Car accident with Self Driving Vehicle? What to do now

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What To Do After a Crash With a Self-Driving Robo-Taxi in 2025

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always comply with local laws, follow instructions from first responders, and consult your insurer or a legal professional. Information is current as of August 2025.

First: Treat It Like Any Other Crash

Autonomous vehicle (AV) accidents, including those involving robo-taxis from companies like Waymo, Cruise, and Zoox, require the same immediate actions as traditional car crashes. Prioritize safety and documentation.
  • Check for injuries and call 911. Inform the dispatcher that a driverless vehicle is involved, as this may affect response protocols.
  • Make the scene safe: Activate hazard lights, deploy traffic cones or warning triangles if available, and move vehicles only if it’s safe to do so. Never attempt to manually drive or move the robo-taxi yourself.
  • Document everything: Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, positions, road signage, debris, weather conditions, and any displays or indicators on the AV (e.g., dome lights signaling awareness).

Who to Call (Besides 911)

Contact the robo-taxi operator’s 24/7 support line, typically listed on the vehicle, in the app, or on their website. Here’s operator-specific guidance:

Waymo

Waymo provides a dedicated first responders line and collision instructions. The vehicle may continue to a safe stopping point post-collision. Contact support via the app or email insurance@waymo.com for claims. See their collision help page and first responders page.

Cruise

For GM’s Cruise vehicles, report incidents through their support channels. In case of accidents, follow general AV protocols and contact Cruise support for insurance details. Note: Cruise faced scrutiny in 2024 for reporting issues, but operations continue with enhanced safety measures.

Zoox

Amazon’s Zoox robotaxis operate in select areas. Report crashes via their support line and document thoroughly, as Zoox emphasizes crash testing and safety data collection.
If you’re the other driver: Call the operator to get insurance details and a claim number.
If you’re a robo-taxi rider: Use the in-car screen or app to reach support and follow on-screen directions.
If you’re a pedestrian or cyclist: Prioritize medical care, then provide the vehicle’s plate and company name to police before calling the operator.

Exchanging Information with a Driverless Vehicle

Robo-taxis carry physical registration and insurance documents. For Waymo, these are often stored near the front sun visors. Consult the operator’s support for safe access. Refer to Waymo’s California Law Enforcement Interaction Protocol or their Emergency Response Guide for details.

Don’t Try to Operate the Robo-Taxi

AVs may lock manual controls in autonomous mode. If towing or repositioning is needed, the operator can remotely enable special modes. Coordinate via their support line to avoid risks.

Reporting Requirements You Should Know (Updated for 2025)

  • Police report: File as required by local law enforcement.
  • California SR-1: If injuries occur or damage exceeds $1,000, submit a DMV crash report (SR-1) within 10 days—independent of police reports (CA DMV SR-1).
  • California AV collision forms: Operators must report collisions involving property damage, injury, or death to the DMV within 10 days. This is the company’s responsibility, not yours (DMV AV collisions).
  • Federal crash reporting by AV companies: Under NHTSA’s Standing General Order (third amendment effective June 16, 2025), operators report ADS-involved crashes within 5 days for severe incidents (fatalities, injuries) or monthly for others. This focuses on safety data collection (NHTSA SGO overview; 2025 amended order (PDF)).

Why Complete and Accurate Reporting Matters

Regulators enforce strict rules. In 2024, NHTSA fined Cruise for incomplete reporting on a pedestrian incident, leading to corrective actions (NHTSA press release; Reuters coverage). The 2025 SGO amendments streamline reporting to enhance focus on critical safety issues.

What to Collect at the Scene (Checklist)

  • Date, time, location, weather, lighting, and road/lane configuration.
  • AV company name, license plate, vehicle ID, and any tech components (cameras, sensors).
  • Photos/videos of damage, debris, skid marks, signs, signals, and AV indicators (e.g., dome lights).
  • Witness names and contacts; operator support agent name/ID and claim number.
  • Medical records if treated; police report number; (in CA) note the SR-1 10-day deadline.

After the Scene: Next Steps

  • Notify your insurer and provide the operator’s insurance/claim details.
  • Preserve all photos, videos, receipts, and communications.
  • Seek medical attention even for minor injuries, as they may worsen.
  • Consider consulting a personal injury attorney if injuries are involved or liability is complex, as AV accidents may implicate manufacturers, software, or operators.

Helpful Gear for Safer Post-Crash Scenes

Enhance visibility to prevent secondary accidents. Stock your vehicle with essentials from Traffic Safety Store: traffic cones for marking hazards, roll-up signs for warnings, high-visibility safety vests for personal protection, traffic drums for larger barriers, and water-filled barriers for work zones or extended scenes.

Sources & Official Guidance (Updated 2025)

Traffic Safety Store provides this content for general information only. Verify requirements with your local authorities, DMV, and insurer before taking action.