Robotaxis are no longer a concept confined to science fiction or closed-circuit test tracks. From Phoenix to Abu Dhabi, autonomous vehicles are now carrying paying passengers through real city streets, raising questions that transportation policy has not yet caught up with: when a driverless car crashes, who bears legal responsibility? The answer, as it turns out, is far from settled.
Callahan & Blaine, PC, one of California’s leading litigation firms, was recently featured in a Forbes Middle East article examining the legal and safety complexities of robotaxi deployment across the globe. Managing Partner Edward Susolik provided commentary on the liability challenges that arise when automated driving systems are involved in accidents, drawing from his extensive background in insurance litigation and catastrophic personal injury.
The Global Robotaxi Expansion and Its Legal Gaps
Companies like Waymo have been operating driverless ride-hailing services in select U.S. cities for several years, and robotaxi programs are now expanding internationally, including in the UAE. As these vehicles multiply, so do the legal questions: Can a passenger sue a software company? Is the manufacturer liable? What role does the fleet operator play? Traditional personal injury law was built around the concept of a negligent human driver, and the legal system is still working to adapt.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has tracked autonomous vehicle crash reports through its Standing General Order since 2021 and notes that determining liability in these incidents involves the vehicle’s level of autonomy, who operated the system, and whether a safety defect contributed to the crash. According to NHTSA’s automated vehicle safety guidance, policymakers are still working through the insurance and liability frameworks that will govern these systems at scale.
Ed Susolik’s Perspective on Accountability
In the Forbes Middle East piece, Ed Susolik offered direct insight into how lawyers and courts may approach these cases. His commentary reflects more than three decades of handling complex insurance disputes and over 1,500 mediations, giving him a grounded view of how liability arguments actually play out when multiple parties share potential responsibility for a loss.
For readers of the article, Susolik’s perspective underscored a critical point: the absence of a human driver does not mean the absence of accountability. Manufacturers, operators, software developers, and even municipal governments that permit these vehicles to operate may each face scrutiny when a collision occurs. Sorting out those layers of responsibility requires the kind of litigation acumen that comes only from decades of courtroom experience.
What This Means for Injured Passengers and Bystanders
People injured by autonomous vehicles face a legal landscape that is still taking shape. The chain of liability is different from a standard car accident. Pursuing a claim may involve liability against the vehicle manufacturer, negligence claims against the fleet operator, and even arguments around the adequacy of government oversight. Several factors shape the strength of these claims:
- Autonomy level at the time of the crash: Whether the vehicle was operating in a fully autonomous mode or a driver-assist mode affects which legal theories apply
- Software and system data: Black-box data from the vehicle’s automated driving system is often central to reconstructing what happened
- Operator responsibility: Fleet operators may bear responsibility for how the vehicles are deployed, maintained, and monitored in real-world conditions
- Applicable state law: Liability standards for autonomous vehicles vary by state, adding another layer of complexity for multistate operators and victims
Each of these factors requires careful legal analysis before a victim can understand their options, which is why early engagement with experienced trial counsel matters.
Contact Callahan & Blaine, PC to Discuss Your Potential Case
This Forbes Middle East feature is one of many examples of why Callahan & Blaine, PC is recognized as a leading voice in complex personal injury and litigation matters. With 29 senior trial attorneys, more than 40 years of practice, and a record that includes the largest jury verdict in Orange County history at $934 million, our firm brings a level of credibility and courtroom skill that few can match. Ed Susolik’s recognition in international media reflects the depth of knowledge our attorneys bring to the most complex and evolving areas of the law.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, the legal questions involved are significant and time-sensitive. Our catastrophic personal injury attorneys are prepared to investigate your claim and pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to. Reach out to our team through our contact form to submit your potential case for review.
