Self-Driving Vehicles: Who Is Liable In A Baltimore Car Accident Claim?
Self-driving technology is transforming how people get around Baltimore. While fully autonomous vehicles are still in the future, most cars on the road today are equipped with automated features, such as blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking. These technologies are designed to reduce crash risks, but car accidents continue to be common on busy roads and highways throughout Baltimore.
Self-driving features can complicate victim claims, making it more difficult to determine liability. Our Maryland car accident lawyers have the experience you can count on in these types of cases, and explain common challenges in seeking compensation.
Common Factors in Baltimore Car Accident Claims Involving Self-Driving Cars and Driver-Assistive Features
According to a summer 2025 survey by US News and World Report, a variety of vehicles on the road fall into the category of almost self-driving. While Tesla and other companies are still working towards full automation, all the major car manufacturers feature driver-assistive technologies in their latest models.
While there is much debate on whether these features actually reduce crash risk, there’s no question that they complicate liability. Common factors that make these cases challenging include:
- The driver may share control with automated systems, blurring fault lines.
- Software or hardware malfunctions can cause or contribute to crashes.
- Vehicle manufacturers and software developers may be partly responsible under product liability law.
- Insurance policies may not fully address crashes involving self-driving features.
- Human error or misuse of technology by the driver can also factor into liability.
While the Maryland Statutes hold drivers responsible for negligence, product liability claims against manufacturers are becoming more common as self-driving technology advances.
Challenges Victims Face When Filing Claims For Baltimore Car Accidents Involving Automated Vehicles
Nearly 3,000 car accidents in Maryland happen each year, according to statistics from the state Highway Safety Office. Navigating a crash claim and negotiating with insurers is never easy, but when a Baltimore car accident involves self-driving or automated vehicles, the process is even more complex and challenging.
Common hurdles in getting the compensation you need to recover include:
- Identifying all responsible parties, which can include manufacturers, programmers, and drivers;
- Accessing and interpreting vehicle data and software logs, which may require expert analysis;
- Navigating limited legal precedents for autonomous vehicle crashes;
- Insurance companies disputing fault or minimizing payouts based on driver involvement;
- Delays in claim resolution due to complex investigations and technical evidence.
In light of these issues, get professional legal help from someone with experience handling autonomous vehicle claims and technology-driven cases.
Schedule a Consultation Today to Speak With Our Experienced Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Baltimore involving a self-driving or semi-automated vehicle, get the trusted legal support you need from Maryland Injury Lawyers.
You can count on our experience in even the most complex claims. We investigate the accident thoroughly, identify all liable parties, and fight for the maximum compensation. To speak with our Maryland car accident lawyers, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/automated-vehicles-safety
cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/cars-that-are-almost-self-driving?slide=3
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=20-102&enactments=false
zerodeathsmd.gov/resources/crashdata/
