Are self-driving cars safe? The answer depends on who you ask—and as technology advances, the answer keeps evolving. Companies like Waymo, one of the latest self-driving car innovators operating in Texas, report that their vehicles make the roads safer. But if you’ve been in an accident involving a self-driving car, those statistics don’t bring much comfort. What matters most is determining who is responsible and how to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.  

At Kane Personal Injury, we understand the unique challenges of accidents involving autonomous vehicles. Whether you’re a driver, passenger, or pedestrian involved in a collision with a self-driving car, determining liability can be complex. Texas, a hub for innovation, has its own set of regulations and legal considerations regarding autonomous vehicles, and we’re here to help you navigate them.  

Texas Laws Governing Self-Driving Cars  

Texas is at the forefront of self-driving car testing and deployment, with laws designed to encourage the development of autonomous technology while ensuring public safety. Under Texas law, self-driving vehicles are legal on public roads, provided they meet the following requirements:  

• Compliance with Federal and State Laws: Autonomous vehicles (AVs) must adhere to all federal motor vehicle safety standards and Texas traffic laws.  
• Liability Insurance Coverage: Companies operating self-driving vehicles must maintain liability insurance, just like traditional vehicles, to cover potential damages in the event of an accident.  
• Operator Presence Not Required: Fully autonomous vehicles are not required to have a human operator present, as long as the vehicle can operate safely and lawfully on its own.  

While Texas laws establish a framework for self-driving cars, they do not eliminate the complexities of determining liability in an accident.  

Who Could Be Held Liable?  

Liability in a self-driving car accident depends on the circumstances of the crash and the roles of the involved parties. Key possibilities include:  

1. The Vehicle Manufacturer: If the self-driving system malfunctions or there is a defect in the vehicle, the manufacturer may be held responsible under Texas product liability laws. Examples include software glitches, sensor failures, or inadequate safety testing.  
2. The Technology Developer: Companies that provide the software or hardware for autonomous vehicles could also be liable if their technology fails to perform as intended. 
3. The Human Driver: Most self-driving cars still have someone behind the wheel, and it’s their responsibility to take control if something goes wrong. If the self-driving vehicle was in manual mode or if a human operator failed to intervene when required, the driver could be held accountable for negligence.  
4. Other Drivers or Parties: In some cases, the collision might be caused by another driver, pedestrian, or cyclist. For example, if the self-driving car is rear-ended by someone following too close. Traditional rules of negligence apply in these situations.  
5. Shared Liability: Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning liability can be shared among multiple parties. If you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of responsibility, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault.  

There are several signs of a good lawyer, and when dealing with complex cases like self-driving car accidents, Kane Personal Injury focuses on delivering the highest standard of representation. We approach these cases with: