Federal AV Legislation Stalls as Liability Disputes Leave Crash Victims in Legal Limbo

Federal legislation on autonomous vehicles has stalled for years over who bears responsibility in a crash: the software developer, fleet operator, mapping company or manufacturer. Waymo data shows 88% fewer property-damage claims and 92% fewer bodily-injury claims across 25.3 million autonomous miles, but the AAJ opposes federal rules, fearing crash victims would lose legal recourse.

• Waymo data: 92% fewer bodily-injury claims across 25.3 million autonomous miles
• AAJ opposes federal AV rules, citing risk of leaving crash victims without recourse
• Liability could fall on software developer, fleet operator, mapping firm or manufacturer
• Liability disputes have blocked federal AV legislation for years