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Autonomous vehicles, including Waymo self-driving cars, are becoming more common on Phoenix roadways. While these vehicles are designed to reduce human error and increase safety, they are not immune to accidents. Waymo crashes can involve pedestrians, cyclists, or other motorists, often leading to complex legal disputes over liability.
At Torgenson Law, we understand the challenges that arise in autonomous vehicle accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a Waymo self-driving car in Phoenix, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to protect your rights. We will investigate your case, determine liability, and fight for the maximum compensation available for your injuries and damages.
Phoenix has become a testing ground for autonomous vehicles, with Waymo leading the industry in self-driving car technology. The company operates a fleet of autonomous taxis throughout the city, offering rides to residents and visitors. While Waymo’s self-driving technology is advanced, accidents still happen, sometimes due to system malfunctions, software errors, or unexpected roadway hazards.
Waymo accidents are unique because they involve artificial intelligence and automation rather than human drivers. This raises complex legal questions about who is responsible for a crash — Waymo, the vehicle’s operator, software developers, or another motorist. Victims of Waymo-related accidents must navigate these legal complexities to recover compensation for their injuries.
While autonomous vehicles aim to improve road safety, they are not foolproof. Various factors contribute to Waymo accidents, including system errors, human negligence, and unpredictable road conditions. Some of the most common causes of these crashes include:
Waymo vehicles rely on artificial intelligence, cameras, radar, and LiDAR sensors to detect obstacles, other vehicles, and pedestrians. If any of these systems fail, the vehicle may not respond appropriately, leading to accidents. Malfunctions can cause sudden braking, failure to detect hazards, or errors in navigation.
Waymo vehicles are programmed to follow traffic rules, but they may struggle in situations that require human judgment. Uncontrolled intersections, temporary road closures, and construction zones can confuse autonomous vehicles, leading to unexpected stops, erratic driving, or collisions.
Even though Waymo cars operate autonomously, they still share the road with human drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. If another driver cuts off a Waymo vehicle or makes an illegal maneuver, the self-driving system may not react quickly enough to avoid a crash. Additionally, passengers inside Waymo vehicles may interfere with operations, causing distractions or malfunctions.
While Waymo’s technology is designed to detect objects in all directions, blind spots still exist. In some cases, the sensors may fail to recognize small objects, pedestrians in crosswalks, or bicyclists approaching from the side, increasing the risk of an accident.
Many Waymo accidents occur when human drivers make errors while interacting with autonomous vehicles. Speeding, distracted driving, aggressive lane changes, or running red lights can lead to crashes involving self-driving cars. Determining whether the Waymo vehicle or the human driver was at fault requires a thorough investigation.
Because Waymo vehicles operate in urban areas, many accidents occur at intersections, crosswalks, and congested roads where pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists are most vulnerable. These crashes can lead to severe and even life-altering injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
Head trauma from a collision can result in concussions, brain swelling, or permanent cognitive impairments. Even low-speed crashes can cause TBIs, affecting a victim’s ability to concentrate, work, or engage in daily activities. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and mood changes may appear hours or days after the accident, making early medical evaluation essential. In severe cases, brain injuries can lead to long-term disabilities, requiring ongoing therapy and rehabilitation to regain cognitive and motor functions.
A serious Waymo accident can cause spinal cord damage, potentially leading to partial or total paralysis. These injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifelong care. Depending on the severity of the injury, victims may experience chronic pain, loss of sensation, or reduced mobility.
Some spinal cord injuries result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, permanently altering a victim’s ability to work, perform daily tasks, or live independently. The long-term costs of treatment, home modifications, and assistive devices can be overwhelming for families.
Collisions with autonomous vehicles can cause broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones, particularly if pedestrians or cyclists are struck. Some fractures require surgery, metal implants, and months of physical therapy, while others may lead to complications such as infections or permanent joint damage.
Elderly victims are especially vulnerable to fractures, which can severely impact their mobility and overall quality of life. Even minor fractures can result in significant pain and extended recovery periods, preventing victims from returning to work or resuming normal activities.
Blunt force trauma from a crash can injure vital organs, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding. These injuries may not be immediately visible and require emergency medical care. Damage to the liver, spleen, or kidneys can be particularly dangerous, as internal bleeding may go unnoticed until symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, or severe abdominal pain develop.
Without prompt treatment, internal organ damage can lead to long-term health complications or even fatal outcomes, making immediate medical evaluation critical after an accident.
Rear-end collisions involving Waymo vehicles can cause severe whiplash and muscle injuries, especially when victims are caught off guard by sudden stops or unexpected vehicle movements. Victims may experience chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, affecting their ability to work and carry out daily activities.
While whiplash is sometimes dismissed as a minor injury, untreated cases can lead to long-term neck and back problems that require physical therapy, chiropractic care, or even surgical intervention.
Many people assume that because Waymo vehicles are autonomous, liability in these accidents is straightforward. However, determining fault in self-driving car crashes can be far more complex than traditional vehicle collisions.
While autonomous vehicles are designed to reduce human error, they are not infallible. System failures, software bugs, and unpredictable road conditions can still lead to serious accidents. Self-driving technology relies on sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to make split-second decisions, but these systems can struggle in certain situations, such as heavy rain, construction zones, or unanticipated pedestrian movements. Autonomous vehicles must also interact with human drivers, who may not always behave predictably, increasing the risk of collisions.
