What Happens If You Get Hit By A Waymo Self-Driving Car?

What Happens If You Get Hit By A Waymo Self-Driving Car?

Self-driving cars have left the realm of science fiction far behind, leaving everyday drivers asking questions like:

1. Who would I exchange information with at an accident scene?
2. If there’s no driver, is it still a car accident claim?

At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ve been keeping an eye on the rise of self-driving vehicles across the United States. We are proud to serve Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and North Dakota, and while self-driving car companies like Waymo have largely been concentrated in coastal areas, they are expanding. By the end of 2025, Waymo cars could be spotted mapping the streets of Minneapolis. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident involving another driver or a Waymo, reach out to 1-855-NICOLET or use our online contact form to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney.

Here’s what to know so far about how Waymo vehicles are changing car accidents.

Key Takeaways

• When a Waymo vehicle gets in an accident, its remote response team is automatically alerted
• Waymo also has an in-person roadside support team that can be dispatched
• Drivers and first responders can communicate with Waymo representatives through the vehicle itself
• Because Waymo cars are a product, a car accident can quickly become a product liability case
• As Waymo expands, it’s racing to address glitches and improve its technology
• As self-driving cars spread, lawmakers are racing to build rules that can keep up

What Does An Accident Scene Look Like With A Waymo?

When there’s no driver to exchange information with, accident victims can feel overwhelmed and confused. Before we address the major differences, let’s take a moment to address the steps you can take no matter what the accident’s circumstances are.

What you should always do

1. Call 911
2. Seek medical attention
3. Document the accident scene
4. Get a police report

Here’s how an accident scene plays out when a Waymo is involved

If a Waymo vehicle detects that it has been in an accident, it is designed to slow down and come to a stop. If it continues to move, it may be looking for a safer location.

After the accident is detected:

• Waymo’s remote support response team will be automatically alerted
• The driver-side window should lower, allowing you and/or first responders to speak to a Waymo representative
• If necessary, Waymo’s support team may send its own in-person roadside assistance to coordinate with emergency services.

How to Report the Accident and Exchange Information

There are multiple ways to start this process

• In-person or remote support member: Waymo’s support team should be available to guide you on the next steps.
• By phone: Waymo has an accident hotline available at 1-844-263-9885
• Online: You can submit a form with details like your contact information, the time and location of the crash, the Waymo vehicle’s license plate, and a description of what happened.
• QR Code: Scan the QR code on the front of the Waymo vehicle to connect with support services.

When reporting an accident, stick to the basic details. Don’t underestimate the insurance company’s ability to twist your words into something that you didn’t mean.

Why These Cases Are More Complex

While the very nature of this kind of accident can lead everyday drivers to correctly assume that accident claims may be complicated, let’s get into why.

In a traditional crash with two drivers:

Fault often comes down to driver behavior and choices. Questions can center around whether drivers were obeying traffic laws or exhibiting negligence, and how that negligence led to an accident.

In a crash with a self-driving car:

When no driver is in control, questions can turn to what part of the car caused the error.

The most recent generation of Waymo cars has over a dozen cameras and sensors that utilize lidar, radar, and external audio input to map out the surrounding environment. Determining what piece of software or hardware is the culprit can be incredibly complicated.

While a traditional car accident can still involve product liability claims if a certain car component was defective, that situation is a far cry from this modern conundrum.

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Self-Driving Car Laws on a State-by-State Basis

At Nicolet Law, we serve Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa. While legislation surrounding self-driving cars has been increasing and evolving over the past ten years, there are questions about how autonomous car technology and the legislation and general rules governing it will keep pace. Here is what the four states that Nicolet Law serves have in place for rules and regulations:

What Wisconsin Says

Wisconsin does not currently allow fully self-driving cars. All cars must have a driver who is in control of the vehicle.

What Iowa Says

Fully autonomous vehicles are legal in Iowa, as long as they follow the federal and state laws set out for them. That being said, state rules are being further developed.

What North Dakota Says

North Dakota allows fully autonomous vehicles as long as they follow the rules set out for them.

What Minnesota Says

Minnesota currently has no laws surrounding autonomous vehicles, which might seem odd given that Waymos have been circulating around Minneapolis. Earlier this spring, the Minnesota legislature had extended conversations about passing regulations around self-driving cars, with a deadline to pass legislation by May 18th. That deadline has come and gone.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Driving Car Accidents

Been In An Accident? Call A Car Accident Lawyer Today

At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we represent injured folks across Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa. While any influx of self-driving cars on the road may be a ways off, we remain committed to learning more about how they could affect (and likely will) car accident cases.

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Our firm knows how drastically a car accident can upend someone’s life, leading to medical bills, lost wages, and plenty of other changes that may or may not show up on a receipt.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you owe nothing up front and we are paid only if we recover compensation for you. Call 1-855-NICOLET or use our contact form to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced, compassionate car accident attorneys.