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Houston Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer
Self-driving cars and electric vehicles are reshaping transportation in Houstonโbut with innovation comes new risks. When autonomous systems fail, crashes can happen instantly, especially on busy roads like I-69/US 59, US 290, I-610, and SH 288. These collisions often leave victims with serious injuries and complicated questions: Was it driver error or a software malfunction? Who is liable when the technology fails?
At Mokaram Injury Lawyers, we focus on cutting through that complexity. Self-driving car accidents are not like typical crashesโthey may involve automakers, tech companies, or rideshare platforms, not just individual drivers. If youโve been hurt in a collision involving an autonomous or electric vehicle, our team knows how to investigate the technology and hold the responsible parties accountable. Weโre here to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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Years of Experience
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No Win, No Fee Guarantee
Understanding Self-Driving Car Laws in Texas
Self-driving cars operate under a mix of federal, state, and local regulations. In Texas, autonomous vehicles are legalโeven without a human driverโso long as they meet safety and insurance standards. Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Cruise can operate their vehicles if they comply with traffic laws and have systems in place to handle accidents.
However, these laws are still evolving, and legal responsibility is not always straightforward. If an autonomous vehicle crashes due to a system failure, the manufacturer might be liable. If a human operator overrides the system and causes the wreck, the driver may be at fault. Navigating these legal gray areas requires the help of a Houston autonomous car accident lawyer whoโs familiar with both new technologies and traditional personal injury law.
How Do Self-Driving Cars Work?
Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles (AVs), utilize a combination of hardware and software to navigate roads without human intervention. Key components include:
- Sensors: Lidar, radar, and cameras detect the vehicle's surroundings.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Processes data from sensors to make driving decisions.
- Actuators: Control acceleration, braking, and steering based on AI decisions.
These systems work together to interpret the environment, predict the actions of other road users, and navigate safely.
Are Self-Driving Cars Safe?
While self-driving vehicles aim to reduce human error, they are far from foolproof. In fact, crashes involving autonomous or semi-autonomous cars are becoming more common. Some incidents are caused by software failures, others by human drivers who rely too heavily on automation and donโt intervene in time.
Autonomous systems can misinterpret traffic signals, fail to recognize pedestrians, or hesitate in complex situations. In a city like Houstonโespecially along busy stretches like I-10 near downtown, I-45 through Midtown and the Medical Center, or the Beltway 8 corridorโthese risks are even higher. Frequent lane changes, high-speed traffic, and sudden congestion can challenge even the most advanced self-driving systems. Victims of these crashes often face uphill battles when dealing with tech companies and insurance providersโmaking legal representation a must.
How Self-Driving Car Accidents Happen
Accidents involving self-driving cars can result from a range of factors tied to technology, human oversight, and real-world driving conditions. While autonomous vehicles are designed to reduce collisions, they are still involved in serious accidents under the following circumstances:
- Sensor failures, where the system misreads traffic, lane markings, or nearby obstacles
- Software glitches that lead to poor decisions, like braking too late or misjudging vehicle speed
- Human error, especially in semi-autonomous vehicles where drivers rely too heavily on automation and fail to intervene
- External factors like poor weather, construction zones, or road hazards that confuse or overwhelm the AV system
Common accident types in these scenarios include:
- Rear-end collisions when the vehicle misjudges stopping distance or responds too slowly to traffic flow
- Intersection accidents caused by misinterpreting lights, stop signs, or pedestrian movement
- Head-on collisions due to failed lane detection or incorrect responses to oncoming traffic
- Sideswipe accidents during merging or lane changes, especially in dense traffic
- Pedestrian accidents when the system fails to detect someone crossing the road in time
- Multi-vehicle collisions triggered by poor AV decision-making or a mix of human and system error
- Crashes involving motorcycles or cyclists, often due to limited sensor accuracy or misclassification
- Hit-and-run incidents where a backup driver fails to take control or flees after a crash
- Accidents caused by faulty software, hardware, or design flaws in the vehicleโs autonomous system
Understanding the cause of an accident is crucial for determining liability and pursuing compensation.
Self-Driving Car Accident Statistics
Autonomous and electric vehicles are increasingly involved in roadway crashes. Since June 2021, companies have been required to report incidents to the NHTSA. From December 2024 to March 2025 alone, ADS-equipped vehicles were involved in over 300 reported crashesโ81 in December 2024, 78 in January 2025, 77 in February 2025, and 74 in March 2025.
Level 2 driver-assist vehicles, like Teslaโs Autopilot, saw even higher numbers, with 94 crashes in December 2024, 75 in February 2025, and 83 in March 2025.
As of May 20, 2025, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has received 817 autonomous vehicle collision reports. These rising numbers reflect the ongoing safety challenges tied to self-driving technologyโparticularly in busy urban areas like Houston.
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Injuries from Self-Driving Car Accidents
Accidents involving autonomous vehicles can lead to severe or life-changing injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated discs
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Amputations
- Soft tissue injuries like whiplash or torn ligaments
Recovering from these injuries typically involves prolonged medical treatment and ongoing care. If your crash was caused by a self-driving or electric vehicle, a Houston self-driving car accident attorney can help you seek full compensation.
What to Do After a Self-Driving Car Accident
If youโve been hit by a self-driving car or electric vehicle, take these steps immediately:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- See a doctor as soon as possibleโeven if you feel uninjured at the scene
- Capture clear photos of the accident scene, the damage to vehicles, and the road conditions
- Gather contact info from any witnesses
- Refrain from admitting fault or speculating about the cause
- Speak with a Houston self-driving car accident lawyer before talking to insurers
Quick action is key in preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights.
Who Is at Fault in a Self-Driving Car Accident?
Determining liability in self-driving car accidents can be complex:
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defect in the vehicle's design or manufacturing contributed to the accident.
- Software Developers: If a flaw in the autonomous system's programming led to the crash.
- Human Drivers: In semi-autonomous vehicles, if the driver failed to take control when necessary.
- Third Parties: Such as other drivers, pedestrians, or entities responsible for road maintenance.
A thorough investigation is essential to identify the responsible parties and pursue appropriate legal action.
Understanding Self-Driving Car Accident Compensation
If youโve been injured in a crash involving a self-driving vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
Unlike a standard car accident, autonomous vehicle claims often require more evidence, including black box data and system diagnostics. A Houston electric vehicle accident attorney can make sure nothing is overlooked.
Why Choose Mokaram Injury Lawyers After a Self-Driving Car Crash?
When a car drives itself, accountability becomes complicated. Thatโs why you need a legal team that knows how to go up against auto manufacturers, tech companies, and major insurers. At Mokaram Injury Lawyers, weโve spent years representing victims in high-stakes car and truck accidentsโand we bring that same tenacity to self-driving car injury claims.
We know how to collect evidence from onboard systems, preserve crash data, and build a case that stands up in court. From start to finish, our Houston autonomous car accident lawyers are here to advocate for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Talk to a Houston Self-Driving Car Accident Attorney Today
If youโve been injured in an accident involving a self-driving or electric vehicle, donโt wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Mokaram Injury Lawyers offers a free consultation to discuss your legal options and explain your rights. Weโll guide you through every stepโfrom filing a claim to negotiating with insurers or going to trial if necessary.
You donโt have to face this battle alone. Call us today to speak with a Houston self-driving car accident lawyer whoโs ready to fight for you.
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Meet Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Houston, TX
Our personal injury lawyers in Houston, TX are relentless in defending your rights. We stand up to insurance companies, ensuring you get every penny youโre entitled to. With a proven track record, we wonโt rest until you receive the full compensation you deserve.
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