Waymo may not always be responsible for an accident, even if one of its vehicles is involved. Liability could rest with another driver, a software provider, a vehicle manufacturer, or even the city if poor road conditions contributed to the crash. For example, if another driver illegally cut off a Waymo vehicle and caused a collision, that driver would likely be at fault.
Similarly, if a malfunctioning traffic light caused a Waymo car to enter an intersection at the wrong time, the government agency responsible for maintaining traffic signals could be held partially liable.
Even though Waymo vehicles operate autonomously, multiple parties could be held liable in the event of an accident. Victims may be able to file claims against Waymo itself, third-party manufacturers responsible for defective vehicle components, or software developers if a programming error contributed to the crash.
If a human operator was present in the vehicle and failed to intervene appropriately, they may also share liability. Autonomous vehicle accidents often require in-depth investigations to determine all responsible parties.
Although Waymo vehicles are designed to follow traffic laws and remain at the scene of an accident, software malfunctions or communication errors could result in unexpected vehicle behavior. There have been instances where self-driving cars have failed to respond appropriately after an accident, creating potential legal complications.
Other human drivers who collide with Waymo vehicles may also flee the scene, leaving victims to deal with a hit-and-run situation. In these cases, pursuing compensation may require identifying the responsible driver through traffic camera footage, witness statements, or forensic vehicle analysis.
Determining liability in a Waymo accident requires a detailed investigation, as autonomous vehicle crashes involve complex legal and technical issues. Unlike traditional car accidents, these cases may involve multiple responsible parties, including the manufacturer, software developers, and even government entities. Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial for victims seeking full compensation for their injuries and damages.
If a system failure, software glitch, or mechanical defect contributed to the accident, Waymo may be held liable for damages. The company has a duty to ensure its vehicles operate safely on public roads and that their autonomous driving technology functions correctly in all driving conditions.
If Waymo’s self-driving software made an unsafe decision — such as failing to stop at an intersection or misjudging another vehicle’s movements — the company may be responsible for any resulting injuries or property damage. Additionally, if Waymo failed to properly maintain or update its fleet, it could be held accountable for negligence.
If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, they may be liable for damages. Common negligent behaviors include speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield to an autonomous vehicle. In some cases, a human driver may misunderstand how to interact with a self-driving car, leading to an avoidable crash.
If a human driver inside a Waymo vehicle (in cases where an operator is present) made an unsafe maneuver or disengaged the autonomous system at the wrong time, they could also be found at fault.
Waymo vehicles rely on complex artificial intelligence and software systems to make split-second driving decisions. If a programming error or malfunction caused the vehicle to behave unpredictably, the software developers or manufacturers could be held responsible.
For example, if a sensor failed to detect a pedestrian or another vehicle, or if a mapping error led the vehicle into oncoming traffic, the parties responsible for developing or maintaining these systems may be liable. In some cases, third-party companies that supply hardware or software components to Waymo’s fleet could also share responsibility.
If hazardous road conditions, missing signs, or poor lane markings contributed to the crash, the city or state responsible for maintaining Phoenix roads may share liability. Autonomous vehicles rely on clear road markings and properly functioning traffic signals to operate safely, and when infrastructure issues interfere with these systems, accidents can occur.
If a Waymo vehicle was unable to recognize a damaged road sign or misinterpreted faded lane markings, the agency responsible for road upkeep may be partially at fault. Filing claims against government entities can be legally complex and often involves strict deadlines, making legal representation essential in these cases.
Victims of Waymo accidents may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses, which can be significant given the potential severity of autonomous vehicle crashes. Compensation is meant to help victims recover from physical, emotional, and financial hardships caused by the accident. The damages awarded in these cases generally fall into three categories:
Economic damages cover financial losses directly related to the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. Medical expenses may include emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care for serious injuries.
If a victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may also receive compensation for future lost income, ensuring they do not suffer ongoing financial hardship as a result of the accident. Economic damages can also cover the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle, along with any transportation expenses incurred while the victim is without a car.
These damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, and reduced quality of life. Many victims of Waymo accidents experience ongoing psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, or a fear of driving, which can affect their daily lives and overall well-being.
Victims who suffer permanent disabilities or disfigurement may qualify for additional compensation, as these life-changing injuries can impact their ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy the activities they once loved. Non-economic damages recognize the profound impact an accident can have beyond just financial losses.
If the accident was caused by reckless behavior, such as intentional software manipulation or negligence in maintaining autonomous vehicle systems, punitive damages may be awarded to deter similar conduct in the future. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to compensate victims, punitive damages are designed to punish the responsible party and discourage similar reckless actions.
Courts may impose punitive damages in cases where Waymo or another involved party demonstrated gross negligence, such as failing to correct known software errors, disregarding safety protocols, or deploying untested autonomous technology in high-risk areas.
At Torgenson Law, we understand the complexities of autonomous vehicle accidents and the legal challenges that come with holding companies like Waymo accountable. Our experienced attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Waymo accident in Phoenix, don’t wait to take legal action. Arizona law limits the time you have to file a claim. Call Torgenson Law today at 602-726-0747 or reach out online for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.
