When No One Has to Drive: Navigating Liability in the Era of Driverless Vehicles

As Level 4 autonomous vehicles revolutionize transportation, the question of liability in accidents becomes increasingly complex. With no driver at the wheel, who is responsible for injuries or damages? From vehicle owners to manufacturers and software developers, the potential for shared liability raises intriguing legal challenges. A recent California case involving a bicyclist and a Waymo vehicle highlights these complexities, prompting a deeper examination of responsibility in the era of self-driving cars. Explore how emerging legislation, like Missouri’s proposed HB 1166, aims to navigate this uncharted territory and redefine our understanding of liability in autonomous transportation.