Penney and Associates hits a substantial $14,000,000 (14 million dollar)* case in Riverside County for their client, a fast food restaurant cook.
Self-Driving Car Accident ATTORNEYS
Self-driving technology is expanding rapidly across California. Vehicles equipped with Tesla Autopilot/FSD and fully autonomous fleets from companies like Waymo, Cruise, Zoox, and others operate daily on city streets and highways—and accidents can and do occur.
If you were hurt in one of these collisions, the self-driving car accident attorneys at Penney & Associates are here to help. Our multilingual, trial-tested lawyers bring more than 150 years of combined litigation experience and take pride in providing clear communication and compassionate support statewide.
HOW SELF-DRIVING CAR ACCIDENT CASES ARE EVALUATED
Self-driving crashes are assessed differently from typical accidents. As of Jan. 16, 2026, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has recorded 918 autonomous-vehicle collision reports. Systems like Tesla Autopilot/FSD require driver supervision, while Level 4 fleets from Waymo, Cruise, and Zoox operate without a human behind the wheel—an important distinction in evaluating responsibility.
The vehicle’s operating mode helps determine responsibility
Liability often depends on whether the vehicle was operating in autonomous mode, using a supervised driver-assist feature, or under manual control when the collision occurred.
The role of human oversight matters in system-driven crashes
Evaluating how the system responded—and whether a human driver was expected to intervene or supervise—helps clarify the roles of both the technology and the individual behind the wheel.
Digital records provide insight into system behavior
Automated vehicles produce system logs, sensor data, and camera footage, and these records can help explain how the crash unfolded and what decisions the vehicle made in the moments leading up to impact.
Agency reviews can inform, but not decide, civil liability
Agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the California Department of Motor Vehicles may review automated-vehicle collisions, but their findings do not determine civil responsibility.
California’s evolving av regulations influence case analysis
California’s rules for autonomous vehicles continue to evolve, and these standards can influence how system behavior is interpreted and how responsibility is assessed.
HOW OUR SELF-DRIVING CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS FIGHT FOR YOU
With more than 150 years of combined litigation experience, the attorneys at Penney & Associates are equipped to handle complex cases involving autonomous and driver-assist systems. Our multilingual team offers clear communication, compassionate guidance, and assertive legal advocacy throughout California.
What We Do for You
- Investigation
We review available records, witness statements, police reports, and any technical information provided by manufacturers or fleet operators. - Evidence preservation
Self-driving cases may involve time-sensitive digital information. We act promptly to request relevant records and ensure preservation through the legal process. - Liability analysis
We evaluate whether responsibility lies with a supervising driver, a manufacturer, a fleet operator, or another party based on how the system was operating. - Communication and support
We answer your questions clearly, keep you informed, and guide you through each step of the case. - Insurance guidance
Collisions involving autonomous systems may include multiple insurers. We help you navigate those communications and document your losses accurately. - Negotiation and trial experience
Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and seasoned trial lawyers prepared to pursue your case in court when needed.
FEATURED BLOGS
Read our blog posts below to learn more about this area of personal injury law, and how it affects your rights as an injury victim.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Sacramento: Legal Options and Deadlines
Self-Driving Car Accidents in California: Who Is Liable When There’s No Human Driver?
What to Do If You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver in California
YOU CAN AFFORD A SELF-DRIVING CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
Penney & Associates represents injured clients on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Autonomous-vehicle crashes may involve major corporations and complex liability questions. A trial-tested team ensures your rights are protected and your claim receives the attention it deserves.
WHO MAY BE HELD LIABLE FOR A SELF-DRIVING CAR CRASH?
Liability varies depending on how the vehicle was operating and what contributed to the crash.
Parties who may be responsible include:
- Human drivers supervising Level 2 systems
- Vehicle manufacturers and others
- Software or sensor developers
- Fleet operators managing autonomous robotaxis
- Maintenance providers
- Other drivers or road users involved in the collision
Each case requires careful analysis of how the system functioned and what the evidence shows.
WHAT YOU MAY BE COMPENSATED FOR
Compensation may include, for instance:
- Medical treatment and future care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Vehicle and property damage
- Long-term disability or mobility impacts
- Wrongful death damages where applicable
TYPES AND CAUSES OF THESE ACCIDENTS
Autonomous and driver-assist crashes happen in many ways, including:
Common accident scenarios:
- Driver inattention during supervised automation
- Sudden stopping or system disengagement
- Incorrect system response to hazards
- Sensor or camera malfunction
- Mapping or routing errors
- Miscommunication between autonomous and human-driven vehicles
- Complex traffic situations beyond system design limits
Primary causes include:
- Software or sensor failures
- Unexpected system behavior or disengagement
- Inadequate driver supervision during Level 2 operation
- Environmental conditions affecting sensor performance
- Maintenance or calibration issues
- Fleet-operator oversight problems
- Poor interaction between automated systems and human drivers
If you’ve been injured in a self-driving car accident, let us handle the complexities and fight for your rights.
FAQs — SELF-DRIVING CAR ACCIDENTS
Yes. Liability depends on how the vehicle was operating and which parties contributed to the collision.
The Penney & Associates® firm has offices in Sacramento, Roseville, Santa Clara, Chico, Rocklin and Irvine with satellite offices in Fairfield, Sunnyvale, San Francisco, San Diego and Southern California.