle.
- Call a car accident lawyer to discuss your accident.
A car accident lawyer will remind you of what to do and what not to do. For example, if you were driving your vehicle, you should talk to your insurance company, but you should not discuss the accident with another motorist’s insurance company. You also should not accept fault for the accident.
What Are My Legal Options And Potential Compensation For A Waymo Accident?
Waymo is expanding service to new cities, including Denver, which means there is a greater chance of you being in an accident involving a Waymo vehicle or while riding in a Waymo car.
You have the same rights in an accident involving a Waymo vehicle as you do in any car accident. You can seek compensation from Waymo if the Waymo car is at fault or from the at-fault driver. You have the right to seek compensation for costs incurred because of the accident. You also have the right to seek compensation for pain and suffering and other ways the accident impacts your life.
How Is Liability Determined In Accidents Involving Autonomous Vehicles?
Police and insurance adjusters conduct accident investigations to determine fault. For accidents involving autonomous vehicles, the police and insurance adjusters can refer to vehicle logs and assessments of the software and hardware to determine whether the autonomous vehicle malfunctioned or made an error that caused the crash.
Why Are Autonomous Vehicle Accident Cases More Complex Than Regular Car Accidents?
Determining liability for accidents involving autonomous vehicles can be more challenging because multiple parties could be responsible if the autonomous vehicle is at fault. A hardware issue could involve a flaw in the vehicle’s design, which would mean the car manufacturer was liable. However, a software malfunction would mean Waymo is liable. Since there are more parties involved, it can be more challenging to assign fault or determine if multiple parties share liability.
How Can Bachus & Schanker Help If I’ve Been Injured In A Waymo Accident?
Bachus & Schanker understand that being in a car accident is a traumatic experience. We’ll provide you with expert guidance from the scene of the accident, ensuring you protect your legal rights and avoid doing or saying things that could jeopardize your claim. We will explain how we can help you get justice after your accident.
How Do I Contact Bachus & Schanker To Discuss My Waymo Accident Case?
Bachus & Schanker’s legal team is accessible by phone or through our website, where you can submit a contact form or initiate a live chat for immediate assistance. We’re here to provide the legal help you need after your Waymo car accident. Contact our team of Waymo accident lawyers today.
Kyle Bachus & Darin Schanker
Top-rated Colorado-based personal injury lawyers and co-founders of Bachus & Schanker, Kyle Bachus and Darin Schanker, have represented car accident victims and families across Colorado for more than 30 years, earning a reputation as some of the best car accident attorneys for serious injury cases. The firm is structured to handle car accident cases of all types and severities, with a team organized to provide focused support and guidance throughout the process. Kyle and Darin guide victims through the legal process with the support of a dedicated team of car accident specialists and Victim Advocates, ensuring care and advocacy from start to finish so clients can stay focused on healing.
Both Kyle and Darin are nationally recognized for their trial skills and leadership in the legal community. They are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have achieved million and multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers. In addition, they have been named Colorado Super Lawyers every year for nearly two decades, included in the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Lawyers in America, named Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys in Colorado by America’s Best Advocates, and recognized as top civil plaintiff attorneys by The National Trial Lawyers. Beyond the courtroom, they support the Colorado community through the Bachus & Schanker Cares Foundation, which sponsors local nonprofits and initiatives. See Kyle Bachus and Darin Schanker on Super Lawyers.
Notable Colorado Car Accident Settlement Results
$20 Million
$15 Million
$7 Million
Related Car Accident Resources
Legal Support Across Colorado and Nationwide
Serving Clients Nationwide
#1 Amazon Best Seller in the Legal Industry
Attorney Kyle Bachus knows first-hand how difficult it can be to suddenly lose a loved one in an accident. It’s also devastating when you or a family member suffers severe injuries that forever change your lives. Kyle wrote this book as a resource from his personal experience for families who have suffered a traumatic loss.
A Spanish edition of the book is also available, offering the same support and guidance to Spanish-speaking families.
You Deserve Fair Compensation
Don’t let the insurance companies intimidate you into accepting less than you deserve. We’re ready to fight for you.