As driverless taxis become a reality, a key question arises: Who is accountable if you get injured in one? This question is no longer hypothetical, as federal regulators recently approved Zoox’s steering-wheel-free robotaxi for commercial use. Soon, in Las Vegas, you can pay to ride in a vehicle with no driver’s seat, no steering wheel, and eventually, no pedals. For some, this is a sign of progress, while others might see it as an experiment depending on their trust in technology.
Each generation witnesses transportation breakthroughs promising safer travel. Innovations like seat belts and airbags have saved lives, and autonomous vehicles have the potential to do the same. However, these advances also raise new questions about responsibility. The switch from human drivers to computers doesn’t eliminate the need for accountability.
Experience reveals that initial explanations after crashes are rarely complete. People make quick judgments, companies release statements, and news outlets report early findings. As evidence is gathered, the full story emerges. This pattern holds for autonomous vehicles too.
After typical collisions, investigators explore questions like who had the green light or if someone was speeding. With a robotaxi, the focus shifts. Did a sensor fail to detect a pedestrian? Did software misinterpret an obstacle? Was there an issue during a system update? Investigators delve into details beyond engineering to determine accountability.
Assuming the vehicle holds all answers is a mistake. Serious injury cases start with evidence, which needs preservation. This includes traditional materials like photographs and witness statements. However, autonomous vehicles introduce new elements like camera recordings, sensor data, and software logs. Collecting this information is crucial and requires prompt action to preserve it.
It’s important to understand that federal approval doesn’t guarantee safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approved Zoox’s vehicles, confirming they meet safety standards. But this doesn’t ensure flawless performance in all conditions. Regulators recognized this by requiring further crash reporting as these vehicles operate publicly.
Historically, major transportation advances taught real-world lessons that couldn’t be fully tested by engineers. This isn’t criticism but a natural part of innovation. Similarly, the legal system doesn’t evaluate tech excitement; it assesses whether reasonable care was exercised and if injuries were preventable. These legal principles remain unchanged despite the absence of a steering wheel.
Autonomous vehicles may soon be a common sight. If they reduce accidents caused by distracted drivers, everyone benefits. Yet, consumers should not equate innovation with immunity. Companies introducing new technology must ensure safety. And when incidents occur, passengers have the right to question, demand evidence, and seek accountability. Though the vehicle drives itself, responsibility remains with the company.
Billy Cooper, Esq., represents clients in personal injury cases, including vehicle accidents and complex liability cases. ©2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material cannot be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.