Self-driving cars use advanced systems to control speed, steering, and braking. Manufacturers claim these vehicles lower crash risks. But the data tells a mixed story. Self-driving car accident statistics show numerous crashes involving automated cars, many leading to serious or fatal injuries.
Technology for autonomous vehicles will continue to develop and spread. By looking at crash reports, we can understand the risks of these vehicles and whether manufacturers’ safety claims hold up. Here’s what you need to know about self-driving car accident statistics in Virginia and nationwide.
What Is a Self-Driving Car?
A self-driving car is a vehicle with the ability to move, steer, and react to traffic without input from a human driver. These vehicles use cameras, sensors, radars, and software to detect the road, follow traffic laws, and avoid crashes.
Car manufacturers use different terms for this tech. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes the following six levels of driving automation:
- Level 0 – Momentary driver assistance such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, and lane departure alerts.
- Level 1 – Continuous driver assistance with driving tasks such as acceleration, braking, or steering. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance are examples.
- Level 2 – Additional, continuous assistance, such as highway pilot.
- Level 3 – Conditional automation, which performs driving tasks while allowing the driver to take over.
- Level 4 – High automation, meaning the system handles all driving tasks within limited areas, while the driver is simply a passenger.
- Level 5 – Full automation, meaning the system drives the vehicle – period.
What Is the Difference Between Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS)?
The key difference between ADAS and ADS is who drives the vehicle.
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) help humans drive. ADAS tools include lane departure warning, automatic braking, and parking help systems. These features make driving easier but require drivers to stay alert and in charge.
- Automated driving systems (ADS) take over the driving entirely. ADS handles tasks like steering, braking, and reacting to traffic without help. ADS operates in some test cars and robotaxis, but only in certain places and with strict limits.
How Many Self-Driving Cars Are on the Road Today?
Only a small number of fully self-driving cars operate on public roads today. Most run in test areas or as robotaxis in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Companies like Waymo and Cruise offer rides in these vehicles, but they limit service to select places.
As of mid-2025, most cars with “self-driving” features still need drivers to stay alert. These systems include Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise. Millions of vehicles use this technology, but they don’t count as fully self-driving. They are vehicles with driver assistance features.
Fully automated vehicles remain rare and don’t yet appear in daily traffic in large numbers. Most drivers will not see them often outside of test zones or pilot programs.
Do Self-Driving Cars Have More or Fewer Accidents Than Human-Driven Cars?
The answer depends on how you count crashes and what type of tech the car uses. Some early studies suggest that fully automated vehicles crash less often than cars with human drivers. Still, many crashes involve self-driving systems that make mistakes or fail to avoid hazards.
According to recent NHTSA data, vehicles using advanced systems like Tesla Autopilot have been in hundreds of crashes, including some deadly ones. In many cases, the driver either didn’t take back control in time or misunderstood the system’s limits. Some companies report safer results in test zones, but results vary. Until more data clearly shows results, it’s likely best to remain cautious.
Has Virginia Had Many Self-Driving Accidents?
No one knows precisely how many self-driving car accidents have happened in Virginia. Most states, such as Virginia, don’t issue separate reports for crashes involving automated vehicles. Public data primarily focuses on nationwide statistics or reports from specific states like California, where companies test more self-driving technology. The lack of available data makes it difficult to tell how often these self-driving car accidents happen in Virginia or what might cause them.
Some vehicles in Virginia may use systems like Autopilot or other driver-assist features. However, those crashes are grouped with regular accidents in crash data. Without sufficient reporting, drivers and passengers in Virginia don’t have access to reliable numbers about how these systems perform on local roads.
Who Could Be Held Responsible for a Self-Driving Car Accident?
Responsibility for a self-driving car accident depends on the details. If drivers misuse an automated system or ignore warnings, they could be at fault. However, the blame could shift to another party if a self-driving car makes a mistake while in complete control, such as:
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Software developer
- Parts supplier.
More than one party could share responsibility. Courts will consider how a vehicle’s automated system worked, how the driver used it, and whether warnings were clear in determining who is responsible. These cases are beginning to raise new legal questions when drivers do not have complete control. As self-driving systems become more advanced, lawmakers and courts must continue working to define who takes the blame when something goes wrong.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Self-Driving Cars?
Currently, Virginia does not have any special insurance rules for self-driving cars. Most drivers still use regular auto policies, even if their cars include self-driving features. If a vehicle has systems like lane assistance or adaptive cruise control, insurers usually treat those like any other safety feature. However, the insurance situation becomes less clear if a car takes full control without driver input.
Some insurance companies might offer coverage for fully autonomous vehicles, but policies and terms vary. Drivers should check with their insurers to understand what specific plans include. As self-driving technologies advance, insurance companies will likely adjust their options. For now, Virginia drivers should not assume that a policy covers every type of automated driving.
Contact a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer
If you were involved in an accident with a self-driving car in Virginia, you deserve answers from a team that knows how to handle severe cases like these. Marks & Harrison has a strong track record of helping clients recover some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Virginia history. We offer free initial consultations. Contact us today to get started.
