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Self-Driving Truck Crashes: Who's Liable in California?

Self-driving trucks are now testing on California highways. Learn who may be liable in a crash and what injured victims should do to protect their rights.

As autonomous trucks begin sharing California highways, the question of liability in a crash becomes more complex. Unlike conventional accidents, where fault might rest with a driver, carrier, loader, or mechanic, self-driving trucks introduce the safety driver and the technology company as potential defendants. This matters because injured victims may need to pursue multiple parties, and critical evidence—software and sensor logs—is controlled by the companies. Knowing your rights and acting quickly to preserve evidence is essential. The outcome of the Teamsters' lawsuit could also shape the regulatory landscape, but until then, California law still allows victims to seek compensation from every party that contributed to the crash. This news is a wake-up call for anyone sharing the road with autonomous big rigs.