- What immediate steps should you take after a Los Angeles Waymo crash?
- When and how do you report a Waymo robotaxi crash in California?
- How do you file or obtain a Los Angeles police or CHP collision report?
- How do California autonomous vehicle rules affect your claim?
- Who can be liable in a Waymo or robotaxi collision?
- What insurance applies and what deadlines control your rights?
- What evidence helps prove fault in a driverless crash?
- How do you report a Waymo incident to protect your civil claim?
- How do settlements and damages work in California AV crash cases?
- Why does legal help matter after a Los Angeles robotaxi crash?
- How does GoSuits support Los Angeles AV crash clients?
- References and resources
What immediate steps should you take after a Los Angeles Waymo crash?
If you are involved in a Los Angeles Waymo crash, your health and safety are most important. Call 911 for urgent injuries and request police response. California law requires drivers to stop at the scene, exchange identifying and insurance information, and provide reasonable assistance if anyone is injured [4]. Even when a robotaxi is operating without a human driver, treat it as you would any vehicle at a crash scene by gathering the necessary identifiers and contact details.
To protect your rights in a civil claim, take these practical steps:
- Move to safety if the vehicle is in a travel lane or an unsafe location.
- Call 911 to request medical help and a police response, especially if there are injuries or disputes about what happened [3].
- Exchange information with all involved parties, including names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information or claim portals linked to the vehicle’s operator [4].
- Document the scene with photos and video of all vehicles, damage points, roadway layout, traffic control devices, skid marks, debris fields, and any visible injuries.
- Identify witnesses and politely ask for contact details. Independent witnesses often resolve liability disputes.
- Seek medical evaluation the same day whenever possible. Delays can undermine both your health and the credibility of any injury claim.
- Preserve ride data, trip receipts, and in-app messages. Take screenshots of route, timestamps, pickup and drop-off points, and any in-app incident reporting. These can be critical in an autonomous vehicle crash.
After immediate safety steps, begin planning your reporting obligations. California has strict timelines for police and DMV reporting that apply to robotaxi collisions as well as human-driven crashes [2] [3].
When and how do you report a Waymo robotaxi crash in California?
Yes, if there is any injury or death, and no officer takes a report at the scene, California requires the driver or their representative to submit a written report to the police department or CHP within 24 hours [3]. In practice, if LAPD or CHP responds and creates a Traffic Collision Report, that satisfies the requirement. If an officer does not respond and someone is injured, you must file that written report within 24 hours [3]. Additionally, all involved drivers have a statutory duty to stop and exchange information when a collision causes injury or death [4].
Do you have to file a DMV SR‑1 even in a driverless car crash?
Yes. California Vehicle Code section 16000 requires that a report be filed with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed or if property damage appears to exceed $1,000 [2]. This is typically done using the DMV’s SR‑1 form, which can be submitted by any involved driver, vehicle owner, or injured party [1]. This requirement applies regardless of fault and regardless of whether the vehicle was human-driven or operating in autonomous mode [2]. Keep a copy of your submission and any confirmation receipts.
What does the SR‑1 require and why does it matter?
The SR‑1 asks for basic crash facts, the parties involved, vehicle information, and insurance details. Even though it is a report, not a liability determination, it triggers DMV processes related to financial responsibility coverage and potential license or registration holds if coverage is lacking [1] [2]. Completing it accurately helps prevent administrative complications and shows prompt, good-faith compliance if your civil claim is later reviewed.
Does the robotaxi company have separate reporting duties?
Yes. Autonomous vehicle operators have distinct reporting obligations to California DMV and may also have federal reporting obligations to NHTSA. California DMV requires operators to submit autonomous vehicle collision reports, which are publicly posted [7]. NHTSA’s Standing General Order requires certain crash notifications for ADS and Level 2 systems within hours or days, depending on severity and criteria [9]. These company filings are separate from your personal DMV and police reporting duties.
How do you file or obtain a Los Angeles police or CHP collision report?
For crashes investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, collision reports are typically available through LAPD’s records process. You can request a copy online or by mail, subject to eligibility and fees [5]. Have the report number, date, time, location, and the names of involved parties ready when you request it. If you do not have the report number, a records technician may locate it based on date and location details.
How do you request a CHP collision report if CHP investigated?
If the California Highway Patrol handled the scene, you can request the report via CHP offices using the CHP 190 request process, which requires sufficient identifying information and proof of involvement or interest [6]. The release of reports complies with California statutes and may have redactions for privacy.
What if multiple agencies responded?
In Los Angeles, more than one agency sometimes appears at the scene. The investigating agency of record will generate the official Traffic Collision Report. If you are unsure which agency took the lead, start with the responding unit’s insignia seen at the scene or call non-emergency lines for LAPD or CHP to confirm where the report was filed [5] [6].
How do California autonomous vehicle rules affect your claim?
Two agencies play major roles. The California DMV administers autonomous vehicle testing and deployment rules, including company collision reporting, program permits, and financial responsibility requirements for testing and deployment [7] [14]. The California Public Utilities Commission regulates autonomous vehicle passenger service permits, which authorize carrying passengers for fare in drivered or driverless modes [8]. These frameworks coexist with California tort law that governs civil liability for injuries.
Do AV company reports replace your own evidence?
No. DMV and NHTSA filings serve regulatory purposes and may be useful, but they are not substitutes for your own documentation. Preserve photos, witness contacts, medical records, and ride details. Your attorney can also send a preservation letter for vehicle logs, sensor data, and video retained by the operator, which may be critical to establishing fault [7] [9].
Does a robotaxi change the basic rules of negligence?
No. California civil claims still hinge on negligence, causation, and damages. California follows pure comparative negligence, which allocates fault among all responsible actors so that a plaintiff’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault but is not barred solely because they share some responsibility [13]. The presence of autonomous technology does not remove the need to prove duty, breach, causation, and damages under standard negligence principles [15].
Who can be liable in a Waymo or robotaxi collision?
A robotaxi operator may be liable under negligence if the vehicle’s operation failed to meet reasonable safety standards, or under theories related to maintenance, monitoring, or training of remote support personnel. Evidence may include vehicle logs, sensor data, route planning, and compliance with operational design domain constraints. Regulatory compliance is relevant but not dispositive of civil liability [7] [8].
Could human road users be at fault even if you were riding in a Waymo?
Yes. Many robotaxi collisions are caused by other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians who violate traffic laws. California’s comparative negligence regime allows a claim against any negligent party, including human drivers who ran a red light, made an unsafe left turn, or rear-ended the robotaxi [13].
Could a public entity be liable for dangerous road conditions?
Possibly. Claims alleging a dangerous condition of public property require meeting strict notice requirements and proving specific statutory elements. These claims must be presented to the public entity, usually within six months, before filing a lawsuit [12]. Counsel can assess whether roadway design, signal timing, or signage played a role.
Is product liability relevant in robotaxi crashes?
It can be, particularly if there is evidence of a component or system defect. That could involve sensors, braking systems, steering components, or the software stack. Product theories are complex and may require technical experts and discovery into design and validation processes. Early preservation of the vehicle and its data is crucial.
What insurance applies and what deadlines control your rights?
Autonomous vehicle testing and deployment programs require operators to demonstrate financial responsibility, such as insurance or surety, and the DMV has historically required minimum coverage for testing that is significantly higher than standard personal auto policies [14]. For passenger service, the CPUC regulates permits and may impose coverage and safety plan requirements as part of program participation [8]. If another human driver is at fault, their liability insurance is also in play.
What if damages exceed one policy’s limits?
Multiple layers may apply, including the operator’s coverage, a third-party driver’s liability policy, and possibly underinsured motorist coverage, depending on the rider’s own policy and circumstances. Coordination among carriers often influences settlement timing and valuation.
