Los Angeles AV Crash Attorney | Free Case Review

Autonomous vehicles are no longer a future concept—they’re sharing the road with us today, especially across Los Angeles. From Waymo and Cruise to Tesla’s Autopilot feature, self-driving cars are becoming more common in neighbourhoods throughout Van Nuys, Palmdale, and the greater LA area.

But when these vehicles crash, victims are often left with serious injuries and complex legal questions. Who’s responsible—the human behind the wheel, the software developer, or the manufacturer?

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we help injured clients across LA recover compensation after accidents involving self-driving cars. We understand the intersection of advanced technology and California liability laws, and we know how to uncover fault when the cause isn’t clear.

Call now for a free case review. No fees unless we win—just answers, support, and the legal firepower you need.

        

            

                
Paul Aghabala, Esq.
Founding Attorney
 818-788-0808 paul@prestigelaw.com

Self-Driving Car Accident Claims in Los Angeles

Self-driving cars may seem futuristic, but in Los Angeles, they’re already part of everyday traffic. When these vehicles are involved in accidents, determining fault becomes more complicated than in traditional car crashes.

If you’ve been injured in a collision involving a Tesla Autopilot, Waymo, Cruise, or another autonomous vehicle, the first legal question is usually this:

Who’s responsible—the human operator, the manufacturer, or the software?

Under California Vehicle Code § 38750, a self-driving car is defined as one that can operate without the active control or monitoring of a human. That includes Level 3, 4, and 5 vehicles under the SAE classification system—not just cars with cruise control or lane assist, but vehicles capable of navigating on their own.1

Understanding the Different Levels of Vehicle Autonomy

Autonomous vehicles are classified into levels based on how much human input they require. Levels 3 through 5 refer to increasing levels of self-driving capability:

• Level 3 vehicles can drive themselves under certain conditions but still require a human driver to take over if needed.
• Level 4 vehicles can operate without human input in specific environments (like urban areas) but may not function in all weather or road conditions.
• Level 5 vehicles are fully autonomous and can operate anywhere without any human involvement.

Understanding what level of automation was involved in your crash can impact liability. For example, Level 3 cars still require human oversight, while Level 5 vehicles shift full responsibility to the manufacturer or system developer.

These classifications are not just technical—they’re central to how California courts and insurance companies assess fault, liability, and manufacturer obligations under Vehicle Code § 38750.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident?

When autonomous vehicles are involved in a crash, figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always simple. In Los Angeles, fault may lie with more than just one party.

If the car still had a human backup driver—like in many Tesla Autopilot or semi-autonomous vehicles—that person may be liable if they failed to take over in time. But in fully autonomous Level 4 or 5 vehicles, other entities may bear responsibility.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we investigate every layer of liability. Depending on how the crash happened, responsible parties may include:

• The AV operator – If a safety driver failed to act during an emergency
• The manufacturer – For vehicle defects, mechanical failures, or design flaws (e.g., Tesla, Waymo, Cruise)
• The software developer – For AI or code-based errors that led to the collision
• The fleet operator – Like Uber or Motional, if corporate negligence played a role
• Government entities – If poor road conditions, lack of signage, or unsafe infrastructure contributed
• Other human drivers – If a conventional vehicle’s driver was partially or fully at fault

These cases often involve shared liability. One or more parties may be responsible, especially when a crash occurs during testing or with limited human supervision.

Our legal team works with engineers, AV data analysts, and accident reconstruction specialists to uncover what went wrong—and who’s accountable. Then we build a claim that holds them financially responsible.

Why Fault in AV Crashes Matters So Much

Determining fault in a self-driving car accident isn’t just about assigning blame—it’s about deciding who pays for your medical bills, vehicle repairs, and long-term damages.

In traditional crashes, fault is often clear. But with autonomous vehicles, there may be no human behind the wheel—or the human may not be actively driving. This gray area can delay your claim, reduce your payout, or lead to a denied settlement.

That’s why it’s critical to act quickly and hire legal counsel with experience in AV-related cases.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we request and analyze:

• Sensor logs and event data from the vehicle
• Software decision-making records from the car’s onboard systems
• Engagement history showing whether a human was in control
• Compliance documents from manufacturers or fleet operators

This evidence is often time-sensitive and may be deleted or overwritten within weeks. Our team knows how to secure it fast—and how to use it to build a strong liability case on your behalf.

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What California Law Requires

California has specific regulations that govern how autonomous vehicles (AVs) must operate—and those rules directly affect your legal case after a self-driving car crash.

Under California Vehicle Code § 38750, AVs must meet strict safety and testing standards before being allowed on public roads.

