Published by If you or a loved one were injured in an accident involving a Waymo driverless taxi—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver—you may be entitled to seek compensation through a personal injury or product liability lawsuit.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are committed to representing individuals harmed by autonomous vehicle technology. Our experienced legal team is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
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Waymo Recall Lawsuit Overview
The Waymo lawsuit centers around personal injury claims resulting from accidents involving Waymo’s self-driving taxis. Victims allege that Waymo’s autonomous vehicles malfunctioned, failed to recognize hazards, or made unsafe maneuvers, causing injury. These lawsuits may involve:
- Failure of the autonomous system to stop for pedestrians or cyclists
- Unexpected vehicle movements or braking
- Sensor and software failures in detecting construction zones or other vehicles
Reports have emerged of injuries to both passengers and non-passengers, including other drivers and road workers. As of mid-2025, regulatory authorities are actively reviewing safety concerns related to autonomous vehicles.
Latest Waymo Lawsuit Updates
June 2025 – A lawsuit was filed in San Francisco by a bicyclist injured in a collision with a Waymo vehicle that allegedly failed to yield. The complaint claims the car’s software failed to detect the cyclist during a right turn.
May 2025 – A Waymo taxi struck a construction worker in Phoenix, Arizona. A personal injury lawsuit followed, alleging the vehicle failed to detect barriers and warning signs in a low-visibility construction zone.
April 2025 – A pedestrian filed suit after being sideswiped by a driverless Waymo vehicle in Los Angeles. The case alleges negligence in the vehicle’s spatial recognition technology.
February 2025 – Multiple claims were filed following a multi-vehicle pile-up involving a Waymo taxi that allegedly braked suddenly without cause on a busy freeway. Several drivers and passengers reported whiplash and soft tissue injuries.
January 2025 – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating a series of accidents involving Waymo vehicles in California and Arizona following growing concerns over system reliability.
Waymo Lawsuit Statistics
- Over 1 million autonomous rides have been completed by Waymo across several U.S. cities.
- Dozens of accidents involving Waymo vehicles have been reported, with a growing number resulting in injury claims.
- As of 2025, more than 30 lawsuits have been filed against Waymo or its parent company Alphabet Inc. related to self-driving incidents.
- The average projected medical cost per injury claim involving autonomous vehicles is estimated at $18,000–$70,000, depending on severity.
Government Reports and Findings
The NHTSA and other transportation authorities have documented multiple safety incidents involving autonomous vehicles. Reports indicate that:
- System failures in object detection and avoidance were the most common issue.
- Accidents occurred more frequently in complex environments such as intersections and construction zones.
- Some incidents involved Waymo vehicles failing to follow human-driven vehicle etiquette, leading to confusion and crashes.
Federal agencies continue to monitor the safety records of autonomous vehicles, and updates to regulatory guidelines are expected soon.
Waymo Injuries
Accidents involving autonomous vehicles can result in a range of injuries, including but not limited to:
- Head and brain injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or skull fractures from sudden impact
- Neck and spine trauma: Whiplash, herniated discs, or spinal cord injuries leading to long-term disability
- Fractures and soft tissue injuries: Broken bones, muscle strains, or ligament damage
Victims may suffer both physical and emotional trauma, especially in cases involving children or fatal outcomes.
Do You Qualify for a Waymo Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if:
- You were injured in an accident involving a Waymo driverless vehicle
- You were a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or occupant of another vehicle
- Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
- You can provide evidence linking your injuries to the Waymo vehicle incident
Evidence Required for a Waymo Lawsuit
- Medical records (ER visits, physician notes, imaging results)
- Photos or videos of the scene or injuries
- Accident reports or police documentation
- Witness statements or Waymo ride logs
- Receipts or statements proving loss of income or expenses
Damages You Can Recover
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation
- Lost wages: Time off work and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or systemic failure
Settlement amounts vary but may range from $20,000 to over $1 million based on injury severity and liability.
Waymo Recall or Regulatory Actions
As of June 2025, there has been no formal recall of Waymo vehicles. However, the NHTSA and local governments in California and Arizona are actively reviewing safety data. Waymo has acknowledged isolated software glitches and issued internal updates, but no mass deactivation or halt of operations has occurred.
Statute of Limitations for Waymo Lawsuits
Legal deadlines vary by state. In most jurisdictions, personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the incident date. Some states may allow for more or less time.
Don’t delay—missing the deadline may forfeit your right to compensation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a Waymo lawsuit?
You can file a claim by contacting a personal injury attorney experienced in autonomous vehicle cases. Your attorney will help gather evidence and handle filings.
Who is liable if a Waymo car causes an accident?
Liability may rest with Waymo, its parent company (Alphabet), the vehicle’s manufacturer, or software developers depending on the cause of the failure.
Can passengers sue if injured in a Waymo car?
Yes, passengers have the same rights to file a claim as any injured party in a traditional car accident.
How long does a lawsuit take?
Cases can take several months to a few years depending on complexity, injury severity, and whether a settlement is reached or trial is necessary.
What compensation can I expect?
Damages depend on the case. Compensation typically includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Has Waymo admitted fault in any cases?
As of now, Waymo has not publicly accepted liability for specific accidents, though lawsuits and investigations continue.
Can I still sue if I was partially at fault?
Yes, depending on your state’s comparative negligence laws, you may still recover damages even if you were partially responsible.
Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. These are complex cases involving advanced technology and corporate defendants. Legal representation maximizes your chances of success.
References
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/technology-innovation/automated-vehicles-safety
- https://www.reuters.com/technology/waymo-self-driving-cars-2023-incident-reports-2023-11-14/
- https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/15/tech/waymo-driverless-car-accident/index.html
- https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/waymo-crash-pedestrian-injury-phoenix-rcna133142
- https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/08/technology/self-driving-cars-accidents-waymo.html
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/crash-data-systems
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/01/10/waymo-lawsuit-crash/