As technology continues to advance, self-driving cars are becoming an increasingly popular form of transportation. Whether it is Waymo or personal vehicles with Driver Assistance Systems, many people who use these modes of travel may be unaware of their rights, especially in the event of an accident.
In this article, we will examine the most common questions surrounding self-driving cars in Pennsylvania, including what qualifies as an autonomous vehicle, how safe these cars are, and who is liable in a crash. Contact Cordisco & Saile, LLC today to speak with our legal team about any further questions you may have.
Table of Contents
- Pennsylvania’s Roads Are Entering the Driverless Vehicle Era
- What Counts as a Self-Driving Car?
- Where Does Pennsylvania Stand on Self-Driving Cars in 2026?
- Are Self-Driving Cars Actually Safer Than Human Drivers?
- Who Is Responsible When a Self-Driving Car Causes a Crash?
- What Does This Mean for Personal Injury Cases?
- What Evidence Matters Most After a Self-Driving Car Accident?
- What Laws Still Need To Change in Pennsylvania?
- What Does the Future of Self-Driving Vehicles Look Like in Pennsylvania?
- Cordisco & Saile’s Commitment to Pennsylvania Drivers and Accident Victims
- Learn More About Your Rights as a Passenger in an Autonomous Vehicle
Pennsylvania’s Roads Are Entering the Driverless Vehicle Era
Self-driving technology is no longer a futuristic concept. In 2025, China and the United States saw private robotaxi fleets more than double, reaching about 8,000 vehicles operating across more than two dozen major cities. Waymo, in particular, offers its self-driving taxi services across more than 1,400 square miles in 11 cities in the United States. From 2015 to 2020 alone, the self-driving vehicle industry created more than 1,900 jobs in Western Pennsylvania. However, even with an ever-increasing number of autonomous cars and expanding job markets, there is ongoing debate about their safety and reliability. This is especially relevant to accident claims and to a self-driving vehicle’s impact on insurance and liability.
What Counts as a Self-Driving Car?
Autonomous vehicles differ from manual or automatic vehicles in that they take over all driving functions, including steering, braking, and navigation, without human input. They are also distinct from vehicles with driver-assistance systems, which still require partial driver support, with the driver remaining alert and engaged at all times.
There are several misconceptions about vehicles marketed as “self-driving.” For one, fully autonomous vehicles are currently only available for commercial use. Cars labeled as self-driving in the consumer market are those with driver-assistance systems, including Tesla Autopilot, GM Super Cruise, and Nissan ProPILOT.
Similarly, it is false that self-driving cars are accident-proof. While AI-driven systems excel at reducing human errors, such as fatigue and distracted driving, they can still cause crashes. This means that when evaluating liability in a collision, insurers will look at the type of self-driving vehicle and whether the human driver or the automated system was in control.
SAE Levels of Vehicle Automation and Liability
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) levels of driving automation provide the industry-standard classifications for the various levels of automation. These indicate the level of control a vehicle has, ranging from no automation to fully autonomous driving. As levels increase, the driver’s role shifts from full control to supervision, and to minimal or no involvement at the highest levels.
Lower levels require constant attention, while advanced systems can handle most driving tasks. For example, think of the difference between a Tesla and a Waymo. These levels also affect safety and legal liability. Insurers and courts will use them to help determine whether the driver or the manufacturer is accountable in the event of a crash or system failure.
Where Does Pennsylvania Stand on Self-Driving Cars in 2026?
Are Self-Driving Cars Actually Safer Than Human Drivers?
There continues to be a wide range of narratives surrounding self-driving cars and their safety. According to the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, Waymo has shown an 85% decrease in injury crash rates compared to human drivers. While advancements in technology may lead to a significantly lower risk of collisions, these vehicles are not foolproof. For instance, studies show that 62% of autonomous vehicle crashes were rear-end collisions in which the self-driving car was struck by another vehicle. This may indicate a negative correlation between certain types of collisions and the coexistence of self-driving and human-operated vehicles on the roads.
Who Is Responsible When a Self-Driving Car Causes a Crash?
When a self-driving vehicle causes an accident, liability will depend on several factors. For one, the type of self-driving vehicle plays a significant role in determining fault. While autonomous vehicles fully control their systems, vehicles with driver assistance still require a human to provide partial support.
If the car has a driver assistance system that still requires a person to operate it in part, insurers may assign fault to that individual for contributing to the accident through negligent practices. However, because autonomous vehicles operate without a driver, an accident caused by an AI malfunction or system defect will likely fall on the manufacturer or software developer.
What Does This Mean for Personal Injury Cases?
Due to differences in liability, autonomous vehicle accidents could change how injury claims are investigated. Traditional car crash claims focus on identifying the negligent driver. With autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, insurers must ask questions such as:
- Was the human supposed to be in control?
- Did the system fail to detect or respond correctly?
- Was the software behaving as designed?
- Was the vehicle properly maintained and up to date?
The types of evidence in these cases can also vary. Instead of witness statements and phone records, an attorney may focus on collecting vehicle data, software records, and technical evidence.
These cases can be more challenging for claimants because they require a greater understanding of complex evidence and its interpretation. Fortunately, many attorneys have adapted their skill sets and knowledge to the ever-evolving legal landscape surrounding self-driving car accidents.
What Evidence Matters Most After a Self-Driving Car Accident?
Because car accident claims involving self-driving vehicles demand a different set of evidence, attorneys and insurers will have to focus on electronic evidence. This can include:
- Event data recorder information
- Autonomous system logs
- Sensor data from cameras
- GPS and telematics records
- Fleet or remote operation logs
Physical evidence like vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions will still play a role. However, it will not, on its own, be sufficient to explain how the collision occurred.
Accident reconstructionists focus on internal systems in these cases rather than witnesses, road conditions, and other external factors. They may analyze how a vehicle’s AI perceived its environment, the decisions it made, and whether those decisions were appropriate for the situation.
The digital data in these vehicles is mostly controlled by manufacturers or fleet operators. As a result, this information can be overwritten, risking the erasure of crucial evidence. Therefore, if you are involved in a crash with a self-driving car, it is imperative to immediately secure an attorney who can take action to prevent the loss of evidence.
Get legal help from a team that will never stop fighting for you.
What Laws Still Need To Change in Pennsylvania?
What Does the Future of Self-Driving Vehicles Look Like in Pennsylvania?
Cordisco & Saile’s Commitment to Pennsylvania Drivers and Accident Victims
At Cordisco & Saile, our compassionate and highly knowledgeable legal team helps clients navigate complex motor vehicle accident claims. We place a heavy emphasis on early investigations and evidence collection, especially when advanced technology is involved.
Our attorneys are committed to protecting injured Pennsylvanians as transportation technology evolves. If you or your loved one has been injured in a self-driving vehicle crash, do not wait to get the help you deserve.
Learn More About Your Rights as a Passenger in an Autonomous Vehicle
As self-driving vehicles become more prevalent, so do conversations surrounding their safety, efficiency, and role in daily life. Our legal team stays up to date with the latest technological developments in autonomous driving. We are fully prepared to take on your case from start to finish.
Our Pennsylvania car accident attorneys are highly skilled in handling even the most intricate car wreck cases. Get started with a free consultation today by calling 215-642-2335. Find out what our team can do for you and your self-driving accident case.
