A recent incident in Atlanta has brought attention to a new kind of car accident—one where no driver is behind the wheel. In early January 2026, a local woman was hit by a Waymo autonomous vehicle, part of a growing fleet of driverless cars operating in metro Atlanta.
While she did not suffer serious injuries, her experience quickly gained attention online and raised important questions about what happens when self-driving cars are involved in a crash.
This type of situation may be new, but the consequences are very real. As autonomous vehicles continue to expand across Georgia, drivers should understand how these crashes are handled and when it may be necessary to speak with an Atlanta car accident lawyer about their rights.
What Happened in the Waymo Crash?
According to the driver, she was hit by a Waymo vehicle while on the road in Atlanta. When a police officer arrived at the scene, he reportedly spent nearly 30 minutes trying to determine how to handle the situation. With no driver to speak with, no license to check, and no one to exchange insurance with, the usual steps following a crash were not possible.
The officer contacted Waymo support and eventually filed a report, but the delay and confusion made one thing clear: Georgia’s legal and traffic systems are still adjusting to the realities of autonomous vehicles.
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Are Self-Driving Cars Liable for Accidents?
If you were injured in a crash with a self-driving vehicle in Georgia, you may still be able to pursue compensation. While the technology is new, the legal standard of negligence still applies. Companies like Waymo are required to carry commercial insurance, and they may be held responsible if their vehicles cause harm.
In Georgia, fault is determined based on the actions that led to the crash. If the autonomous vehicle failed to stop, changed lanes unsafely, or did not react properly to a hazard, the company operating the car may be liable for any resulting injuries or property damage.
Victims of these types of accidents may be entitled to recover:
- Emergency medical costs and follow-up treatment
- Lost income due to time away from work
- Pain and suffering from physical or emotional trauma
- Vehicle repair or replacement expenses
How Insurance Companies May Respond
Insurance carriers involved in crashes with self-driving vehicles may take a different approach than in typical car accidents. Instead of dealing with an individual driver, claims adjusters must often go through corporate representatives. This can lead to added delays, limited transparency, and a greater focus on minimizing payouts.
Companies operating autonomous vehicles may attempt to argue that the system functioned as intended, shifting blame to the human driver or the environment. In these cases, securing fair compensation often requires a thorough investigation and timely legal intervention.
That’s why it’s important to document everything at the scene and consult with an attorney who has experience handling technology-related crashes.
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Georgia Law Still Applies to Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles must obey the same rules as any other motorist on Georgia roads. That includes stopping at red lights, yielding where required, and maintaining a safe following distance. Even if the vehicle is fully automated, the responsibility for safe operation still exists, and that responsibility falls on the company, not the passenger or the software alone.
Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, a party who is 50% or more at fault for a crash can be held liable. This applies even when the party is a company operating self-driving vehicles through commercial fleets.
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What to Do After a Crash With a Self-Driving Car
If you are involved in an accident with an autonomous vehicle in Atlanta, take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Get medical attention, even for minor injuries.
- Photograph the scene, including the autonomous vehicle and any damage.
- Look for identifying information — license plate, company logo, or vehicle ID.
- Request a copy of the police report when it becomes available.
- Contact an experienced attorney to evaluate your case.
The sooner you take action, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence and holding the responsible party accountable.
To learn more about legal options after a vehicle crash, contact our Atlanta car accident lawyers.
Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer After a Waymo Accident
If you or someone you care about has been involved in a crash with a self-driving vehicle, it’s important to work with a legal team that understands how emerging technologies interact with personal injury law. The attorneys at Bader Law Injury Lawyers have decades of combined experience helping injured clients across Georgia recover the compensation they deserve.
We provide highly personalized legal services with a client-first approach, offering both English and Spanish support. Whether your case involves a traditional vehicle or a driverless car, we are prepared to investigate, build your claim, and deal directly with insurers and corporate entities on your behalf.
Do not wait to get the help you need. Contact Bader Law Injury Lawyers today to schedule your free consultation with an Atlanta car accident attorney.
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