Waymo Accidents

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.  

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:

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.

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