To legally operate, the vehicle must:

• Include a mechanism for a human to take control (steering, braking, etc.)
• Provide a visual indicator when AV mode is engaged
• Feature fail-safes to safely stop the vehicle in case of malfunction

Additionally, AV manufacturers must carry at least $5 million in liability coverage while their vehicles are tested or deployed on California roads.

If a crash occurs, it must be reported to the California DMV, and may be investigated under federal or state safety guidelines.

This means your legal claim could involve more than just a driver. You may also have a case against:

• A manufacturer that failed to meet safety standards
• A fleet operator that didn’t follow DMV reporting rules
• A software developer whose AI made a faulty decision

Understanding these laws—and how they apply to your crash—is essential to recovering full compensation. At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we dig into every angle to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Time Matters: California’s Statute of Limitations

If you were injured in a self-driving car crash in Los Angeles, you don’t have unlimited time to act. California law gives you a limited window to file a claim.

In most personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. That means if you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation—no matter how strong your case is.

But with self-driving vehicles, there’s another urgent factor: data preservation.
Autonomous vehicles store vital evidence like:

• Sensor logs
• AI decision-making data
• Operator override history
• Speed and braking metrics

This data may be automatically overwritten or deleted within weeks—sometimes even sooner.

If you don’t act quickly, this information could be lost forever, making it harder to prove liability.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we move fast to secure key evidence before it disappears. From sending spoliation letters to demanding black box data, we know how to preserve your right to a fair case from day one.

Common Injuries and Damages in Self-Driving Car Accidents

Crashes involving autonomous vehicles often lead to serious, long-lasting injuries. Unlike fender benders, these collisions can result in catastrophic harm — especially when no human is actively monitoring the car’s actions.

If you were injured in a self-driving car accident in Los Angeles, you may be dealing with high medical bills, time off work, and a long recovery. At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we help victims pursue full compensation for all types of harm.

Common Injuries We See

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
  Concussions, brain bleeds, and long-term cognitive damage are frequent in high-speed AV crashes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries
  These can lead to partial or complete paralysis and may require lifelong care.
• Multiple Fractures
  Serious bone breaks often require surgery, rehabilitation, and months of recovery.
• Internal Organ Damage
  Not always visible right away, but life-threatening if not treated quickly.
• Soft Tissue and Whiplash Injuries
  Common even in lower-speed collisions and can cause chronic pain or mobility issues.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

• Medical Expenses
  ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and future treatment costs.
• Lost Wages
  Income lost while recovering, plus reduced future earning capacity.
• Property Damage
  Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and damaged personal items.
• Pain and Suffering
  Compensation for physical pain, trauma, anxiety, and diminished quality of life.
• Long-Term Care and Support
  Costs for caregivers, home health aides, or assistive equipment.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we work closely with your doctors and medical specialists to document the full extent of your injuries. Then we use that evidence to demand the maximum settlement possible from insurers or opposing counsel.

How Compensation Is Calculated

After a self-driving car accident, your compensation isn’t just about fixing a car or covering a hospital visit — it’s about accounting for the long-term impact the crash has on your life.

In Los Angeles, California law allows victims to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. But calculating the full value of your claim requires looking closely at multiple factors.

Key Factors That Affect Compensation

• Injury Severity
  Serious or permanent injuries — like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries — often result in higher compensation. These cases may require lifelong care, and the law reflects that in larger awards.
• Medical Expenses
  This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and future care. In catastrophic injury cases, long-term medical costs may become the most significant part of your settlement.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
  If you missed work or can no longer earn what you did before the accident, your compensation should reflect both short-term losses and future diminished earning potential. For self-employed workers or gig economy drivers in LA, this can be critical.
• Pain and Suffering
  Emotional trauma, anxiety, and the loss of enjoyment of life can be recovered as non-economic damages. These often apply when the injury causes lasting physical discomfort or limits your daily life.
• Property Damage
  You’re also entitled to compensation for your vehicle repairs, replacement (if totaled), and damaged personal items inside the car.
• Comparative Fault
  California follows a comparative negligence rule. That means even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation — but your total amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C, we don’t let insurance companies lowball you or shift blame. We work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and financial analysts to build a claim that reflects your full losses — not just what the insurer wants to pay.

What To Do After A Self-Driving Car Accident

Crashes involving autonomous vehicles can be more complicated than traditional car accidents. Evidence disappears quickly, and identifying fault may require specialized technical data. That’s why acting fast — and smart — is critical.

If you’re in a self-driving car accident in Los Angeles, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Move to Safety and Check for Injuries

If it’s safe, get out of traffic and assess everyone’s condition. Call 911 if anyone is injured — even if the injuries seem minor.

2. Call the Police

A police report will document what happened and can be vital when filing a claim. Tell the officers if a self-driving vehicle was involved so they know to treat it differently.

3. Take Photos of the Scene

Capture all angles of the vehicles, license plates, damage, debris, traffic signals, road signs, and any contributing road conditions. If you were a passenger in an AV, get a photo of the car’s exterior, make, and visible sensors.

4. Gather Contact and Insurance Info

Exchange names, numbers, and insurance details with the other party. If there was a human backup driver in the AV, collect their info too. Get names and numbers of any eyewitnesses.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay, see a doctor right away. Some injuries may not appear until hours or days later. Medical records also strengthen your case.

6. Preserve Key Evidence

Do not allow the self-driving vehicle or your own to be repaired or altered before speaking with a lawyer. Black box data, sensor logs, and in-vehicle recordings may be critical.

7. Contact a Self-Driving Accident Lawyer

AV crashes often involve technical investigations, subpoenas for data, and corporate legal teams. An experienced lawyer can take fast legal action to preserve evidence and begin building your case.

How Our Self-Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help You

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we know that self-driving car accident claims are unlike ordinary auto cases. They require legal skill, technical knowledge, and immediate action to secure critical data. That’s where we come in.

Here’s what our Los Angeles legal team does from day one:

Free Case Review

We start with a thorough evaluation of your case. Whether your injury occurred as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, we assess your legal options, identify liable parties, and walk you through your next steps.

Expert Evidence Collection

Our firm works with accident reconstruction experts, AV data analysts, and medical professionals. We gather vehicle sensor logs, driver override history, event data recorder (EDR) output, and software performance records — evidence most firms don’t know how to access.

Aggressive Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Most AV accident claims involve complex coverage layers — manufacturers, tech developers, fleet operators, and third-party insurers. We handle all communication and push back against lowball offers. Our legal team knows how to calculate full damages, including future medical care and lost earning potential.

Trial-Ready Representation

If negotiations fail, we’re ready to take your case to court. We don’t bluff. From the beginning, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, so we’re always ready to fight for the outcome you deserve.

Why Choose Prestige Law Firm P.C. for Your Self-Driving Car Accident Case?

When you’re facing the legal aftermath of an AV crash, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need a team that understands the nuances of autonomous vehicle technology — and how to hold the right parties accountable.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we bring unmatched experience, technical insight, and a client-first approach to every case we take.

We Don’t Just Settle — We Fight to Win

Many firms aim for a quick payout. Not us. We prepare every case for trial from day one. That pressure often forces better settlements — and when it doesn’t, we’re ready to win in court.

Proven Success in Complex Injury Claims

From Tesla crashes to software-based AV failures, we handle cases others avoid. Our track record includes multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for catastrophic injuries, brain trauma, and wrongful death.

Direct Access to Your Attorney

You’re never passed off to a junior staffer. Founding attorney Paul Aghabala will work with you directly, offering real-time updates and strategic guidance from start to finish.

Insurance Insider Experience

Our legal team includes former insurance defense professionals and claims adjusters. We use that inside knowledge to counter delay tactics, expose lowball offers, and negotiate from a position of strength.

Medical and Technical Expert Network

We connect clients with top California specialists — from trauma surgeons to neurological experts. We also partner with AV engineers and data analysts to prove liability and project long-term care costs.

No Win, No Fee Guarantee

There’s no upfront cost to hire us. We work entirely on contingency — meaning you don’t pay a dime unless we recover money for you.

Recognized Excellence

Our attorneys have earned accolades such as Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, and Avvo Client Choice awards, recognizing their legal skill and commitment to clients.

Rooted in the Los Angeles Community

From Van Nuys to Palmdale, we proudly serve all of Los Angeles County. We support local nonprofits, advocate for traffic safety reforms, and give back through annual community drives and volunteer programs.

Let Prestige Law Firm Handle the Legal Stress — So You Can Focus on Recovery

If you’ve been injured in a self-driving car accident in Los Angeles, don’t wait. These cases move fast — and the longer you delay, the harder it becomes to preserve critical AV data and build a winning case.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we have the resources, experience, and trial-tested strategy to take on the biggest manufacturers, insurers, and tech companies — and win.

Serving Clients Across Los Angeles County

Including Van Nuys, Palmdale, and surrounding areas

Call Now for a Free Case Review

(818) 788-0808 or (661) 341-3939

Email Attorney Paul Aghabala Directly

paul@prestigelaw.com

No Fee Unless We Win — Guaranteed

You focus on healing. We’ll take care of everything else.

Paul Aghabala

Founding Member

Written by Paul Aghabala, Reviewed by Todd Greenberg, J.D.