What To Do If You’re in a Waymo Accident

If you’re in a Waymo accident, you may have the right to compensation. An attorney can protect your rights and build your case.

Ramji Law Group P.C. is a Houston car accident lawyer handling Waymo accidents and other collisions involving autonomous vehicles.

Our attorneys explain what to do if you’re in a Waymo accident.

Autonomous Vehicle Accidents – The Danger

Waymo says that its technology reduces motor vehicle collisions. Still, accidents happen, and injuries occur:

• April 20, 2026, a Waymo in San Antonio drove into a flooded creek and was swept away. In response, Waymo recalled 3,800 of its fleet, blaming a software glitch.
• April 10, 2026, a Waymo was in a two-vehicle crash in San Francisco. The driver fled, and the Waymo sustained damage.
• March 17, 2026, a Houston driver reported a Waymo traveling the wrong way, blocking several lanes of traffic.
• January 25, 2026, a Waymo struck parked cars on a residential street in Los Angeles.
• January 23, 2026, a Waymo hit a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California. The child had minor injuries.
• One neighborhood in Buckhead, Georgia reported autonomous vehicles circling a cul-de-sac for hours.
• In 2024, authorities issued a $500,000 fine to Cruise, for failing to report that one of its cars dragged someone after a pedestrian accident. Cruise blamed a software malfunction.

As a Passenger – What To Do If You’re in a Waymo Accident

If you’re a passenger in a Waymo, and an accident occurs:

1. Automatic notification. Waymo’s system should notify support personnel automatically.
2. Call 911. If you or anyone else may be injured, call 911 right away.
3. Short drive. Be aware that the vehicle may continue driving a short distance until it can safely stop.
4. Safety. Your safety comes first. Be aware of your surroundings as you exit the vehicle and navigate the accident scene.
5. Contact support. If you haven’t already made contact with Waymo representatives, use the in-car support screen or your phone app to contact Waymo.
6. Gather information. Document the accident by taking photos of both vehicles. Get the other driver’s vehicle, insurance and license information.

You may have a claim for compensation. To receive compensation, you must bring a claim against the party or parties responsible for an accident. An attorney for Waymo accidents can represent you.

Things to know:

• Crash assistance. Waymo has remote and on-site crash assistance. A Waymo representative will probably come to the accident scene. You should get crash details, too, but the vehicle itself and the investigation team will also preserve evidence.
• Accident reporting. Since a Waymo passenger isn’t considered an operator, you’re not legally required to stop at the scene and report the accident, like drivers have to in Texas. But it’s always a good idea to report the accident to police. Reporting documents the time and place of the accident and sends an uninvolved third party to the scene. It also helps anyone injured get timely medical care.
• Continuing your journey. If you don’t need medical attention, Waymo will probably send another vehicle so that you can continue to your destination.
• Medical coverage. In addition to other avenues for compensation, Waymo provides a small amount of medical payments coverage for injured riders. This coverage can pay medical bills, regardless of fault and regardless of other legal remedies.

Am I required to wait for the Waymo representative to arrive?

Waymo says no. They say that once you’ve talked to a representative, you can leave. But it’s important to take your time at the accident scene. Being in an accident can be stressful and upsetting. Give yourself time to fully assess injuries and gather information before continuing your journey.

In Another Vehicle, or a Pedestrian – What To Do If You’re Hit by a Waymo

If you’re a driver or passenger in another vehicle, or a pedestrian, involved in an accident with a Waymo:

1. Stop the vehicle safely.
2. Be aware. As you exit your vehicle and wait for help, be aware of your surroundings. Watch for moving traffic and other danger.
3. Call 911 or non-emergency law enforcement to report the accident.
4. Contact Waymo. If the Waymo passenger hasn’t already contacted Waymo representatives, call 1 (844) 263-9885 or use the support button on the in-car screen in the Waymo.
5. Medical attention. Arrange for medical care for anyone injured.
6. Gather information. Get contact information for everyone involved and witnesses. Take photos of both vehicles. Observe the scene around you including weather, traffic and road conditions.

Notes:

• External speakers. Waymo vehicles have exterior speakers and microphones. They activate automatically when a collision occurs. Those involved, police and bystanders can communicate with Waymo representatives.
• Reporting form. In addition to calling, you can also contact Waymo about an accident through their online form.
• Waymo’s insurance certificates are available online. There are different ones for each state.
• You can reach Waymo by email at: [email protected].

Gathering evidence and building your case

Waymo vehicles operate by gathering information. In addition, Waymo support personnel assist after a crash – remotely, at the accident scene, or both.

Gather the information that you can but rest assured that a crash involving a Waymo will likely be well-documented. An attorney can help you gather additional evidence through an independent investigation.

Will the Waymo stop?

It should. A Waymo can detect when it has been in an accident. It will either stop right there, or it will move a short distance and stop.

Waymo in Houston, Texas

Waymo started as the Google Self-Driving Car project in 2009. In 2015, the first Waymo took to the streets of Austin, for a 10-minute journey with no driver, steering wheel or pedals. In 2025, service launched in Houston.

Today, in 2026, Waymo operates in 11 cities in the United States, including Houston. The company says they’re expanding to more cities, soon, including London and Tokyo.

The company is growing in Houston, too. As of May, 2026, they cover 50 square miles in the Houston area, including popular neighborhoods:

• Montrose
• The Heights, Woodland Heights, Houston Heights
• River Oaks
• Rice Military
• Downtown Houston
• Midtown
• First Ward
• Fourth Ward
• Upper Kirby

Waymo continues to expand the Houston service area. Recent additions include Texas Medical Center, East Downtown (EaDo) and NRG Stadium. They say the company provides more than 450,000 rides each week in the United States, as of late 2025.

The Goal – Traffic Safety and Public Access

Waymo says that its primary goal is to reduce traffic accidents. They say autonomous driving makes roads safer because human error is the leading cause of fatal traffic collisions. Plus, they say that autonomous vehicles can improve mobility for people who don’t drive.

The Technology – How autonomous vehicles work

Autonomous vehicles use technology, rather than human decision making and manual tasks, to operate. Vehicles use cameras, sensors, audio receivers and LIDAR to gather information. They detect vehicle movement, traffic signals, weather conditions and obstructions. They apply the information they gather to direct vehicle maneuvers.

When a person operates a vehicle, it’s the person who observes the area around them. The person decides how to maneuver the vehicle. They perform the manual operating tasks. An autonomous vehicle handles perception, judgment and manual operation, removing the person from the process.

Classifications of autonomous vehicles

Vehicles are classified as Level 0-5, by the level of vehicle automation.

Level 0 – There may be momentary driver assistance, but no automation.

Level 1 – Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance can help the responsible driver.

Level 2 – More driver assistance than Level 1, including highway pilot, which allows for highway driving, at a consistent speed, without hands on the wheel.

Level 3 – The vehicle does all driving tasks, with a driver ready to take over.

Level 4 – The vehicle can operate without an engaged, ready driver.

Level 5 – Vehicle occupants are passengers. Driving tasks automated under all conditions.

Today, vehicles Level 0-2 are available for consumer purchase. But Waymo autonomous robotaxis are available as a ride hailing service. Other companies like Tesla, Zoox and General Motors are also developing autonomous vehicles.

Liability for Waymo Accidents

The rule in Houston, and throughout Texas, is that drivers are responsible for negligence. If someone causes an accident because they’re not paying attention, or because they exercise poor judgment, they’re liable to victims.

But what happens when there is no driver? Then what?

Can the autonomous vehicle company just blame a software glitch?

With no driver to blame, responsibility may fall to the vehicle manufacturer or operator. Vehicle companies have a legal duty to operate safe vehicles.

Autonomous vehicle companies may be liable for an accident because of:

• Design flaws. A design flaw may impact how a vehicle gathers information, how it makes driving decisions and how it executes driving maneuvers. A poor design may cause dangerous vehicle movement that results in a crash.
• Manufacturing defects. Errors in manufacturing may make a vehicle differ from its intended design. A manufacturing defect may affect a single vehicle or many vehicles.
• Inadequate maintenance of a vehicle may result in malfunction.
• Cyber-attack. Inadequate security may result in interference.
• Software malfunction. A software glitch can prevent a vehicle from operating as intended. Software may stop functioning, or it may function incorrectly.
• Inadequate instructions. A passenger may not have sufficient information to embark, ride and disembark safely from a vehicle.

In addition to autonomous vehicle companies, other parties may be responsible for a Waymo crash. Another driver may act negligently. Another vehicle may be defective. The government may be responsible for road conditions or dangerous traffic flow.

An attorney for Waymo accidents can help you determine liability.

Texas laws about autonomous vehicles

Texas Transp. Code Chapter 545(J) regulates autonomous vehicles in Texas.

• 545.455 says that autonomous vehicles are legal in Texas. They must:
• Have recording devices.
• Meet federal motor vehicle standards.
• Comply with traffic laws.
• Be registered.
• Carry minimum liability insurance or self-insurance.

The law makes the automated driving system the vehicle operator – not the passenger. Law enforcement can even cite an automated vehicle for a traffic violation. (§ 545.454.)

Autonomous vehicles and product liability

With driver negligence not a possibility, product liability may play a key role in autonomous vehicle accident fault. Texas law says that manufacturers have a legal duty to make safe products. Companies may be liable when products are unsafe.

To win a products liability claim, the injured person doesn’t have to prove that the autonomous vehicle company was negligent. But they must prove that the vehicle was defective. Defective manufacturing, design or consumer instructions may make a vehicle unsafe.

An autonomous vehicle liability claim may require significant investigation. You may rely on experts to explain the technology. Legal procedure may be especially important to gather data. There may be discovery disputes over company records.

A lawyer can build your case. In your claim, you may plead all applicable grounds for compensation.

How an Attorney Can Help After a Waymo Accident

Whether you’re a Waymo passenger, in another vehicle or a pedestrian, you may deserve compensation for a Waymo accident. Getting the compensation you deserve isn’t easy. An attorney can help you:

• Preserve evidence. Gather evidence quickly after an accident.
• Investigate insurance and sources of compensation.
• Conduct accident reconstruction.
• Investigate software and programming that may have contributed to the crash.
• Talk to witnesses and others involved.
• Determine the amount of the claim.
• Handle your claim for compensation.

Cases involving Waymo vehicles can be complex. The technology can be unfamiliar. Liability is evaluated differently from other car accident claims.

An experienced attorney can help you pursue your case and maximize your claim.

Attorneys for Waymo Accidents in Houston, Texas

Have you been hit by a Waymo? Are you wondering what to do after an accident involving a Waymo?

Ramji Law Group is an attorney for Waymo accident victims. We represent passengers, drivers and passengers in other vehicles, and pedestrians. We’re taking new cases now.

Call or message us for a consultation with our experienced attorneys, and get legal help today.