Driverless Cars Are Now Rolling Down the Vegas Strip

It feels futuristic—until something goes wrong

Driverless cars recently hit the strip in Las Vegas, according to Las Vegas Fox 5 News. Many people were excited to take a ride in the driverless taxis operated by Zoox on the Las Vegas strip, starting at Resorts World.

“We are pulling out onto one of the busiest roads in the world right now with no driver,” Stuart Robinson, a radio personality from Ireland, said during his driverless ride, according to Las Vegas Fox 5 News. “Wow! This is just crazy.”

But what happens if a Las Vegas driverless car accident happens? Who’s at fault? Who’s responsible for paying for the accident? How does the legal process work? Here's what you need to know.

How common are driverless cars in Las Vegas?

Cars operated without a driver behind the wheel are becoming increasingly common in Las Vegas. Zoox is one of just 12 companies testing and operating more than 450 driverless vehicles in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada, according to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, as reported by Las Vegas Fox 5 News last year.

“I think Nevada is going to continue to be on the front lines for this kind of technology,” said Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles’ Compliance Division Chief J.D. Decker in an interview with Las Vegas Fox 5 News.

What are the laws for driverless cars in Nevada?

Nevada was one of the first states to create laws for driverless vehicles in the country. In 2011, Nevada created extensive rules and regulations governing “autonomous vehicles.” Organized under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 482A, these state laws define what constitutes an autonomous vehicle and outline the requirements for such cars, as well as:

Requirements for testing.
Road safety requirements to prevent self-driving car accidents.
Liability for accidents involving autonomous vehicles.
Civil and criminal penalties for violations of Nevada’s autonomous vehicle laws.

Are there national driverless vehicle laws?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has guidelines and recommendations concerning “automated vehicles.” However, there are no federal laws governing driverless vehicles nationwide.

According to the NHTSA, automated vehicles have the potential to prevent car accidents in the future. However, the federal website is vague about such promises. Specifically, the NHTSA web page about automated vehicles states that, “the continuing evolution of automotive technology aims to deliver even greater safety benefits than earlier technologies.”

Who is liable in a driverless car accident?

Liability in a driverless car accident depends on what caused the crash. Potentially responsible parties may include:

The vehicle manufacturer if a design or mechanical defect contributed to the collision.
A software company if a programming error or system failure caused the vehicle to malfunction.
The vehicle’s owner, such as an individual or a business operating autonomous taxis or rideshares.
A city or municipality, if a roadway hazard, faulty traffic light, or unclear signage played a role.

In some cases, the car’s sensors or AI system may fail to detect a pedestrian, cyclist, or another vehicle in time to avoid a crash. These failures often raise questions about whether the issue was with the hardware, the software, or even the testing and safety protocols of the company behind the technology.

Because multiple parties may share responsibility, determining fault in a driverless vehicle accident is rarely straightforward. That doesn’t mean you’re left without options. A skilled Las Vegas car accident lawyer can investigate the evidence, identify liable parties, and pursue the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Who pays for a driverless car accident in Nevada?

Nevada follows an at-fault car insurance system, meaning the party responsible for causing the crash must pay for the resulting injuries and damages. In a traditional accident, this usually means filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. With autonomous vehicles, however, liability is more complex and often involves multiple parties.

The first layer of coverage typically comes from the vehicle owner’s insurance, which could include:

A rideshare company
A taxi company
A commercial fleet operator
A private individual

If the accident stems from a product defect or malfunction, responsibility may shift to the manufacturer or developer, such as:

The vehicle manufacturer
The software developer

In some cases, government entities may also share liability if poor roadway design, missing signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals contributed to the crash.

What to do if you’re involved in a driverless car accident

Being hurt in a crash involving a driverless car can feel overwhelming, especially when fault is unclear. However, taking the right steps after the accident can make a big difference in protecting your health and your potential legal case:

Call 911 immediately – Make sure law enforcement documents the crash in an official police report.
Get medical attention – Even if you feel fine, symptoms of serious injuries may appear hours or days later.
Take photos and videos – Document the vehicles, scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Collect information – Get contact details from witnesses, the company operating the vehicle, and anyone else involved.
Do not assume fault – These cases are complex and often involve multiple parties. Avoid making statements that could be used against you.
Contact a lawyer quickly – Autonomous vehicle cases often require technical evidence, expert witnesses, and a strong legal strategy.

By taking these steps, you help preserve crucial evidence that may determine liability and strengthen your claim for compensation.

Lasso Injury Law knows how to handle complex car accident cases

Driverless car technology is evolving quickly, and so are the legal challenges that come with these accidents in Las Vegas. If you’ve been injured, you need an attorney who understands how cutting-edge technology, insurance disputes, and liability issues can impact your case.

At Lasso Injury Law LLC, our Las Vegas car accident lawyers know how to investigate these crashes, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’ve secured millions for injury victims and families throughout Nevada, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Put a proven Las Vegas law firm on your side. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our office is located on West Park Run Drive, and we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“Attorney Lasso is by far the BEST and MOST knowledgeable counsel I have ever retained.” – A.A., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