Las Vegas, NV (May 7, 2025) – Zoox has recalled 270 of its self-driving robotaxis for software updates aimed at preventing future incidents like the collision that occurred involving one of these autonomous vehicles in April 2025. While no one was injured in the April crash, the company is taking preemptive measures to avoid similar accidents in the future, which could result in serious injuries or death.
Self-driving cars are no longer just test projects. In cities like Las Vegas, autonomous vehicles (AVs) are already on the road, transporting passengers and sharing space with traditional traffic. But when one of these vehicles crashes, the aftermath raises serious legal questions. Who pays for the damage? Who’s responsible for the injuries? And how does Nevada law apply when there’s no human driver behind the wheel?
Nevada’s Legal Landscape for Self-Driving Cars
Nevada was the first state in the U.S. to authorize the operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads. The state has since developed a legal framework for both testing and commercial deployment of AVs. Companies like Zoox, Waymo, and Tesla have already put self-driving cars on Las Vegas streets, but the laws around liability are still evolving.
State law defines an autonomous vehicle as one equipped with the ability to drive without human intervention, even if a human is present in the car. Companies must meet specific safety, insurance, and reporting requirements before operating in Nevada.
Autonomous Vehicle Regulations
Nevada Revised Statutes sets the foundation. Companies must demonstrate their vehicles can comply with all traffic laws, and they are required to maintain a $5 million insurance policy or surety bond when operating without a human driver. Vehicles must be registered with the DMV and must include safety protocols that allow for remote control or shutdown if needed.
Reporting Requirements
Nevada requires that all crashes involving autonomous vehicles be reported to the DMV within 10 business days, regardless of fault. Companies that fail to comply risk losing their permits. If a crash results in injury or death, police must also be notified immediately. These reporting rules help the state track issues and investigate accidents tied to AV performance.
Along with the voluntary recall of its vehicles following a collision with a passenger car in April, Zoox filed a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The company’s report provided a summary of the Las Vegas motor vehicle accident, as well as described the defect that contributed to the collision.
Determining Liability in Self-Driving Car Accidents
Liability in a self-driving car accident depends on what caused the crash, and who had control or responsibility at the time. Unlike traditional car crashes, where one or more drivers are usually at fault, AV crashes can involve multiple responsible parties: manufacturers, software developers, vehicle operators, or even other road users.
Sometimes, it’s a mix. A distracted human behind the wheel of a semi-autonomous car might ignore system alerts. Or, as was the case in the recent Zoox accident, a vehicle’s software may make a poor judgment call based on faulty data from its sensors.
Human Operators
Even though AVs can drive themselves, some still require a human to monitor performance and take over when needed. If a crash happens because the human failed to intervene, like ignoring a flashing alert to grab the wheel, they can be held liable for negligence.
Vehicle Manufacturers
If the car’s physical components failed, such as the braking system or steering controls, the manufacturer may be responsible under Nevada’s product liability laws. Companies can be sued for design defects, manufacturing flaws, or a failure to warn users about risks. A personal injury lawyer may help prove a defective product injury in such cases.
Software Developers
Self-driving cars rely on AI and algorithms to make driving decisions. If a software bug causes a miscalculation, like failing to recognize a red light or misjudging another vehicle’s speed, the developer behind the code could be held liable.
The Zoox robotaxi crash occurred when the vehicle, which was operating without a human driver, misjudged the movement of another vehicle approaching from a perpendicular direction. The Zoox vehicle anticipated the other car would continue moving, but when it stopped, the robotaxi’s response led to a collision. No injuries were reported, but the event highlighted flaws in the vehicle’s decision-making software
Fleet Operators
When a company owns and operates a fleet of AVs, such as for delivery or ride-share purposes, it may be responsible for crashes caused by lack of maintenance, outdated software, or poor monitoring. These companies are expected to ensure their vehicles are safe and road-ready.
Third Parties
Sometimes, the AV isn’t the problem. Potholes, debris, or poor road signage can lead to accidents. In those cases, a city or county might be held liable. Similarly, if another driver or pedestrian acted recklessly and contributed to the crash, they could be held partially or fully responsible.
What to Do After a Self-Driving Car Accident
Even when an autonomous vehicle is involved, many of the same post-accident steps still apply. But gathering evidence is even more critical when liability could involve multiple parties—some of them corporate.
Here’s what you should do if you’re in a crash involving a self-driving car:
- Call 911 – Always report the crash and get medical help if needed.
- Document everything – Take photos, get names, and note any details about the vehicle or behavior of the system (e.g., flashing lights, audio cues).
- Ask about data – AVs log driving data. Make note of who owns the vehicle and request that the data be preserved.
- Don’t assume fault – AV companies may offer quick settlements. Speak with a lawyer before signing anything.
- Report to DMV if necessary – If you’re a fleet operator or driver using AV features, remember to report the crash within the 10-day window.
Self-driving cars promise convenience and fewer traffic deaths—but they also raise new questions when things go wrong. In Nevada, figuring out who’s liable depends on what the vehicle was doing, who was in control, and what went wrong.
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a self-driving vehicle, reach out to George Bochanis Injury Law Offices in Las Vegas. With over 30 years of experience handling complex personal injury claims, our team will help you hold negligent parties accountable for your injuries and recover the maximum compensation. For a free initial consultation, call our law offices today at 702-388-2005.
