The United States is in a fascinating stage of self-driving car development. Autonomous vehicles once felt futuristic and far away, yet they’re already sharing our roads—and now they’ve officially arrived on Atlanta streets.
Major players like Waymo and Tesla are pushing the boundaries of technology. But when an autonomous vehicle is involved in a crash, who’s responsible? The answer isn’t simple—and for drivers and pedestrians in Roswell, Alpharetta, and across North Fulton and Metro Atlanta, it’s becoming more important to understand.
Waymo’s Self-Driving Cars Are Now Operating in Atlanta
In mid-2025, Waymo, in partnership with Uber, launched its fully driverless ride-hailing service in Atlanta. The rollout covers a 65-square-mile area, including Downtown, Buckhead, and several nearby neighborhoods. Riders can request an UberX or Uber Comfort trip and, if available, be matched with a fully autonomous Jaguar I-PACE—no driver, no steering wheel, no pedals.
For now, these self-driving vehicles are limited to surface streets and avoid highways and airport zones. Still, this marks a major step in bringing commercial autonomous vehicles to Metro Atlanta.
Waymo’s entry has also highlighted the benefits and growing pains of self-driving cars. Some riders report smooth, quiet trips; others have posted videos of Waymo cars hesitating or stopping awkwardly at intersections. Those moments raise the key question: when an autonomous system makes a mistake, who pays for the consequences?
Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” Still Requires Human Attention
While Waymo vehicles operate without a human driver, Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features still depend on the driver’s oversight. Tesla markets FSD as an advanced driver-assistance system that can steer, accelerate, and brake automatically. But even Tesla’s website cautions:
“While using Autopilot, it is your responsibility to stay alert, keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times, and maintain control of your car.”
That statement underscores the complexity of these technologies. Despite the “self-driving” label, Tesla’s system does not yet make the car fully autonomous. The driver remains legally responsible for monitoring the road and intervening when needed. As new features roll out and drivers grow more comfortable relying on automation, the potential for confusion—and crashes—can increase.
Who’s Responsible After a Self-Driving Car Crash?
Liability for an autonomous-vehicle crash is determined case by case—and responsibility is often shared. Consider:
- Software or sensor malfunction that misinterprets an object or delays braking
- Human behavior—a driver or pedestrian acting unpredictably or unlawfully
- Manufacturer or operator decisions, such as disabling safety systems or failing to update software
Each of those elements can affect who is at fault.
A well-known example occurred in 2018 when a self-driving Uber vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona. The system failed to correctly identify the person crossing the road, while the back-up driver—who was supposed to intervene—was distracted by her phone. Uber had also disabled the car’s automatic emergency braking system.
That tragedy highlighted the shared nature of liability in autonomous vehicle crashes: a mix of human negligence, product design flaws, and software failure.
New Layers of Liability with Waymo and Tesla on Atlanta Roads
Now with Waymo operating across Metro Atlanta and more Teslas using Autopilot in Georgia, local drivers should understand how these claims may unfold:
- Product Liability: If an autonomous system malfunctions or misreads a hazard, the manufacturer (e.g., Waymo or Tesla) may be responsible.
- Software/Data Failures: Faulty sensors, mapping errors, or incomplete updates can contribute to crashes.
- Shared Negligence: Other drivers or pedestrians may share fault through unsafe actions or failure to yield.
- Operational Liability: Fleet operators (e.g., Uber) could face liability if routing or operations play a role.
- Evolving Regulations: Georgia’s standards for AV testing, data sharing, and insurance are still developing.
Why These Cases Require Experienced Legal Help
Accidents involving self-driving or semi-autonomous vehicles require technical evidence and legal strategy.. Determining fault may involve:
- Vehicle sensor logs and camera footage
- AI decision-making records
- Software update histories
- Design or manufacturing documentation
That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney who understands both Georgia law and the technology behind autonomous vehicles.
A Safer Future—or a Riskier Road?
Both Tesla and Waymo claim their vehicles can reduce accidents by removing human error—the leading cause of collisions nationwide. However, recent events in Atlanta show that even advanced technology can fail in unpredictable ways.
As self-driving cars become more common in North Fulton and throughout Metro Atlanta, new laws, insurance models, and liability rules will continue to evolve. One thing is clear: understanding your rights after an autonomous-vehicle crash is essential.
Injured in a crash involving a self-driving car—Waymo, a Tesla on Autopilot, or another advanced system? Talk to an attorney who can help protect your rights and pursue full compensation.
Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney ReShea Balams fights for maximum compensation for victims of car accidents, slip and falls, premises liability claims, and more. As a trusted Roswell and Alpharetta car accident lawyer, she knows how to navigate complex insurance claims and pursue every dollar you deserve.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today at (404) 445-2005 or use the contact form on this page.
