Driverless cars have officially arrived in Atlanta. In June 2025, Waymo launched its all-electric, fully autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles across nearly 65 square miles of the city. Service is growing quickly, and for many Atlantans, spotting a Waymo robotaxi is becoming a daily occurrence.
Waymo emphasizes safety, noting driverless taxis have logged more than 71 million autonomous miles. According to the company’s crash data, Waymo’s driverless vehicles have caused 88% fewer injury-causing crashes than human-driven vehicles. Waymo’s Safety webpage also states autonomous vehicles lead to 79% fewer airbag deployments and 81% fewer cyclist crashes with injuries.
No automated driving system is perfect. As more self-driving cars fill Atlanta’s crowded public roads and freeways, accidents are bound to happen.
So, what should you do if you’re in an accident involving a Waymo vehicle? Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Make Safety the First Priority
If you’re a passenger in a Waymo self-driving car or driving your own vehicle and are involved in a Waymo crash, your health and safety should always come first. Check yourself, passengers, and others at the scene for serious injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt—even if the injuries seem minor. Emergency responders will provide medical care and create an official accident report, which becomes vital evidence later.
Step 2: Document Everything You Can
Accidents involving autonomous vehicles are unique because liability questions often get complicated. This challenge makes gathering details even more important, so make sure to:
- Take wide and close-up photos of vehicle damage, the street or intersection, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Note the time, weather conditions, and traffic patterns.
- Make note if Waymo was operating with no driver inside. If a human safety driver was present, record their name and contact info.
- Collect witness names and phone numbers.
The more detail you collect, the stronger your case will be when it’s time to determine responsibility.
Step 3: File a Police Report
In Georgia, vehicle crashes involving injuries, significant property damage, and fatalities must be reported to the police. Even if it’s a minor accident, filing a crash report is critical. This document creates an official record of what happened and is a crucial piece of evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action later.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company (But Be Careful)
Let your insurer know about the accident, but be cautious about giving recorded statements or signing anything right away. Insurance companies—including those representing large corporations like Waymo and Uber—are focused on limiting payouts. A quick settlement offer may not cover the full scope of your losses.
Step 5: Understanding the Liability Puzzle
This is where accidents involving autonomous vehicles become especially complex. In a typical car crash, liability usually falls on one or more human drivers. But in a Waymo accident, potential responsibility could extend to:
- Waymo’s autonomous driving system
- A human safety Waymo driver, if one were present
- Uber, since Waymo cars operate through Uber’s platform in Atlanta
- Other drivers or third parties, depending on the circumstances
Sorting through these possibilities requires technical knowledge and legal expertise. Don’t assume that just because a robotaxi was involved, Waymo will automatically accept responsibility.
Step 6: Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a Waymo vehicle, talking to a personal injury attorney is one of the most important steps you can take. These cases are new, complex, and often involve large corporate legal teams. A lawyer can:
- Investigate the cause of the crash
- Determine liability among multiple potential parties
- Handle negotiations with insurers
- Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
The bottom line? Don’t try to navigate this alone.
Why This Matters in Atlanta
Waymo is a relatively new presence on Atlanta’s roadways, which means local courts, insurers, and even law enforcement are only beginning to handle cases involving fully autonomous cars. This makes it even more important to protect yourself. If you’re injured, you deserve fair compensation—regardless of whether the at-fault “driver” was a person or a piece of software.
Summary
Being in any car accident is stressful. Add the novelty of a self-driving vehicle, and the situation can feel overwhelming. But the steps after a Waymo accident are much the same as any other car accident: focus on safety, document the scene, file a report, and get legal help.
Waymo may call safety its guiding star—and the company’s numbers show promise—but accidents still happen. And when they do, it’s crucial to know and understand your rights.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Waymo-related accident in Atlanta, don’t face the uncertainty alone. If you need help, contact the car accident lawyers at Litner + Deganian for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your options, stand up to insurers, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
