While autonomous vehicle technology promises to reduce human error, it is far from foolproof. Crashes can occur due to software glitches, faulty sensors, poor programming, inadequate road mapping, or even human oversight when a backup driver fails to intervene. In some cases, the car may misinterpret road signs, fail to detect pedestrians, or make dangerous lane changes.
Manufacturers and tech companies are constantly testing and updating their systems, but real-world driving presents unpredictable hazards—especially in busy areas like Atlanta’s interstates or Macon’s urban streets. When a company rushes technology to market without proper safety measures, it can lead to devastating accidents.
Georgia Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer
Here at McArthur Law Firm, we are committed to helping victims and families affected by self-driving car accidents throughout Georgia. When autonomous vehicle technology fails, the consequences can be life-changing. We make it our mission to seek justice, hold negligent companies accountable, and maximize your compensation.
Self-driving cars bring new challenges to personal injury law. Unlike traditional crashes, these cases often involve powerful corporations, complex software, and multiple layers of liability. Victims may face denied insurance claims, delayed settlements, and aggressive defense tactics from manufacturers and tech companies. That’s why you need a Georgia attorney who understands both state law and the evolving world of autonomous vehicles.
Our firm has experience handling complex accident claims in Atlanta, Macon, Warner Robins, and across Georgia. We work with cutting-edge experts to analyze vehicle data, software logs, and crash reconstruction reports to uncover the truth. Whether you were injured as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, we fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
McArthur Law Firm proudly serves Fulton County, Bibb County, Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and surrounding areas. For more information about how we can help with your self-driving car accident case, contact one of our Georgia offices or fill out our online contact form.
Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
Macon Office: 478-238-6600
Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
Overview of Self Driving Car Accidents in Georgia
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- Why Self-Driving Car Accidents Happen
- Types of Self-Driving Car Accidents in Georgia
- Types of Injuries Caused by Self-Driving Car Accidents
- Where Self-Driving Car Accidents Often Happen in Georgia
- Determining Liability for Self-Driving Car Accidents in Georgia
- Filing a Self-Driving Car Accident Claim in Georgia
- Questions Victims Ask About Self-Driving Car Accidents in Georgia
- Additional Resources
- Hire a Self Driving Car Accident Attorney in Georgia
Why Self-Driving Car Accidents Happen
Self-driving car crashes can occur for many reasons, including:
Sensor and Camera Failures — Autonomous vehicles rely on LiDAR, radar, and camera systems. A malfunction or miscalibration can cause the car to miss obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles.
Software Bugs and Algorithm Errors — The AI controlling self-driving cars must process massive amounts of data in real time. A coding flaw or decision-making error can lead to dangerous maneuvers.
Failure to Detect Pedestrians or Cyclists — Several high-profile crashes have occurred when AVs failed to recognize people in crosswalks or cyclists sharing the road.
Misinterpretation of Road Conditions — Self-driving systems can become confused by construction zones, unusual lane markings, or poor weather conditions.
Inadequate Human Oversight — Most AVs still require a human operator to monitor the system, but some crashes happen when drivers place too much trust in the technology and fail to intervene in time.
Types of Self-Driving Car Accidents in Georgia
Pedestrian and Cyclist Collisions – Self-driving cars rely on cameras, radar, and lidar sensors to detect people in their path. However, poor lighting, inclement weather, or sensor malfunction can cause these systems to fail. In urban areas like downtown Atlanta, a pedestrian stepping into a crosswalk or a cyclist riding alongside traffic may go undetected until it’s too late. These collisions often result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of physical protection for pedestrians and cyclists.
Rear-End Collisions – Autonomous vehicles are programmed to maintain a safe following distance, but software glitches, delayed braking responses, or sensor misreads can still cause them to slam into the vehicle ahead. A rear-end crash involving a self-driving car can happen when the system miscalculates stopping distance, particularly in heavy traffic or at high speeds on I-75 or I-285. Victims in the struck vehicle may suffer whiplash, head trauma, or worse.
