Autopilot Cars and Robotaxis: Why California Drivers Should Be Cautious
$243 Million Verdict Against Tesla Raises Concerns Over So-Called Autopilot Features
On August 1, 2025, a Florida jury ordered Tesla to pay $243 million in damages related to a fatal crash involving a Model S using Autopilot. This high-profile case could spark a wave of lawsuits targeting autonomous vehicle technology—and raise serious questions about safety standards for driverless vehicles, including robotaxis, operating in California. Read the full NBC News article
Not only was this a “nuclear verdict” as discussed in our March 2025 blog, but the jury concluded that Tesla’s Autopilot software was defective, failing to adequately warn the driver of an impending collision. This finding contradicts Tesla’s marketing claims and puts a spotlight on false advertising and software reliability.
California’s Expanding Robotaxi Market Raises New Safety Concerns
As of September 2025, several companies operate robotaxis in California, including:
- Waymo
- Zoox
- WeRide
Tesla has launched its own robotaxi initiative, using an enhanced version of its Autopilot system—similar to the system that was found defective in the recent lawsuit. Tesla is currently lobbying for regulatory approval to expand its robotaxi operations into California, raising alarm bells among safety advocates.
This concern is not without precedent. In a highly publicized 2023 incident, Cruise, a General Motors subsidiary, had its California license revoked after one of its riderless vehicles ran over and dragged a pedestrian in San Francisco.
For more on past driverless incidents, visit our blog: Who’s Liable in a Driverless Car Accident?
Understanding the Complexities of Liability
In California, liability for a driverless vehicle crash still relies on traditional negligence principles, but additional legal considerations may apply:
- Product Liability: Was the vehicle or software defective?
- False Advertising: Did the manufacturer mislead consumers about safety features?
- Software Malfunctions: Did system errors directly contribute to the crash?
These questions often require the insight of engineers, software experts, and accident reconstruction specialists—making these cases time-consuming, expensive, and legally complex.
How The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour Can Help
At The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour, we have over two decades of experience litigating vehicular accidents and getting victims the compensation they deserve. We are closely monitoring the technological and legal developments as they relate to accidents involving riderless vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured in a robotaxi or driver-assist car accident, call us today or contact us online to explore your legal options.