Waymo first came to Atlanta in June of 2025, allowing Uber users to order an autonomous, driverless car to pick them up and drive them to their destination. These robotaxis can be spotted all around the city with an empty driver’s seat, delivering Atlanta’s most precious cargo: other Atlanta residents.
WHAT IS WAYMO?
Waymo is an autonomous robotaxi company that builds and trains driverless cars to operate by training software, sensors, and AI systems to react as an experienced driver would. It began as Google’s Self-Driving Car Project before rebranding to Waymo in 2016. It was launched to the public in 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona, making it the first company to offer a fully driverless ride-hailing service publicly. The company now operates robotaxis in 11 major U.S. cities, including Atlanta.
The Waymo Driver has been deemed “The World’s Most Experienced Driver.” The cars are trained using AI machine learning and run simulations on millions of miles in all different conditions. Waymo exists to ensure that your driver is never drunk, tired, or distracted. Atlanta residents can order a Waymo through the Uber app and schedule it to pick them up from all over the city at any time. The vehicle uses powerful software to provide a safe riding experience for the passengers, but despite their capabilities, these vehicles are still learning and are not immune to accidents.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN ATLANTA?
Atlanta is no stranger to odd Waymo behaviors. When Waymo originally launched in Atlanta, it would frequently illegally pass school buses while the buses were stopped with their flashing red lights on. There were also multiple claims in other cities that Waymo cars have hit or nearly hit pets. They have also been in situations where they block emergency vehicles or stall at broken stop lights.
But recently, the Waymo cars in Atlanta have been circling residential neighborhoods. This influx of cars has raised concerns about safety and privacy, as they have been spotted circling cul-de-sacs for hours without any passengers, with their cameras spinning and collecting data. The residents are concerned that the neighborhood roads are being used as holding places or training areas when the cars are not in use. The excessive traffic is also a major concern for homeowners with young kids and pets who play in and near the road.
Additionally, during recent early summer flooding, Waymo cars have been spotted driving directly into flooded areas before stalling in the flood waters for hours. The system struggles to recognize rapid flooding if there is not a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service. Waymo cars do not know how to implement additional safety measures unless they are told to. This has led to a recall of nearly 3,800 vehicles to correct the software that allows cars to drive into standing water.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A WAYMO HITS ME OR DAMAGES MY PROPERTY?
If a Waymo hurts you or damages your property, their parent company, “Alphabet,” acts as the operator and is legally responsible for bodily injury and property damage caused by their cars. Waymo carries $5 million liability insurance to cover accident costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Waymo vehicles are equipped with 360-degree cameras, LiDAR, radar, and software that track and log exactly what happened.
Be sure to reach out to Jones & Swanson so our attorneys can help you obtain that footage and build your case!
WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WHILE IN A WAYMO?
Waymo cars are typically safer than human-driven vehicles, causing 88% fewer accidents that result in injury than human-operated vehicles. However, no driverless driving system is perfect, and on crowded Atlanta streets, accidents are bound to happen.
If you are involved in an accident:
- Make safety your #1 priority: Call 911 and report injuries.
- Document everything: Take photos of all damage and the scene. Collect witness names and phone numbers.
- Seek thorough medical assistance: Shock can often mask symptoms, such as internal bleeding or concussions, so it is vital to visit a doctor after the accident.
- File a police report: In Georgia, any accident that involves injuries, significant property damage, and/or fatalities must be reported to the police.
- Contact Jones & Swanson for a FREE consultation: Waymo accidents are complicated, as liability can be split between Waymo, manufacturers, Uber, or other 3rd party companies, so don’t do it alone!
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- If you were injured in the accident, Jones & Swanson can:
- Investigate the cause of the accident.
- Determine liability across all parties.
- Handle negotiations with insurers.
- Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- If you were injured in the accident, Jones & Swanson can:
FAQs
What do I do if my Waymo has driven into a flooded area?
Keep safety as your #1 priority! Stay seated, keep your seatbelt on, and do not exit the car unless water is actively rising inside. Be sure to use the help button inside the car to immediately contact Waymo and report the situation. If the car becomes unsafe or water starts entering the cabin, call 911!
Who is responsible for my Waymo getting into an accident?
Every situation is different. If the Waymo software fails, Alphabet is liable, but if the accident was caused by another human driver, they will typically be found at fault. In many cases, responsibility can be shared between Waymo, the manufacturer, or other third-party components. If you find yourself confused by the liability of your accident, give Jones & Swanson a call!
What do I do if I have been injured in a Waymo?
If you’ve been injured in a Waymo, seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms seem minor. Sometimes shock can hide the extent of your injuries, so be sure to seek a professional opinion. Be sure to report the crash through the app and gather photos, videos, and witness information. Then, contact Jones & Swanson, so we can build your case and access Waymo’s internal data to determine fault.
Jones & Swanson Is A Personal Injury Attorney that specializes in car accidents, dog bites, and slip/trip and falls. If You Have Any Questions Regarding Accident Liability As A Result Of an autonomous vehicle, call Jones & Swanson For A Free Consultation or Contact Us On Awjlaw.com. We have Decades Of Combined Experience Representing Individuals In Automobile Cases And Are More Than Happy To Answer Any Questions You May Have.
Categories: Auto Accidents, Car Accident, Community Outreach, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Safety Tips, Summer Safety