Intersection Crashes – Self-driving cars must process complex traffic light patterns, signage, and the unpredictable behavior of human drivers. A coding error or mapping failure may cause the vehicle to misjudge when it’s safe to proceed through an intersection. These accidents often occur during left turns or red-light misinterpretations and can lead to high-speed side impacts, also known as “T-bone” collisions, which are particularly dangerous for occupants seated on the side of impact.
Lane-Change and Sideswipe Accidents – When autonomous systems rely on faulty or obstructed sensors, they may incorrectly assume a lane is clear, causing the vehicle to drift or merge into another car. These accidents are common on Georgia’s crowded highways, where even a slight miscalculation can push another vehicle into a guardrail or oncoming traffic.
Highway Speed Collisions – At high speeds, any autonomous driving error becomes more dangerous. Whether due to GPS mapping inaccuracies, failure to detect stalled vehicles, or misinterpretation of traffic flow, a split-second malfunction can cause a deadly chain-reaction crash. On busy stretches of I-16 or I-20, these collisions can involve multiple vehicles and significant property damage.
System Override Failures – Even when a human safety driver is present, there are situations where they cannot take control quickly enough to prevent a crash. If the vehicle resists or delays a manual override, an impending accident may become unavoidable. These scenarios raise serious concerns about liability and software safety protocols.
Types of Injuries Caused by Self-Driving Car Accidents
Self-driving car crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – A violent impact inside a self-driving car can cause the brain to strike the skull, leading to concussions, bleeding, or permanent neurological damage. Victims may experience memory loss, confusion, impaired coordination, or difficulty speaking. In severe cases, TBIs can result in lifelong disability, requiring constant care and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis – High-impact collisions can fracture vertebrae or sever the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Victims may lose sensation and movement in their limbs, forcing drastic life changes. Recovery can involve multiple surgeries, months of physical therapy, and expensive adaptive equipment.
Multiple Fractures and Broken Bones – The sudden, forceful nature of autonomous vehicle crashes can cause numerous bone breaks at once, including arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Compound fractures may require surgical plates or screws, and recovery can take months, leaving victims unable to work or perform daily tasks.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage – The blunt force of a crash can rupture organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys. These injuries are not always visible at first but can quickly become life-threatening without emergency surgery. Internal injuries often lead to extended hospital stays and permanent health complications.
Severe Burns from Battery Fires – Many self-driving cars are electric, and their high-voltage batteries can ignite during or after a crash. Fires caused by damaged lithium-ion cells burn at extreme temperatures, leading to deep, third-degree burns. Victims may face painful skin grafts, infections, and lasting disfigurement.
Facial Injuries and Disfigurement – Shattered glass, airbag deployment, or blunt force can cause facial fractures, deep lacerations, or tooth loss. In some cases, victims require reconstructive surgery, and visible scarring can have long-term emotional consequences.
Amputations and Crush Injuries – If the vehicle is struck at high speeds or rolls over, occupants may become trapped and sustain crush injuries to limbs. In severe cases, surgical amputation is necessary. These injuries bring lifelong physical and emotional challenges, as well as the need for prosthetics and therapy.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Survivors of self-driving car accidents often endure psychological trauma, including nightmares, panic attacks, and heightened anxiety when riding in vehicles again. PTSD can affect relationships, job performance, and quality of life long after physical wounds have healed.
Wrongful Death – Tragically, some self-driving car crashes result in fatalities. Families are left not only grieving their loss but also facing financial strain from funeral costs and lost income. These cases often lead to wrongful death claims against manufacturers, tech companies, or other negligent parties.
Where Self-Driving Car Accidents Often Happen in Georgia
While autonomous vehicles are still relatively new to Georgia roads, testing and deployment are expanding. High-risk areas include:
Downtown Atlanta — Heavy traffic, unpredictable pedestrians, and complex intersections create high accident potential.
Macon Urban Streets — Sudden stops, crosswalks, and lane changes can confuse AI driving systems.
Interstate 75 and Interstate 285 — High-speed traffic mixed with lane changes makes it harder for AI systems to adapt quickly.
