How Do Self-Driving Car Incidents Affect Personal Injury Claims?

 Posted on June 25, 2025 in Personal Injury

As self-driving technology becomes more common, questions about fault and liability in car crashes are becoming harder to answer. Some vehicles now include features that allow limited autonomous driving. Others are fully driverless in controlled areas. In Illinois and across the country, injuries caused by these vehicles are raising legal concerns. Injured victims may not know who to hold accountable.

If you are hurt in a crash involving a self-driving or semi-autonomous vehicle, a personal injury claim may be possible. Our knowledgeable Naperville, IL personal injury attorneys can investigate what went wrong and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

What Counts as a Self-Driving Car?

Not all vehicles with advanced technology are fully autonomous. Many newer cars include features like lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. These are often called semi-autonomous or driver-assist systems. A true self-driving car can operate without human control in some or all driving conditions.

Are Driverless Cars Legal in Illinois?

Several cities, including Chicago, have issued their own rules or pilot programs. However, Illinois does not yet have a statewide law that allows fully driverless vehicles to operate without a person in the driver's seat. The state does permit the use of semi-autonomous vehicles that require human supervision. According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, all vehicles must be operated with reasonable care, and a licensed driver must remain responsible for the vehicle's operation.

What Kinds of Failures Can Happen With Self-Driving Cars?

Self-driving vehicles rely on a complex system of sensors, cameras, software, and GPS technology to navigate safely. When any part of that system fails, it can lead to serious accidents. One common failure involves sensors that misread nearby vehicles, pedestrians, or road signs. If a sensor does not detect an obstacle or misjudges distance, the car may brake too late or change lanes at the wrong time.

Software errors, such as incorrect responses to driving conditions or miscommunication between the vehicle’s systems, are another risk.  A software bug can cause a vehicle to speed up unexpectedly, ignore a stop sign, or fail to slow for traffic. GPS and navigation problems may also cause the car to follow the wrong route or fail to recognize a hazard on the road.

Sometimes, several small failures work together to cause a crash. An expert investigation is often needed in cases involving self-driving cars.

Although self-driving technology is designed to improve safety, crashes still happen. Common accidents involving self-driving or semi-autonomous vehicles include rear-end collisions, side-swipes during lane changes, and accidents involving unexpected braking or failure to yield.

Who Could Be at Fault in an Autonomous Vehicle Crash?

Liability depends on the type of vehicle and the cause of the crash. If the car was semi-autonomous and the human driver failed to take control when required, that driver may still be responsible. If the vehicle was fully self-driving and no operator was involved, the case may focus on product liability.

Possible at-fault parties include the vehicle owner, the driver, the software developer, the car manufacturer, or even the company operating the car. In Illinois, more than one party can be held liable for injuries resulting from negligence.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident?

If you are injured by a self-driving vehicle, you may be able to recover damages for things like medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical needs, and diminished earning capacity. If the crash resulted in a fatality, eligible survivors may qualify to file a wrongful death claim. We know how to calculate your damages accurately.

Because these cases often involve new legal questions and corporate defendants, it is important to contact our office quickly. We can gather the technical evidence and expert opinions needed to support your case. Then, we will fight to protect your best interests.

Speak to Our Skilled Bloomingdale, IL Personal Injury Lawyers 

If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash involving a self-driving vehicle, do not wait to get legal help. Our dedicated Lombard, IL car accident attorneys can help determine who is at fault and pursue the maximum available compensation. Contact Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices online or by calling 630-932-9100 today to schedule a free consultation.