Self-driving cars, also called autonomous vehicles (AVs), are cars that can drive themselves. They use cameras, sensors, and computers to see the road, follow traffic rules, and avoid crashes. In California, these cars are tested under strict laws, like Cal. Veh. Code § 38750, to make sure they’re safe. Some self-driving cars need a human driver to watch them, but others, called Level 4 or 5, can work all on their own (13 CCR § 227.38). At Banafshe Law Firm, PC, we help people who get hurt in accidents with these cars.

Why Self-Driving Cars Might Mean Fewer Crashes

Most car accidents happen because people make mistakes, like texting, speeding, or not paying attention. Self-driving cars don’t get distracted. They’re built to follow the rules and react fast. Tests in California, following laws like Cal. Veh. Code § 38750, show these cars might cause fewer accidents. That’s good news. But even self-driving cars can crash sometimes, and when they do, figuring out who’s to blame can be tricky.

What Happens When a Self-Driving Car Crashes in California?

When a regular car crashes, you usually blame the driver. But with a self-driving car, it’s different. Maybe the car’s computer messed up, or its sensors didn’t work right. California has rules, like 13 CCR § 227.26, that says companies must have insurance or money to cover accidents (13 CCR § 227.12). A court case, City and County of San Francisco v. Public Utilities Com., says the state checks these cars for safety (108 Cal. App. 5th 22, 2025).

If you get hurt in a crash with a self-driving car, you might need to sue the company that made it, not the driver. That’s why you need a lawyer who understands these cases. At Banafshe Law Firm, we figure out what went wrong and fight for you.

California’s Rules for Self-Driving Cars

California has lots of rules to keep self-driving cars safe. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) makes sure companies follow them, as shown in Cal. Veh. Code § 38750. For example, companies need permits to test cars, and they must report any crashes. If they break the rules, their cars can be taken off the road (Cal. Veh. Code § 22651). Another rule, 13 CCR § 227.38, says fully self-driving cars must be watched by computers all the time.

These rules help protect you, but they make accident cases harder. Our lawyers at Banafshe Law Firm know these laws and use them to help you win your case.

Will Self-Driving Cars Stop All Accidents?

Self-driving cars are supposed to make roads safer, but they won’t stop every crash. Here are some reasons accidents might still happen:

Computer Mistakes: The car’s software might have a bug, making it miss something, like a pedestrian.
Broken Sensors: Rain or dirt can mess up the car’s cameras or sensors, causing a crash.
Other Drivers: People driving regular cars might not understand what a self-driving car will do, leading to accidents.
Hacking: Bad people could try to control self-driving cars with computers, causing trouble.

As more self-driving cars hit the roads, new problems might pop up. That’s why you need a law firm like Banafshe Law Firm to stay on top of things and help you if something goes wrong.

Why Pick Banafshe Law Firm After a Self-Driving Vehicle Crash?

If you’re hurt in a crash with a self-driving car, Banafshe Law Firm, PC is here for you. Here’s why we’re the best choice:

No Money Upfront: We don’t charge you anything unless we win your case. We even pay for things like court fees to start.
History of Winning: Our lawyers, led by P. Ryan Banafshe, have won big cases, like $23.7 million for a motorcycle crash and $4.5 million for a car accident.
We Care About You: We talk to you anytime, day or night, and can visit you at home or the hospital. Hablamos Español, so we can help everyone in California.
We Do the Hard Work: We find out what caused the crash, talk to insurance companies, and fight to get you the money you deserve.

Self-driving car crashes are new, but we’re ready to handle them for you.

What to Do After a Self-Driving Car Crash in California

If you’re in an accident with a self-driving car, here’s what to do:

Get Help

If you’re hurt after a crash with a self-driving car, see a doctor right away. Even small injuries can get worse if you wait. Keep all your medical papers, like bills and doctor's notes. These help show how badly you’re hurt when we fight for your money at Banafshe Law Firm.

Call the Police

Tell the police about the accident as soon as you can. They’ll write a report that says what happened, like where the self-driving car was and if it broke any rules. This report is super important for your case. California law says crashes with injuries need a report, and we use it to help you win.

Take Pictures

Use your phone to take clear photos of the crash. Snap pictures of the cars, the road, traffic signs, and any damage. If people saw the crash, ask for their names and phone numbers. These details help us at Banafshe Law Firm prove what went wrong with the self-driving car.

Call Us

Give Banafshe Law Firm a call for a free talk. Tell us about the crash, and we’ll explain how we can help. We know self-driving car cases are tricky, but we’ll fight to get you money for your injuries. You don’t pay us unless we win.

Don’t wait too long. In California, you only have two years to file a claim for most accidents.

Get Help from Banafshe Law Firm Today

Self-driving cars are cool, but they can still cause accidents. If you get hurt, you need money to pay for doctor bills, fix your car, or cover time off work. Banafshe Law Firm, PC helps people all over California, with offices in Los Angeles (1875 Century Park East Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 90067) and Fresno (855 M Street Suite 950, Fresno, CA 93721). We don’t charge you unless we win, and we’re here to make things right.

Self-Driving Cars and the Future of Car Accidents

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