Rideshare Law Office represents injury victims in rideshare accidents throughout Los Angeles. One of the services that has grown in popularity in recent years is Waymo, which has a fleet of self-driving taxis. While this offers unrivaled convenience, the developing technology and sheer number of other cars on the road often leads to accidents–which means injuries. If you or a loved one have been hurt in one of these accidents, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
There’s a number of things that make an accident with a Waymo self-driving taxi unique, but one of the most important questions you probably have regards whether or not you should hire a lawyer. Hopefully, your accident or injuries are only minor, and won’t require legal action. However, given the circumstances, you could be facing serious injuries or questions about who’s responsible. That’s when you should talk to our team. Here’s how we can help:
- Explaining your options – First and foremost, we’ll explain your legal rights and options. A Waymo accident is, at its core, a car accident, which gives you certain options as an injury victim.
- Collecting important evidence – We gather vital evidence like medical records and accident reports to understand what happened and how it affected you.
- Negotiating with insurance companies – We talk with the insurance company of the at-fault party to reach a satisfactory agreement for you.
- Court representation – If needed, we prepare and file a lawsuit against the responsible parties and provide support throughout the legal process.
- Making the process easier – Our goal is to make this challenging time more manageable for you. We handle the details, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
While the convenience of Waymo’s taxis is certainly a strong selling point, the fact remains that anytime a vehicle is involved, it can lead to an accident where you or your loved one is hurt. Facing this alone can be overwhelming, which is why we’re proud to step in and help you.
Who’s Responsible For These Accidents?
The second biggest question you probably have is who is responsible for covering your injuries from a Waymo accident. In the vast majority of car accidents, legal responsibility–or liability–is usually centered on another driver who does something that causes an accident. With a Waymo taxi, however, this might not be applicable. Waymo’s are designed to be driverless, using sensors and software to navigate its routes.
So, who’s responsible for a car accident if there’s no driver? The answer is actually the same as any other car accident–whoever was negligent and caused the accident. As you might expect, this depends heavily on the circumstances of the accident. Normally, they’re caused by things like:
- Errors by a human operator (if there is one)
- Software or mechanical failures
- Road conditions
- Drivers in regular vehicles
This brings liability more into focus, and can fall on any of the following:
- Waymo as the parent company
- The software developers
- Mechanics or designers
- Drivers in other vehicles
- Pedestrians
- The City of Los Angeles or Caltrans
Whenever you’re in one of these accidents, it’s essential to figure out all the liable parties because they are the ones who will ultimately pay for your injuries and losses. Like any car accident, these can be substantial.
What Are Your Damages?
Legally speaking, the claims process in a Waymo accident is like any other car accident–it’s about recovering damages. In order to do this, you file an injury claim, which is usually done outside of court with an insurance claim or inside the court system with a personal injury lawsuit. Both allow you the ability to recover certain things from the liable parties, like:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing care needs
- Repair/replacement costs for your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death expenses, in fatal accidents
- Punitive damages, in rare cases
How to Strengthen Your Claim
Ultimately, what you’re able to recover is going to depend on the extent of your damages and how well you present your case. This means that you need to do what you can to put together a strong claim, and that starts right after the accident happens. Here’s how to strengthen your claim:
- Move to safety – Move your vehicle to a safe spot away from traffic or to the roadside to prevent further risks and potential accidents.
- Check for injuries – Once you’re safe, check for injuries and call 911. This will allow an ambulance to be dispatched and will take care of any immediate injuries. Then, get further medical care at a hospital or urgent care.
- Report the accident – Call the local police or sheriff’s office right away. They’ll investigate and create an official report. Let them know that the other vehicle involved was a Waymo.
- Gather evidence – Take photos and videos of the accident, focusing on injuries and vehicle damage. Get contact information from witnesses and ask if they have more evidence like photos. This evidence helps your case. Also, take down any information you can about the Waymo vehicle.
Remember, act quickly after any accident, especially with a Waymo taxi. Getting legal help can help cover your losses, but it’s also important that you file your claim within Florida’s statute of limitations of two years from the date of the accident.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Waymo Taxis
When looking at the benefits and drawbacks of Waymo taxis, it can be pretty clear on both sides.
Benefits
- Convenience of commuting through the city with no driver
- Sensors and cameras can increase safety
- Accessibility for disabled and people not able to drive
- Optimal routes can increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions
Drawbacks
- Complex traffic situations can be challenging for Waymo taxis
- Both the regulatory framework and technology are still developing
- LA’s infamous traffic and gridlock can magnify issues and contribute to accidents
By far the biggest drawback, though, is being injured in an accident. What’s worse, you’re vulnerable to many of the same injuries that happen in regular car accidents, like broken bones, burns, head and brain injuries, torn ligaments, and even death. This makes the legal process all the more important, and our team will be there to support you throughout the process.
Rideshare Law Office Can Help After a Los Angeles Waymo Accident
For all of the convenience in riding in a Waymo taxi, it can just as easily leave you injured in an accident. When this happens, it’s going to be difficult. At Rideshare Law Office, we can make things a bit easier on you. We’ll handle the legal process and make sure you have a strong claim for damages. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your case.