Suburban Test Areas — Some companies test autonomous vehicles in quieter suburban roads where accidents can still occur due to unexpected hazards.
Determining Liability for Self-Driving Car Accidents in Georgia
Self-driving car accident cases are complex because liability may be shared between multiple parties:
Vehicle Manufacturer — If the design, software, or hardware was defective.
Technology Company — If the autonomous driving system failed due to faulty programming.
Human Backup Driver — If they failed to take control when the system malfunctioned.
Maintenance Providers — If a failure to properly maintain or update the vehicle contributed to the crash.
Other Drivers — If another vehicle’s actions directly caused the collision.
Georgia law requires proving negligence, which in these cases may involve reviewing technical data, software logs, and corporate safety records.
Filing a Self-Driving Car Accident Claim in Georgia
Pursuing compensation after a self-driving car accident can be far more complex than a standard auto collision case. These claims often involve multiple potential defendants, such as the vehicle’s manufacturer, the autonomous driving software company, a human safety driver, or even third-party maintenance providers. Georgia law allows injured victims to seek damages when negligence, defective products, or unsafe design causes an accident.
Basic Requirements for a Claim:
- A negligent party – This could be a human driver overseeing the vehicle, a company responsible for maintaining the vehicle, or the manufacturer of the self-driving system.
- A duty of care – The responsible party had a legal obligation to operate and maintain the vehicle in a safe manner.
- Breach of duty – An action (or failure to act) that fell below the standard of care, such as a programming flaw, sensor failure, or ignored safety protocols.
- Actual damages – Physical injuries, emotional distress, property damage, lost wages, or wrongful death caused by the accident.
Steps Involved in Filing a Claim:
- Preserve Evidence Immediately – Gather photos and videos from the crash scene, medical reports, witness statements, police records, and, most importantly, vehicle data logs from the self-driving system. This “black box” style data can be critical in proving fault.
- Send Preservation of Evidence Letters – Your attorney can send formal letters to the manufacturer and other parties to ensure vital digital evidence, including software records and sensor data, is not deleted or overwritten.
- Determine Liability – Investigate whether the accident was caused by human error, software malfunction, mechanical failure, poor maintenance, or a combination of factors.
- File the Claim – A lawsuit can be filed in Georgia state court or federal court, depending on the circumstances. Claims must typically be filed within two years of the accident under Georgia’s personal injury statute of limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
- Consider Product Liability Claims – If a defect in the autonomous system caused the crash, you may have a separate product liability case under Georgia law, which could involve different legal deadlines and requirements.
- Pursue Wrongful Death Damages – If the crash resulted in a fatality, surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the value of the deceased’s life under Georgia’s wrongful death statutes.
Given the technical nature of autonomous vehicle cases, it’s critical to work with a Georgia personal injury attorney who understands both product liability law and the evolving regulations around self-driving technology. These cases require not just legal skill, but also collaboration with accident reconstruction experts, software engineers, and automotive safety specialists.
Questions Victims Ask About Self-Driving Car Accidents in Georgia
Who can be held responsible for a self-driving car crash?
Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on the vehicle manufacturer, software developer, human safety driver, or another driver on the road.
Do these cases take longer than regular car accident claims?
Yes. Because they often require expert analysis of vehicle software, engineering design, and corporate safety practices, these cases can be more time-consuming.
What if the self-driving car was in testing mode?
Even during testing, companies and safety drivers have a legal duty to operate safely. Victims can still pursue claims for injuries and damages.
Is there a statute of limitations for filing?
In Georgia, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident, though exceptions may apply.
Additional Resources
NHTSA Autonomous Vehicle Safety Information — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s official page on autonomous vehicle regulations, testing guidelines, and safety concerns.
Tesla ordered by Florida jury to pay $243 million in fatal Autopilot crash – Read about an example of a self driving car accident where the manufacturer was held liable.
Hire a Self Driving Car Accident Attorney in Georgia
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a self driving car accident, you may have a claim under federal or state law. We can help you navigate this complex legal landscape, seek compensation, and pursue real accountability.
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
Macon Office: 478-238-6600
Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
