Autonomous Trucking Accidents: Determining Liability in Cases Involving Tesla Semi or Waymo Via
Self-driving trucks are no longer a future concept. Companies like Tesla and Waymo are already using them to haul freight across highways. These vehicles rely on artificial intelligence instead of human drivers, which raises an important legal question: Who is responsible when they crash? In Georgia, determining liability depends on whether the issue was caused by a faulty product or human error.
When Product Liability Applies
Waymo Via trucks operate at Level 4 automation, which means they are designed to drive without a human driver behind the wheel. If a Waymo truck causes a crash, the fault may lie with the company that built or programmed it.
Product liability cases focus on whether the system was defective. For example, if the truck fails to detect a pedestrian or misreads a traffic signal, that could point to a flaw in the software or sensors. Victims can sue by proving that the defect caused the crash and made the vehicle unsafe.
Investigators often rely on technical evidence, such as onboard computer data and software logs. These details help show exactly what the vehicle did and why. In a few serious Waymo accidents, analysts reviewed the vehicle’s decisions to determine if the technology reacted too slowly or failed to avoid a hazard.
When Driver Negligence Plays a Role
Tesla’s semi trucks do not drive themselves entirely. Their autopilot system still requires a human driver. If a driver fails to respond when the system makes an error, they may be partly responsible for the crash.
However, the manufacturer may also share some blame. Some lawsuits have claimed that Tesla did not give proper warnings or made the autopilot system appear more reliable than it really was. Georgia follows a comparative fault rule, which means that both the driver and the company can be held liable if both contributed to the crash.
Take Legal Action After a Crash
Accidents involving autonomous trucks raise new and difficult questions. If you or someone you know has been injured, you need to know your rights. Contact Morris & Dean, LLC, today to learn how we can help with your case.