Self-driving cars are no longer a futuristic concept. They are already on the roads in cities like San Diego, California, and they are not immune to accidents. If you were injured in a crash involving a self-driving car, you may be entitled to compensation.
Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers can protect your rights whether you were hit by a self-driving car or injured as a passenger inside one during a crash. Contact us today at (858) 551-2090 for a free consultation with a San Diego self-driving car accident lawyer.
How Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Self-Driving Car Accident in San Diego, CA
For decades, Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers has helped keep those liable for accidents responsible. We bring over 80 years of combined experience to each case and have been recognized as America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys.
Navigating the legal aftermath of a self-driving car accident can be challenging. Multiple parties may be liable, including manufacturers, software developers, or third-party maintenance providers.
We can handle all aspects of your self-driving car accident claim, including investigating the cause of your accident, identifying all liable parties, and handling insurance negotiations to protect your rights. Reach out today for a free case review with a car accident lawyer.
How Common Are Self-Driving Car Accidents in California?
California is one of the leading states in testing and deploying autonomous vehicles. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), dozens of companies are actively testing self-driving technology in the state.
As of August 2025, the California DMV has received 849 Autonomous Vehicle Collision Reports for accidents resulting in property damage, bodily injury, or death. Self-driving cars are only on the rise. Robotaxi company Waymo recently became the latest to announce plans to start testing in San Diego.
Who May Be Liable for My Self-Driving Car Accident in San Diego?
Several parties may be responsible for a self-driving car accident, depending on the circumstances surrounding the crash.
These include:
- Vehicle manufacturers for design or manufacturing defects
- Software developer for errors or glitches in the self-driving system
- Rideshare companies like Waymo or Uber, if the car is part of a fleet
- Maintenance providers for improper servicing or overlooked mechanical issues
- Other drivers, if their negligence caused or contributed to the crash.
A thorough investigation is often needed to identify all liable parties and hold them accountable. A San Diego car accident lawyer can help you pursue maximum compensation.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Self-Driving Car Accident Victims?
You may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages if you were injured in a crash involving a self-driving car. These damages are intended to make you whole and compensate for the losses you suffered.
Common damages include:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and future care costs
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to time away from work, including future earning capacity if you are disabled
- Property damage: Compensation to repair or replace your vehicle or personal belongings
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, and reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium: Compensation awarded to spouses for the impact on their relationship
Calculating these damages in a self-driving car case may require expert testimony, especially when evaluating software failure or product defects. An experienced San Diego self-driving car accident attorney can ensure you pursue full compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer in San Diego?
One of the most common concerns injury victims have is how they will afford a lawyer. Fortunately, Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers represents clients on a contingency fee basis.
That means:
- No upfront fees
- No hourly billing
- We only get paid if we win your case
Our fee is taken as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you through a settlement or trial verdict. This allows you to focus on recovery while we handle the legal process without additional financial strain.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Self-Driving Car Accident in California?
Under California law, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within a specific timeframe known as the statute of limitations. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit after most car accident cases, including those involving self-driving vehicles. Missing the deadline could permanently bar you from recovering damages.
That is why it is critical to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Prompt action can also help preserve valuable evidence, such as data from the vehicle’s sensors, cameras, and black boxes, which could be overwritten or lost over time.
Contact a San Diego Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were injured in a crash involving a self-driving car, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. At Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, our San Diego self-driving car accident lawyers have experience helping accident victims pursue justice and fair compensation. Call us today for a free consultation.
