California Law Could Limit Automaker Liability For Self Driving Car Crashes

More and more cars with self-driving capabilities will be hitting the road, but the question of who is liable when one of them crashes is still up in the air. California may be moving toward a solution that automakers and tech companies will like.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles is considering new regulations that would limit the liability of the companies that make self-driving cars, according to the Associated Press. The proposed rule changes are reportedly based on a General Motors recommendation that companies should be protected from lawsuits if a vehicle that isn't maintained to factory standards crashes.

Read Article

TomM - 11/16/2017 6:29:36 PM

+2 Boost

WHat if the lawsuit is based on an accident caused by a software problem - or malfunction? How about a part that is in process of - but not yet recalled. ANd what about an actual defect of some type.

I still see this to be the biggest hurdle for Manufacturers - the will likely have to monitor the vehicle all the time (AS Tesla does already) to be able to prove innocence in a crash. Still - self driving cars opens up the manufacturers to huge lawsuits - that laws likely will not be able to stop. THERE is always something that will throw a monkey wrench into the system.

IF a jury decides that a crash was caused by a defect in the software - and not the "owners" fault - that is going to be an insurance nightmare - with the owners company refusing to pay - because it was not their fault - and the law saying that Manufacturer is not responsible - there will be lots of crashes that will be in the middle with people needing medical care.

TheSteve - 11/16/2017 6:38:50 PM

+4 Boost

If the autonomous car takes control of driving my car, and the law holds me responsible or accountable for the outcome, then I would choose not to enter into that relationship. I'd choose to avoid that autonomous car.

MDarringer - 11/16/2017 9:50:57 PM

+1 Boost

Autonomous cars are not even remotely ready for prime time. Ultimately the owner is responsible because he bought the stupid thing in the first place. Liberals always want to shift responsibility.

SanJoseDriver - 11/19/2017 6:05:04 PM

+1 Boost

Did anyone actually read the article? The only change is that automakers are not liable if the car is not properly maintained. If you are using 6-year old bald tires that are not properly inflated, do you really expect the manufacturer to be held liable?

"If the California DMV goes ahead with GM's recommendation, companies could be shielded from liability in crashes caused by self-driving cars if, for example, the tires are under-inflated, or the oil hasn't been changed at the manufacturer-recommended interval."

Also it was GM that requested the change, and it makes sense. However, most people will not own an autonomous car, but rent them as needed... so even this won't really apply in the future. Liability will be on service providers like Waymo, Uber, Tesla, Ford, and other companies launching their self-driving car efforts. If you are "sharing" your car on a self-driving network it will obviously be very important to make sure it is properly maintained or you could be liable.