Rob King & Associates, Trail Lawyers | June 20, 2025 | Car Accidents
Self-driving vehicle companies seem to be popping up left and right these days. Those in favor of autonomous cars seem to think they’ll put an end to distracted driving and help everyone stay safe on the road. While that may eventually prove true, a lot has to go right before autonomous vehicles will dominate our highways.
The good news is that companies with self-driving cars are already pushing the limits of what’s possible.
1. Waymo
Waymo, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, Alphabet, tops this list of self-driving car companies with its Waymo One service. The service operates in LA, San Francisco, and several other cities. Its vehicles have logged millions of miles and offer driverless rides.
Google kicked off Waymo with a hand-built autonomous vehicle named “Firefly.” While Firefly was retired a few years ago, Waymo continues to push the limits of driverless cars.
2. Tesla
Interested in self-driving cars you can buy now? Look no further than Tesla. The company offers vehicles with full self-driving (FSD) capabilities, which are available as a one-time upgrade or via a subscription.
Currently, FSD offers Level 2 autonomy, meaning driver supervision is required. Most drivers have positive things to say about Tesla’s full self-driving feature, and it keeps getting better with each round of updates.
3. Cruise
Cruise is backed by General Motors and focuses on urban ride-hailing (think autonomous taxis). The small fleet is based in San Francisco and has achieved Level 4 autonomy. The Cruise Origin is a driverless shuttle that eliminates traditional controls. The company is going strong and is poised to compete with Waymo, although the latter company has a big head start.
4. Zoox
Zoox is an independently operated subsidiary of Amazon. The company’s first robotaxi hit public roads in 2023. Its innovative vehicles use LiDAR and AI for 360-degree awareness. The company aims to offer commercial services soon.
The race to deliver reliable autonomous vehicles at scale is in full swing, and Zoox appears to be gaining on some of the other manufacturers on our list.
5. Mobileye
Mobileye is a pioneer in driver-assistance solutions. The company’s technology has been installed in millions of vehicles. Mobileye works with more than 50 different OEMs and has had a major impact on the autonomous vehicle space.
Benefits of Self-Driving Cars
Self-driving car companies frequently suggest that autonomous vehicles will reduce car accidents and eventually eliminate them altogether.
Other potential advantages include:
- Reduced congestion via better traffic flow
- Increased mobility for those who are unable to drive
- Less fuel consumption through optimized routes
These benefits could transform commuting as we know it. However, accidents involving autonomous vehicles have the potential to lead to complex personal injury cases.
Potential Drawbacks of Self-Driving Cars
There are two main concerns associated with self-driving vehicles: working out the bugs and pinpointing liability. While autonomous vehicles have come a long way, they’re far from perfect. Most manufacturers are testing them extensively in controlled environments, but they can’t account for every possible scenario. Accidents are bound to play out in the real world.
Liability is the other primary concern. Who is at fault if a driverless vehicle causes an accident? For instance, litigating an Uber accident could become much more challenging if the vehicle was driving itself. Will the software company, hardware developer, manufacturer, or operator/owner (e.g., Uber or Lyft) be responsible?
Contact the Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers at Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers for Help Today
This list showcases some of the best and most innovative auto manufacturers in the world. While advancements in AV technology promise safer and more efficient roads, legal challenges lurk on the horizon. It’s up to all road users to stay informed about the progress and the new risks that emerge.
For more information, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Marion County and its surrounding areas.
Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers – Indianapolis Office
22 E Washington St #310
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 916-0000
