Self-Driving Car Accidents in the San Gabriel Valley: Who’s Liable When No One’s Driving?

The streets of Southern California are changing fast. If you’ve driven through Pasadena, Alhambra, or Baldwin Park lately, chances are you’ve seen a self-driving car in action. Companies like Waymo, Cruise, and Tesla are deploying autonomous vehicles (AVs) more frequently across the San Gabriel Valley, using these areas as real-world testbeds for a technology that promises convenience—but also raises big questions about safety and liability.

So, what happens with a self-driving car accident? Who do you hold accountable when there’s no human behind the wheel?

Let’s take a deep dive into this growing legal issue—and what it means for residents across Southern California.

The rise of self-driving technology isn’t theoretical—it’s happening right now. In fact, California leads the nation in autonomous vehicle deployment. According to the California DMV, there are currently 60+ companies with active AV testing permits, many operating right here in Los Angeles County.

Unfortunately, more AVs on the road also means more accidents. In 2023 alone, Tesla reported 956 crashes involving its partially autonomous systems like Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Source: NHTSA). These numbers are expected to climb as more vehicles hit the road with little or no human intervention.

And the injuries aren’t hypothetical. There have been fatal pedestrian accidents, multi-car pileups, and property damage—all allegedly linked to self-driving software glitches or sensor failures.

Imagine this: you’re driving through Old Town Pasadena, headed west on Colorado Blvd., when a driverless delivery van rear-ends your vehicle at a red light. The van is part of a fleet owned by a logistics startup, operating with AI software provided by a third-party tech company.

There’s no driver to blame, no one to exchange insurance info with.

Who’s responsible?

This is where things get complicated. In traditional car accidents, the at-fault driver is held liable. But in AV crashes, liability can shift to several different parties, depending on the circumstances.

Determining who’s legally responsible after a self-driving car crash is a complex process that may involve multiple defendants. Here are the main parties that might be held accountable:

1. The Vehicle Manufacturer

If the crash was caused by a flaw in the vehicle’s sensors, braking system, or computing hardware, the car manufacturer (e.g., Tesla, GM, or Toyota) could be liable under product liability laws.

2. The Software Developer

In many cases, the self-driving “brain” of the vehicle—the algorithms and AI—is created by a different company. If the software made a poor decision (like failing to recognize a stop sign), that developer may share responsibility.

3. Fleet Operators or Owners

Commercial AVs used for deliveries or rideshare (like Cruise or Waymo vehicles) are often owned by companies that lease or manage the fleet. If the vehicle wasn’t properly maintained, or if its self-driving functions were knowingly defective, the fleet operator could be held accountable.

4. Human Supervisors (If Present)

In some AV models, there’s still a human “safety driver” in the car, even if they’re not actively driving. If that person failed to intervene during an emergency, they might also bear legal fault.

The San Gabriel Valley—especially areas like Monrovia, Alhambra, and Baldwin Park—is becoming a hub for tech testing thanks to its urban sprawl, diverse traffic patterns, and proximity to downtown Los Angeles. That means residents here are more likely than most Californians to encounter self-driving cars regularly.

It also means that local drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are at greater risk of being involved in an AV-related accident—whether as a driver or bystander. Because these cases are still relatively new and evolving, having the right legal guidance is critical.

If you’re injured in an accident involving an AV, it’s essential to act fast. Unlike typical car crashes, these cases involve complex layers of corporate and technological liability. Here’s what to do:

1. Call 911 and get medical help immediately. Even minor injuries can worsen later.
2. Document everything at the scene—take photos, record video, and gather contact information from any witnesses.
3. Preserve evidence. If the AV was a commercial vehicle, try to get its fleet number or identifying information.
4. Avoid speaking to insurance reps or company lawyers without first consulting a personal injury attorney.
5. Call a lawyer who understands the legal and technical complexities of autonomous vehicle law.

At Doyle Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ve been tracking the evolution of AV law and know how to hold large corporations accountable. If you’ve been injured in a self-driving car accident in Pasadena, Baldwin Park, or anywhere in the San Gabriel Valley, we’re ready to fight for your rights.

• NHTSA Automated Vehicle Crash Reports
• California DMV AV Testing Permits
• Waymo Safety Report