What time limits control claims after a Los Angeles rideshare accident involving a robotaxi?
- Police reporting: If injury or death and no officer took a report, written report to police or CHP within 24 hours [3].
- DMV SR‑1: File within 10 days for injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 [2] [1].
- Personal injury statute of limitations: Generally two years from the injury date [10].
- Property damage statute of limitations: Generally three years [11].
- Claims against public entities: Most must be presented within six months before filing suit [12].
Missing a deadline can seriously affect your rights. Prompt action helps preserve claims and evidence.
What evidence helps prove fault in a driverless crash?
- Scene photos and video showing lane positions, traffic controls, damage points, and conditions like glare or obstructions.
- Witness contacts for independent accounts of how the crash happened.
- Vehicle identifiers, including license plates and fleet IDs.
- Ride data, including in-app trip receipts, route maps, timestamps, and any incident reporting screens.
What official documents matter most in California AV collisions?
- LAPD or CHP collision report, which often includes diagramming and statements [5] [6].
- DMV SR‑1 confirmation, showing timely reporting [1].
- DMV AV collision report filed by the operator, which may contain narrative details and crash type information [7].
- NHTSA crash report submissions by the operator if applicable under the Standing General Order [9].
How do you get vehicle data from a robotaxi?
Operators maintain logs and sensor data. Your attorney can send a preservation letter early and request data in discovery. Regulatory reports may reference crash circumstances, but underlying data is typically obtained through civil discovery or agreements. Timely preservation demands reduce the risk of data loss [7] [9].
How do you report a Waymo incident to protect your civil claim?
Use this checklist to report a Los Angeles rideshare accident involving a robotaxi in California:
- Call 911 for any injury and request a police response. If an officer does not arrive, file a written report within 24 hours if there is injury or death [3].
- Exchange information with involved parties and document the vehicle and scene [4].
- File the DMV SR‑1 within 10 days for injury, death, or $1,000+ damage [1] [2].
- Notify insurers of the crash and request claim numbers. Keep your statements factual and concise.
- Request the police report from LAPD or CHP once available [5] [6].
- Preserve in-app data and screenshots. Save any emails or texts from the operator.
- Track medical care with consistent follow-ups and keep receipts and records.
- Consult counsel promptly about preservation letters for vehicle and sensor data and to address statutes of limitations [10] [11] [12].
Should you report through the app as well?
Yes, use any in-app incident tools to create a timestamped record and receive a claim or incident reference number. Keep your description neutral and factual. An app report does not replace your legal reporting duties to police and DMV [1] [3].
How do you avoid common mistakes?
- Do not delay the SR‑1 if you suspect $1,000+ damage or any injury. File within 10 days [2].
- Do not rely solely on company outreach. Request the official police report and preserve your own evidence [5] [6].
- Do not guess about injuries. Get evaluated promptly and follow treatment plans.
- Do not post about the crash on social media. Insurers and defense teams review public posts.
How do settlements and damages work in California AV crash cases?
California law allows injured people to claim economic and non-economic damages. Economic losses can include medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages can include pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. If a family member passed away, California wrongful death claim and survival claims have distinct rules, damages, and timelines, and require careful evaluation of beneficiaries and estates [10] [11] [12].
How does comparative negligence change the outcome?
Under pure comparative negligence, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, if any. This system applies equally to collisions involving autonomous vehicles and human drivers. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover, with the final amount adjusted to reflect fault allocation [13].
How are settlements valued in a robotaxi case?
Valuation depends on liability clarity, degree of injury, medical documentation, permanency of impairments, available coverage, and the quality of evidence including vehicle data. The presence of autonomous systems adds technical dimensions, but the core valuation principles remain similar to other motor vehicle cases. Regulatory reports and compliance records may be considered by insurers as part of risk assessment [7] [9].
Why does legal help matter after a Los Angeles robotaxi crash?
