The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan helps victims of car accidents in San Francisco. Any car accident brings questions, but increasingly, there’s situations where you might be involved in one with an autonomous vehicle like a Zoox robotaxi. Our team of San Francisco car accident lawyers are here to provide answers. If you’ve been injured, we can explain your rights and guide you through any available legal options. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation.

Should You Get a Lawyer?

A Zoox robotaxi is the newest offering on San Francisco’s streets, but an accident brings with it unique challenges–especially when it comes to fault and responsibility. If you’re facing serious injuries or don’t know who might be responsible, it’s time to speak with our team. Here’s how we can help you:

• Explaining your rights – We clarify your rights and options as an injury victim in a Zoox accident.

• Gathering evidence – We collect key evidence, such as medical records and accident reports, to strengthen your case.

• Negotiating with insurance companies – We handle discussions with insurance companies to help you secure fair compensation.

• Going to court – If necessary, we’ll file a lawsuit and guide you through each step of that process.

We take on the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. A robotaxi like Zoox is clearly convenient, but accidents cancel this convenience out and could make things more difficult for you and your family. Our team is here to help.

Who’s Liable For a Zoox Robotaxi Accident?

A big question in a Zoox robotaxi accident revolves around who’s liable–or legally responsible– for your injuries. In typical car accidents, liability usually falls on the driver at fault. But since Zoox vehicles don’t have a driver, liability means taking a closer look. Thankfully, though, the legal standard is still the same–negligence.

Even with a robotaxi, negligence means that someone (or some group) failed to take reasonable actions to keep you and others safe, which then caused the accident and your injuries.

With that in mind, liability for a Zoox robotaxi accident could involve any of the following:

• Zoox or Amazon – If the robotaxi has any design flaws, software glitches, or other issues, Zoox or Amazon (its parent company) might be at fault. For example, if the vehicle’s technology wasn’t working correctly and caused the accident, the company could be held responsible.
   

• Software developers – If the robotaxi’s navigation or sensors fail, don’t follow routes properly, or don’t respond to road conditions, the software developers who built these systems could be liable.
  
  

• Maintenance teams – If a mechanical problem–like issues with the brakes, tires, or sensors–led to the accident, the maintenance team responsible for inspecting and fixing the vehicle might be at fault.
  
  

• Other drivers – Like any other car accident, if another driver was speeding, ran a red light, or drove carelessly, they could be partially or fully responsible for the accident’s damages.
  
  

• City government – If the accident happened due to poorly maintained roads, like potholes, unclear signs, or broken traffic lights, the city government or public agency in charge of road upkeep could be held liable.
  
  

There’s no denying that liability in a Zoox robotaxi accident is difficult to untangle. But, with our team’s experience and resources, we can help you figure out who all is liable for your damages–and will then support your claim for those damages.

What Damages Can You Get in a Zoox Robotaxi Accident Claim?

Figuring out liability is just the first step in your claim after a Zoox robotaxi accident. The other, arguably more vital step, is actually filing your claim and recovering damages.

Generally, you have two options for doing this: 

• Filing an insurance claim
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit

No matter which option you choose, the point is to recover financial support for your injuries and other losses from your particular accident. Every accident is different, but you can potentially recover damages that involve:

• Medical bills
• Future care needs
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship and enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death expenses (in fatal accidents)
• Punitive damages (in rare situations where the other party’s actions were especially reckless)

The amount you can recover depends on your damages and how strong your case is. To get the best outcome, start building your claim as soon as possible after the accident. Remember, California’s statute of limitations usually gives you only two years to file a claim, so it’s important to act quickly.

How Can You Protect Your Accident Claim?

Whenever you’re in a Zoox robotaxi accident, it’s never ideal. Zoox (and other robotaxi companies) design their vehicles with your safety and security in mind. However, with negligence, accidents are a fact of life. At that point, you need to start thinking about your claim and what you can do to protect it: 

• Get to safety – If possible, move your vehicle to a safe place away from traffic or onto the roadside. This helps prevent more accidents. If you’re in the Zoox, get out and go to the side of the road.

• Call 911 – Once you’re in a safe spot, check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 to get an ambulance for any serious injuries, and seek further medical care at a hospital or urgent care if needed.

• Report the accident – Contact the SFPD right away to report the accident. They will investigate the accident and write an official report. Be sure to mention that the other vehicle was a Zoox. Also, let Zoox know about the accident. They usually have contact information available.

• Gather evidence and information – Take photos and videos of the accident scene, focusing on any injuries and damage to vehicles. Collect contact information from witnesses and ask if they have any pictures from the accident. This evidence can support your case. Also, note any details about the Zoox robotaxi.

Remember to act quickly after the accident, especially since it involves a Zoox taxi. Getting legal help from our team can help you recover your losses, but taking these steps can strengthen your claim–making sure you get the damages you need to get better.

MJQ Law Can Help After a San Francisco Zoox Robotaxi Accident

While riding in a Zoox taxi can be convenient, it can also lead to serious injuries in an accident. If this happens, it means injuries and other losses that can seriously impact your life. At MJQ Law, we can help you get better. We’ll take care of the legal process and make sure you have a strong claim for damages. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your case.