A Step-by-Step Legal & Safety Guide
Arizona is one of the leading states for self-driving technology, with cities like Phoenix, Tempe, and Chandler serving as key testing grounds for Waymo’s autonomous vehicles. While these cars are designed to operate safely, accidents do happen. Being struck by a car without a human driver can be confusing but knowing what to do afterward is essential.
Stay Safe and Call for Help
After an accident with a Waymo vehicle, your first priority is safety. Move to a secure area if possible and call 911 immediately. Even if the Waymo has already alerted emergency responders through its onboard systems, Arizona law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Check yourself and others for injuries and request medical assistance right away.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
While Waymo cars record extensive data through cameras and sensors, you should still collect your own documentation. Take photos and videos of the vehicles, damage, traffic lights, signs, and road conditions. Record voice notes if helpful and write down the details of what happened. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. In rare cases, a Waymo “autonomous specialist” may be onboard—get their details if possible.
Report the Accident to Waymo
Waymo has a dedicated accident response team. After ensuring safety and calling police, you should also notify Waymo directly:
- Call 1-866-251-0597
- Report the crash online at waymo.com/contact
If visible, note the Waymo vehicle’s ID number, typically marked on the exterior. This helps Waymo track the vehicle in their system and coordinate with insurance and law enforcement.
File a Police Report
In Arizona, a police report is required when an accident causes injury or significant property damage. Let the responding officers know the collision involved a fully autonomous vehicle. This ensures the crash is properly documented and categorized. Request the police report number before leaving the scene so you can access the official records later.
Get Medical Care
Always seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Car accident injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage can take hours or days to appear. A medical evaluation not only protects your health but also provides documentation that supports any claim for compensation.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance provider promptly and explain that the accident involved a Waymo autonomous vehicle. Arizona law requires Waymo to carry liability insurance, and in most cases, if the self-driving car is at fault, Waymo’s insurer will be responsible for damages.
Understand Liability Under Arizona Law
Since 2018, Arizona law has allowed fully driverless vehicles to operate without a safety driver behind the wheel. Legally, the company operating the vehicle—Waymo, in this case—is considered the driver. That means if the Waymo is found at fault, Waymo/Alphabet’s insurance is liable for covering injuries and property damage.
Because this is a developing area of law, consulting with a personal injury attorney familiar with autonomous vehicle cases can help. An attorney can guide you through insurance negotiations, evidence collection, and claims for medical bills, lost wages, or other damages.
Preserve All Records
Keep every piece of evidence related to the accident in one place. This includes:
- Photos and videos
- Medical reports and expenses
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Communications with Waymo and insurers
Organized documentation strengthens your case if you pursue compensation or legal action.
Protecting Yourself in a Self-Driving World
Being hit by a Waymo self-driving car in Arizona is unsettling, but the steps after the crash closely mirror those for traditional accidents: ensure safety, call authorities, document the scene, and protect your rights. With Arizona’s clear legal framework for autonomous vehicles, victims still have the ability to hold the responsible party accountable.
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