- Preserve and obtain data through targeted spoliation letters and discovery requests focused on vehicle logs, video, and sensor outputs.
- Navigate agencies and deadlines for police reports, the DMV SR‑1, and potential public entity claims [1] [3] [12].
- Coordinate coverage among the operator’s policy, a third-party driver’s policy, and any available underinsured motorist coverage.
- Develop liability theories using California negligence law and, where appropriate, product liability or public entity claims [13] [12].
- Quantify damages and document medical losses and future care through organized records and evaluations.
Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can communicate with adjusters on your behalf, help you avoid statements that might be taken out of context, and prepare your claim for settlement or trial if needed.
If you prefer local support, Los Angeles car accident lawyers who understand LAPD and CHP procedures, as well as California’s AV reporting landscape, can engage quickly with the right agencies and carriers [5] [6] [7].
How does GoSuits support Los Angeles AV crash clients?
Robotaxi collisions are civil injury cases. A no cost consultation helps you understand reporting requirements like the DMV SR‑1, police report access, medical documentation, and strategies for preserving autonomous vehicle data in Los Angeles, CA. Our team focuses on helping injured people and families pursue compensation under California law while staying on top of evolving AV regulations [1] [7] [8].
We represent clients throughout California, including Los Angeles County and surrounding communities. GoSuits uses a technology-driven approach supported by exclusive proprietary software designed to accelerate document collection, medical record retrieval, and evidence analysis, aimed at faster, clearer decision points during your case.
How does GoSuits balance technology with personal attention?
Although we use advanced tools to expedite tasks, every client has a designated attorney from start to finish. We do not route clients through case managers. You have direct, consistent access to your lawyer for updates, strategy meetings, and trial preparation when needed.
What results and experience can clients review?
- Past results: See representative outcomes on our prior cases page.
- Attorney profiles: Learn about the trial backgrounds of our team at our attorneys.
- About the firm: Explore our mission and process at about us.
- Practice areas: Review the full list at practice areas, including motor vehicle collisions, rideshare and autonomous vehicle incidents, wrongful death, premises liability, and product liability.
What sets GoSuits apart in AV crash litigation?
- Exclusive proprietary software that streamlines timeline building, records analysis, and claim valuation to help position cases more quickly and clearly.
- Leadership in innovation with workflows built for autonomous vehicle evidence, including sensor data, incident logs, and regulatory report tracking.
- Designated-trial counsel model so each case is trial ready, which can strengthen negotiation and courtroom outcomes.
- 30 years of combined experience across personal injury, motor vehicle, and complex tort matters in California courts.
We welcome a conversation about your situation. Speaking with personal injury lawyers early can help you meet deadlines and protect critical evidence. Our prior cases illustrate how thorough preparation and trial focus can benefit clients, and our our attorneys page outlines credentials and roles within our litigation teams.
References and resources
- SR‑1 Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California – California DMV
- Vehicle Code §16000, Accident reporting to DMV – California Legislative Information
- Vehicle Code §20008, Written report to police or CHP within 24 hours – California Legislative Information
- Vehicle Code §20001, Duty to stop in injury or death – California Legislative Information
- Traffic Collision Reports – Los Angeles Police Department
- Collision Reporting and Requesting Reports – California Highway Patrol
- Autonomous Vehicle Collision Reports – California DMV
- Autonomous Vehicles Passenger Service Permits – California Public Utilities Commission
- Standing General Order on Crash Reporting for ADS and Level 2 – NHTSA
- Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, Personal injury two-year limitation – California Legislative Information
- Code of Civil Procedure §338, Three-year limitation for property damage – California Legislative Information
- Government Code §911.2, Claims against public entities within six months – California Legislative Information
- Li v. Yellow Cab Co. of California, 13 Cal.3d 804 – CourtListener
- Autonomous Vehicle Testing Permit and Financial Responsibility – California DMV
- Negligence overview – Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
