Google Waymo Self-Driving Car Accidents in San Diego: Who Is Liable?

Posted on: July 9th, 2026 by Pajman Jassim

Who Is Liable After a Google Waymo Self-Driving Car Accident in San Diego?

As self-driving technology becomes more common throughout California, San Diego drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers are increasingly sharing the road with autonomous vehicles. Google’s self-driving technology, now operated through Waymo, represents one of the most advanced autonomous driving systems currently available. While these vehicles are designed to improve road safety, accidents can and do happen.  Learn. more about self-driving car accidents in San Diego.

By Pajman Jassim | San Diego’s Best Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Waymo self-driving car accident in San Diego, determining who is legally responsible is often much more complicated than in a traditional motor vehicle collision. Liability may involve multiple parties, including the autonomous vehicle company, another negligent driver, vehicle manufacturers, or other entities.

Google Waymo Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer Guide

At Jassim Law, our experienced San Diego personal injury attorneys understand the evolving legal landscape surrounding autonomous vehicle accidents and are prepared to help injured victims pursue the compensation they deserve.

What Is Waymo? | Self-Driving Car Accidents in San Diego

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company that originated as the Google Self-Driving Car Project before becoming an independent company under Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company.

Waymo vehicles use a sophisticated combination of:

• LiDAR sensors
• Radar systems
• High-definition cameras
• Artificial intelligence
• GPS mapping
• Advanced computer processing

These technologies work together to detect surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, traffic signals, road markings, and other roadway conditions.

Waymo has expanded autonomous ride-hailing services into various California markets, and autonomous vehicles continue to appear on roads throughout Southern California.

Can Waymo Self-Driving Cars Be Involved in Accidents?

Yes.

Although autonomous vehicles are designed to reduce human error, they are not immune from collisions.

Accidents involving self-driving vehicles may occur because of:

• Software failures
• Sensor malfunctions
• Camera visibility issues
• Mapping errors
• Unexpected road hazards
• Mechanical failures
• Human drivers making dangerous maneuvers
• Distracted or reckless motorists
• Construction zone confusion
• Poor weather conditions

Every accident requires a thorough investigation to determine exactly what occurred.

Who Can Be Liable After a Waymo Accident?

Unlike traditional car accidents, liability may involve several different parties.

Waymo

If the autonomous driving system malfunctioned or made an unsafe driving decision, Waymo may potentially bear responsibility.

Examples may include:

• Improper object detection
• Failure to recognize pedestrians
• Unsafe lane changes
• Failure to yield
• Inadequate emergency braking
• Software errors

These cases often require extensive technical evidence and expert analysis.

Another Negligent Driver | Self-Driving Car Accidents in San Diego

Many accidents involving autonomous vehicles are actually caused by human drivers.

Examples include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Running red lights
• Following too closely
• Driving under the influence
• Unsafe lane changes

In these situations, the human driver may remain primarily liable even though a Waymo vehicle was involved.

Vehicle Manufacturers

Autonomous vehicles still contain thousands of mechanical components.

Liability could potentially arise from:

• Brake failures
• Steering defects
• Tire defects
• Airbag failures
• Electrical system failures
• Defective vehicle components

Product liability laws may apply if defective equipment contributed to the crash.

Parts Manufacturers

Individual suppliers that manufacture sensors, cameras, computer hardware, or safety systems could also become involved if defective products contributed to the accident.

Government Agencies

Poor roadway conditions sometimes contribute to autonomous vehicle crashes.

Potential issues include:

• Missing lane markings
• Dangerous intersections
• Defective traffic signals
• Poor road maintenance
• Improper construction zones

California law has special procedures and shorter deadlines for claims involving public entities, making prompt legal guidance especially important.

How Is Liability Determined? Self-Driving Car Accidents in San Diego

Every self-driving vehicle accident requires a detailed investigation.

Evidence may include:

• Police reports
• Vehicle event data
• Camera recordings
• LiDAR information
• GPS tracking
• Software logs
• Black box data
• Witness statements
• Surveillance video
• Cell phone evidence
• Accident reconstruction analysis

Because autonomous vehicles generate significant amounts of electronic data, preserving this evidence quickly can be critical.

Can Multiple Parties Be Responsible?

Absolutely.

California follows a comparative fault system, meaning responsibility may be divided among several parties.

For example:

• A speeding driver strikes a Waymo vehicle.
• The Waymo system allegedly fails to brake appropriately.
• Road construction signage contributes to confusion.

Each party’s percentage of fault may be evaluated during settlement negotiations or litigation.

Common Injuries in Waymo Accidents

Autonomous vehicle collisions can cause serious injuries similar to traditional crashes.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Neck injuries
• Whiplash
• Back injuries
• Herniated discs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Facial injuries
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death

Even lower-speed collisions can produce significant injuries requiring months or years of medical treatment.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Every case is different, but injured victims may be able to recover compensation for:

• Emergency medical care
• Hospital bills
• Surgery
• Rehabilitation
• Physical therapy
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Families who lose a loved one may also have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under California law.

What Should You Do After a Waymo Accident?

The actions you take immediately following an accident can significantly affect your claim.

Important steps include:

• Call 911.
• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Report the accident to law enforcement.
• Photograph the scene if it is safe to do so.
• Obtain witness contact information.
• Preserve medical records.
• Avoid discussing fault at the scene.
• Consult an experienced personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters.

Because autonomous vehicle cases often involve electronic evidence that may not remain available indefinitely, early legal representation can be particularly valuable.

Why Waymo Accident Cases Are More Complex

Traditional car accident cases usually involve determining whether one driver acted negligently.

Autonomous vehicle cases often involve much broader questions, including:

• Did the software function properly?
• Was the vehicle operating autonomously at the time?
• Were remote operators involved?
• Did a mechanical failure occur?
• Was there a cybersecurity issue?
• Did another driver create an unavoidable hazard?
• Was the roadway properly maintained?

These issues frequently require collaboration with accident reconstruction experts, engineers, software specialists, and other professionals.

California Law Continues to Evolve

Autonomous vehicle technology is advancing rapidly, and California remains one of the nation’s leaders in testing and deploying self-driving vehicles.

As these vehicles become more common, courts and lawmakers continue to address new legal questions involving negligence, product liability, insurance coverage, and the allocation of fault.

Successfully handling these claims often requires a legal team familiar with both California personal injury law and the unique issues presented by autonomous driving technology.

How Jassim Law Can Help | Self-Driving Car Accidents in San Diego

At Jassim Law, we represent individuals and families injured by negligence throughout San Diego County. Whether your accident involved a traditional vehicle, a commercial truck, a rideshare vehicle, or an autonomous Waymo vehicle, we work to identify all potentially responsible parties and pursue the maximum compensation available under California law.

Our legal team can:

• Conduct a comprehensive investigation
• Preserve critical electronic evidence
• Work with accident reconstruction experts
• Review insurance coverage issues
• Negotiate with insurers and corporate defendants
• Prepare your case for trial if necessary

As autonomous vehicle technology evolves, so do the legal challenges surrounding these cases. Having knowledgeable legal representation can make a meaningful difference when navigating these complex claims.

Act Now!  Contact a San Diego Waymo Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a Google Waymo self-driving car accident in San Diego, you may have questions about your rights and who may be legally responsible. These cases often involve complicated factual and legal issues that benefit from prompt investigation.

The experienced personal injury attorneys at Jassim Law are committed to helping accident victims understand their options and pursue fair compensation for their injuries. If you have been hurt in a collision involving a Waymo autonomous vehicle, contact Jassim Law today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights.  Serving San Diego and Southern California.