Self Driving Car Accident Causes
When most people think of a self driving car accident, they picture a distracted driver or a vehicle that failed to stop in time. But in many autonomous vehicle crashes, the real culprit isn’t human error — it’s product defects built into the technology itself.
Modern self-driving cars rely on complex systems of hardware, sensors, and software. When any one of these components fails, the results can be devastating. For victims, these failures open the door to product liability claims, which can hold manufacturers accountable and provide significant compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, here’s what you need to know about product defects that can cause a self driving car accident — and how an attorney can prove it.
1. Software and Coding Errors
Autonomous vehicles run on millions of lines of code. A single bug, algorithmic error, or faulty update can cause the car to:
- Misread road markings or signs
- Fail to detect obstacles or pedestrians
- Brake too late — or not at all
- Accelerate unexpectedly
These software defects are among the most common causes of self-driving car crashes. In some cases, updates intended to “improve performance” have introduced new hazards — putting drivers and pedestrians at risk.
2. Sensor and Camera Failures
Self-driving systems rely on LIDAR, radar, and cameras to understand their surroundings. If a sensor becomes obstructed, misaligned, or defective, the car’s “brain” may not detect:
- Nearby vehicles
- Lane lines
- Pedestrians or cyclists
- Construction zones or debris
When these systems fail, the vehicle can make fatal misjudgments — especially if the driver assumes the car is safely in control.
Common sensor defects include:
- Camera calibration errors
- LIDAR misreadings in low light or fog
- Radar interference from other systems
- Wiring or software integration defects
3. Battery and Electrical System Defects
Defective battery systems can cause sudden power loss or fires — both of which have been documented in electric and autonomous vehicles.
A loss of electrical power can disable critical safety systems such as:
- Braking assistance
- Steering control
- Collision detection sensors
When a power or battery defect leads to a self driving car accident, the vehicle manufacturer or component supplier may be held liable under product liability law.
4. Mechanical Defects in Automated Systems
Even with cutting-edge AI, mechanical components still matter. Problems like defective steering actuators, braking systems, or wheel alignment can lead to catastrophic outcomes when combined with automation.
Examples include:
- Malfunctioning automatic braking systems
- Steering lockups during self-driving maneuvers
- Improper torque or control in lane-changing features
Because many self-driving systems are partially autonomous, these issues often occur during “handoffs” between the human driver and the AI — precisely when reaction time is shortest.
5. Integration Defects Between Software and Hardware
Some of the most dangerous problems arise not from one faulty part, but from poor system integration — when hardware and software don’t communicate correctly.
For instance:
- The software might signal a braking command, but the actuator receives the wrong signal.
- The AI system might misclassify road conditions due to inconsistent data input from multiple sensors.
These errors are often invisible to users and can only be uncovered through expert analysis and data downloads after a crash.
Legal Perspective: Product Liability in Self-Driving Car Cases
A product defect claim is different from an ordinary negligence case. Victims don’t have to prove a company intended to cause harm — only that the product was defective and unreasonably dangerous when it left the manufacturer’s control.
Common claims include:
- Design Defect: The system was inherently unsafe (e.g., flawed Autopilot logic).
- Manufacturing Defect: The product was built incorrectly or used faulty parts.
- Failure to Warn: The company didn’t provide adequate warnings about risks or limitations.
Your attorney can subpoena technical records, black-box data, and recall information to build a strong product liability case.
What To Do After a Self-Driving Car Accident
If you were involved in a self driving car accident, here are key steps to protect your claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Preserve the vehicle and request data downloads.
- Take photos and get witness information.
- Contact a car accident attorney experienced in autonomous vehicle litigation.
An experienced lawyer can identify whether a product defect, negligent maintenance, or software failure caused your injuries — and pursue the appropriate manufacturer or corporate entity.
Speak with an Attorney About a Self Driving Car Accident
At Glouzgal Law, our team understands both the legal and technical aspects of these complex cases — from product defect analysis to manufacturer liability.
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident involving a self-driving vehicle, we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
👉 Contact Glouzgal Law today for a free consultation to discuss your self driving car accident claim. Call or 203-885-0500 or use the form below.