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In an accident with a Waymo: what happens next
There is no driver to exchange information with when a Waymo is involved in a crash. Call for help if anyone is hurt, document the scene and the vehicle, and report the crash to police and to Waymo. Responsibility is then decided from the evidence, as in any crash.
By SettlementLift. Published · Updated .
At the scene
Check for injuries and call 911 when needed. Photograph the Waymo vehicle, its identifying number, the other vehicles, road markings and signals. Collect witness names and contact details. If you were a passenger, use the in-car or in-app support option to report the crash and keep a screenshot of the trip.
Reporting the crash
Report the crash to the police agency where it happened. Waymo must report certain crashes to NHTSA under the Standing General Order, and NHTSA publishes those reports. A government report helps document what happened but does not decide fault.
NHTSA: Standing General Order crash reporting ↗Who may be responsible
If another human driver caused the crash, that driver’s insurance is usually the first place to look. If the Waymo vehicle’s driving caused it, questions turn to Waymo as the operator. Software or vehicle defects can raise product-liability questions. An attorney can explain which theories fit the facts.
Evidence unique to robotaxis
Waymo vehicles record video and sensor data that can show speed, position and what the system detected. That information is held by the company. Ask an attorney whether to send a written preservation request soon after the crash.
Riding in a Waymo, including through Uber or Lyft
Passengers can be hurt when a Waymo is struck by another vehicle or brakes suddenly. Rides booked through the Uber app in Atlanta and Austin, or through Lyft in Nashville, may involve both companies’ terms. Keep the booking receipt from whichever app you used.
Waymo: Where Waymo serves riders ↗Where Waymo operates in our states
As of October 2026, Waymo serves riders in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area including central San Jose, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Nashville and metro Phoenix. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Sacramento are on Waymo’s list of upcoming cities. Check Waymo’s current service map for exact areas.
Waymo: Where Waymo serves riders ↗Damage to your car
If your car was repaired after a crash with a Waymo, you may also have a diminished value claim for the loss in resale value. That is a property-damage claim separate from any injury claim.
When to talk to an attorney
Consider a consultation when you were injured, fault is disputed or you are asked to sign a release. Ask how the attorney would obtain the vehicle’s data, which policies may apply and how fees are calculated.
ABA: Questions to ask a lawyer ↗Frequently asked questions
Can you sue Waymo after an accident?
If the Waymo vehicle’s driving caused the crash, claims may be brought against Waymo as the operator under state law. If another human driver caused it, that driver’s insurance is usually the first source of payment.
Who do I exchange information with if a Waymo hits me?
There is no driver. Photograph the vehicle and its identifying number, call police if needed and report the crash to Waymo through its support channels.
Does a NHTSA crash report decide fault?
No. Reports under NHTSA’s Standing General Order document crashes but do not determine who was responsible.