Accidents involving Waymo self-driving cars are inherently tricky because (1) at least one of the vehicles didn’t even have a driver to hold responsible, and because (2) Waymo is owned by arguably the most powerful company on earth, Google.
If you’ve been injured by a Waymo vehicle, your attorneys’ experience is vital if you want justice. Below are some of the Waymo accident injury cases we’ve handled for clients throughout California, and the results we achieved.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own facts.
Waymo Autonomous Vehicle Rear-End Collision in San Francisco (Cervical Disc Herniation and Injections)
In 2023, our client was a passenger in a Waymo autonomous vehicle traveling through downtown San Francisco when the vehicle made a sudden stop and was rear-ended. The collision caused a cervical disc herniation confirmed by MRI, with radiating arm pain requiring epidural injections and ongoing treatment. The defense focused heavily on the argument that the trailing driver – not the autonomous system – was solely responsible, attempting to limit exposure for the rideshare entity. We analyzed vehicle telemetry data, braking patterns, and timing to demonstrate that the abrupt stop created a foreseeable hazard contributing to the collision. With causation established and medical damages clearly documented, the case resolved in the mid-to-high six figures.
Waymo Intersection Collision in Los Angeles (Lumbar Spine Injury and Ongoing Care)
In 2022, our client was struck in Los Angeles when a Waymo autonomous vehicle entered an intersection during a disputed signal phase. The impact caused a lumbar spine injury requiring months of treatment, including physical therapy and injections. The defense relied on sensor data and system logs to argue that the vehicle operated within programmed parameters and attempted to shift fault entirely onto our client. We retained experts to interpret the vehicle’s decision-making data and challenged the assumptions underlying the system’s response. After clarifying liability and fully developing medical damages, the case resolved in the mid six figures.
Waymo Pedestrian Collision in San Francisco (Traumatic Brain Injury and Cognitive Impairment)
In 2023, our client was struck while crossing a street in San Francisco by a Waymo autonomous vehicle, resulting in a traumatic brain injury with ongoing cognitive symptoms, including memory issues and difficulty concentrating. The defense emphasized system compliance with safety protocols and argued that the pedestrian entered the roadway unexpectedly. We worked with accident reconstruction and human factors experts to demonstrate that the vehicle had sufficient time and data to avoid the collision. We also supported the injury claim through neurological testing and documented cognitive deficits over time. The case resolved in the high six-figure range.
Waymo Sideswipe Collision on Market Street in San Francisco (Shoulder Tear and Surgical Repair)
In 2021, our client was traveling on Market Street in San Francisco when a Waymo autonomous vehicle made an unsafe lateral movement, sideswiping his vehicle. The collision caused a significant shoulder tear requiring surgical repair and prolonged rehabilitation. The defense argued that the maneuver was consistent with the vehicle’s programmed response to surrounding traffic conditions and attempted to assign comparative fault. We countered with vehicle positioning analysis, roadway data, and expert review of the system’s movement patterns. Once liability was clarified and surgical damages established, the case resolved in the mid-to-high six-figure range.
Waymo Rear-End Collision in Los Angeles (Cervical Spine Injury and Chronic Pain)
In 2022, our client was rear-ended in Los Angeles by a Waymo vehicle operating in autonomous mode. The collision resulted in a cervical spine injury confirmed by imaging, leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and ongoing treatment. The defense initially minimized the claim, focusing on low property damage and disputing the severity of injury. We supported the case with consistent treatment records, imaging studies, and expert opinions linking the injury to the collision. After sustained negotiation and a fully developed demand, the case resolved in the mid six-figure range.
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