Self-driving cars are no longer just a futuristic idea—they are being tested across the United States, including here in Florida. But are Tampa drivers, laws, and communities truly prepared for the widespread use of autonomous vehicles? According to auto accident lawyers in Tampa FL, while these vehicles promise safety and convenience, they also raise serious concerns about liability, insurance, and passenger protection.
This article explores the current state of self-driving technology in Florida, the risks that come with it, and what legal experts say about accident liability when autonomous vehicles are involved.
Florida is considered a national leader in testing and deploying autonomous vehicles. In 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed CS/HB 311, allowing fully autonomous vehicles to operate on public roads without a human driver. This bold step positioned Florida as one of the first states to embrace this technology.
However, with innovation comes responsibility. Car accident law firms in Tampa highlight the key questions this raises:
Who is held accountable if a self-driving car causes an accident in Hillsborough County?
How will Florida’s no-fault insurance system adapt to crashes involving autonomous technology?
Are Tampa’s busy streets, from Dale Mabry Highway to the Selmon Expressway, ready for these vehicles?
Advocates believe autonomous vehicles will drastically reduce collisions since human error causes most crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) attributes 94% of serious accidents to driver mistakes such as distracted driving, speeding, or impairment.
Yet, car crash lawyers in Tampa point out that autonomous cars are still prone to issues:
In 2018, an Uber self-driving car struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona—the first fatal crash involving a fully autonomous car.
Tesla’s Autopilot system has been linked to multiple deadly collisions, prompting investigations.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that self-driving technology might prevent only about one-third of crashes, because many involve unpredictable circumstances.
Florida’s dense traffic and unpredictable conditions—from sudden storms to heavy tourist traffic—make it especially challenging for self-driving systems to eliminate all risks.
1. Determining Liability
Traditionally, accident victims file claims against negligent drivers. But in self-driving crashes, fault could fall on:
Vehicle manufacturers.
Software developers.
Human passengers (if intervention was required but not taken).
This means vehicle accident lawyers in Tampa FL must often combine personal injury law with product liability strategies.
2. Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Rules
Florida requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. While this covers medical bills regardless of fault, serious injuries often exceed these limits. With autonomous cars, it’s not always clear whether claims should target an insurer, a car company, or another responsible party.
3. Wrongful Death and Severe Injuries
If a fatal crash occurs, families may work with a wrongful death attorney in Tampa. These claims are complex, especially if multiple companies could share responsibility.
“Self-driving cars don’t cause accidents.”
They do—technology reduces risk but cannot prevent every crash.
“Manufacturers are always at fault.”
Sometimes liability falls on passengers or third-party tech companies.
“Insurance works the same way.”
Florida’s insurance laws haven’t fully caught up to autonomous vehicles, making claims more complicated.
If you’re involved in a crash with an autonomous vehicle in Tampa:
Call 911 and get medical attention.
Document the accident scene with photos and videos.
Identify the vehicle (make, model, autonomous system).
Get a police report from the Tampa Police Department or Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Contact attorneys for car wrecks in Florida to explore your legal options.
Self-driving car accident cases involve advanced technology, corporate liability, and multiple layers of insurance. Tampa car accident lawyers emphasize that victims may need:
Access to vehicle data logs.
Testimony from tech experts.
Claims against manufacturers or developers.
Guidance on navigating Florida’s complex injury laws.
That’s why many victims turn to experienced personal injury attorneys in Tampa FL when these types of crashes occur.
In 2021, a Tesla operating in Autopilot mode collided with a state trooper’s vehicle in Miami. While no one was killed, the case demonstrated how autonomous systems can fail in real-world Florida traffic.
If such a crash occurred in Hillsborough County, victims would likely need the help of a Tampa truck accident attorney or Tampa car accident attorney to recover compensation.
Q1: If I’m hit by a self-driving car in Tampa, who pays for my medical bills?
Florida is a no-fault state, so your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will cover initial medical costs. If your injuries are severe and exceed policy limits, you may be able to pursue additional compensation from the manufacturer, software company, or the owner of the vehicle with the help of an auto accident attorney in Tampa FL.
Q2: Can I sue a car company if their self-driving vehicle caused the crash?
Yes, in some cases. These types of claims often involve product liability law, which holds manufacturers accountable for defective technology. An experienced Tampa car accident lawyer can help determine if the vehicle company should be named in your lawsuit.
Q3: Are self-driving cars allowed in Tampa and Hillsborough County?
Yes. Since 2019, Florida law allows autonomous vehicles to operate on public roads without a human driver present. This includes Tampa and Hillsborough County. However, questions of liability after accidents remain complicated.
Q4: Do insurance policies in Florida cover self-driving car accidents?
Yes, but it can get complicated. Florida’s no-fault insurance system applies, but claims may also involve the vehicle manufacturer’s liability insurance. This is why many victims work with car crash lawyers in Tampa to navigate multiple policies.
Q5: What should I do right after being in an accident with a self-driving car?
Call 911 and seek medical attention.
Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
Get a police report.
Gather witness information.
Contact an experienced traffic accident lawyer in Tampa to understand your legal rights.
The verdict: not quite yet.
While Florida leads in autonomous vehicle legislation, our infrastructure, insurance system, and liability laws are still adapting. Until the system fully matures, victims of self-driving crashes will face unique challenges.
For this reason, consulting auto accident lawyers in Tampa FL remains one of the most important steps after any crash.
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a self-driving car—or any type of vehicle accident—Inkelaar Law is here to protect your rights. Our experienced team of Florida accident lawyers has the knowledge and resources to handle complex cases involving cars, trucks, and autonomous vehicles.
Call Inkelaar Law today at 1 (800) 890-2801 or book an appointment online for your Free Consultation.
We proudly serve Tampa, Hillsborough County, and all of Florida.
Don’t let uncertainty about self-driving technology stop you from getting the compensation you deserve. Contact a trusted Tampa auto accident lawyer today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational purposes only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation. For specific legal advice, please consult with an attorney who is qualified to handle your case.
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