Tesla, Waymo and EV Accidents in Pennsylvania: How Emerging Auto Technology Complicates Liability

Electric vehicles and semi-autonomous driving systems are becoming more common on Pennsylvania roads, including throughout the Pittsburgh region. Drivers in Allegheny County are increasingly sharing the road with vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, partial automation features, and fully electric drivetrains. Companies like Tesla and Waymo have pushed this technology into the mainstream, raising new questions when accidents happen.

In 2025, 19,086 vehicles were involved in reportable crashes in Allegheny County, according to PennDOT’s Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics. At the federal level, NHTSA’s Standing General Order data logged 88 ADAS- and ADS-related incidents in Pennsylvania through November 17, 2025, a small share of the overall crash picture, but a fast-growing one as more partially-automated vehicles enter the Pittsburgh-area fleet

While these vehicles promise safety improvements, crashes involving them are not always straightforward. Determining who is responsible can be far more complicated than in a typical car accident. For injured victims in Western Pennsylvania, understanding how these cases work is critical.

Our Pittsburgh car accident attorneys at Munley Law represent individuals injured in complex motor vehicle accidents, including those involving emerging automotive technology. As these cases become more common, so do the legal challenges surrounding them.

How EV and Autonomous Technology Are Changing Car Accidents

Traditional car accident cases usually focus on driver behavior: speeding, distraction, impairment or failure to follow traffic laws. With electric and semi-autonomous vehicles, the analysis often extends beyond the driver.

Vehicles equipped with systems like Autopilot or advanced driver assistance can control steering, braking and acceleration under certain conditions. However, these systems are not fully autonomous and still require driver supervision. When a crash occurs, questions immediately arise about whether the driver misused the system or whether the technology failed.

Electric vehicles also introduce different mechanical components. Battery systems, regenerative braking and software-driven controls can all play a role in how a crash occurs or how severe it becomes. In some cases, post-collision battery fires or electrical malfunctions may worsen injuries.

Liability Is Not Always Limited to the Driver

In Pennsylvania, most car accident claims begin with a driver liability claim. That changes when vehicle technology may have contributed to the crash.

Potentially responsible parties in an EV or autonomous vehicle accident may include:

• The driver of the vehicle
• The vehicle manufacturer
• The developer of the vehicle’s software system
• Parts manufacturers, including battery suppliers
• Maintenance providers or dealerships

For example, if a driver relies on an automated feature that fails to detect an obstacle, the manufacturer or software developer may share responsibility. If a defect in the battery system causes a fire after impact, the company that designed or produced that component could also be liable.

The Role of Driver Responsibility in Semi-Autonomous Systems

Despite advances in automation, most vehicles on Pennsylvania roads today are not fully self-driving. Systems offered by companies like Tesla are considered Level 2 automation, meaning the driver must remain attentive and ready to take control at all times.

This creates a gray area in accident cases. Drivers may assume the vehicle can handle more than it actually can, while manufacturers often include warnings and disclaimers about system limitations.

Insurance companies frequently argue that the driver bears primary responsibility, even when automation is engaged. They may claim the driver failed to monitor the system or respond appropriately. On the other hand, evidence may show that the system behaved unpredictably or failed under conditions where it was expected to perform safely.

Data Collection and Privacy Concerns

One major difference in these cases is the amount of data involved. Modern vehicles often record detailed information about speed, braking, steering inputs and system activity leading up to a crash.

This data can be critical evidence, but accessing it is not always easy. Manufacturers may control the data or require legal action to release it. In some cases, the data may be incomplete or difficult to interpret without expert analysis.

For accidents occurring on busy corridors like I-376 (the Parkway East) or Route 28, where traffic patterns can be complex, this data can make or break a case. It may show whether a driver was paying attention, whether an automated system was engaged or whether a mechanical issue occurred.

Unique Risks of Electric Vehicle Accidents

Electric vehicles bring certain risks that are less common in gasoline-powered cars. High-voltage battery systems can pose fire hazards after a collision, sometimes igniting minutes or even hours later.

First responders in Allegheny County, including those serving areas like Monroeville and Mt. Lebanon, have received training on handling EV-related incidents. Even so, these situations can be dangerous and unpredictable.

From a legal standpoint, injuries caused by post-crash fires or electrical hazards may expand the scope of a claim. Liability may extend beyond the initial collision to include the design and safety of the vehicle’s battery system.

Commercial and Testing Vehicles in Pennsylvania

Autonomous vehicle technology is not limited to personal cars. Companies like Waymo and others have tested self-driving systems in various U.S. cities, including Pittsburgh in past years.

When a crash involves a testing or commercial autonomous vehicle, additional parties may be involved. These can include the company operating the vehicle, safety drivers, third-party contractors and technology partners.

These cases often involve large corporations with significant legal resources. Investigations may require reviewing internal policies, safety protocols and system design decisions.

What Injured Victims Should Do After an EV or Autonomous Vehicle Crash

If you are involved in an accident with a vehicle that may have been using advanced technology, preserving evidence is particularly important. Vehicle data, software logs, and physical components may all be relevant, and delays can result in lost or altered information.

Protecting Injury Victims in a Changing Automotive Landscape

As electric and semi-autonomous vehicles become more common in the Pittsburgh area, accident cases are becoming more complex. What used to be a straightforward question of driver negligence may now involve product defects, software failures, and corporate responsibility.

Injured victims should not be left to navigate these challenges alone. Legal representation can help identify all responsible parties, preserve critical evidence, and pursue the full compensation available under Pennsylvania law.

At Munley Law, our Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys have decades of experience handling complex accident claims and standing up to major corporations and insurers. We understand how emerging vehicle technology affects liability and how to build strong cases in these evolving situations.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an electric or autonomous vehicle, our team is ready to help. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation.