How the Uber Pedestrian Fatality Highlights Flaws in Self-Driving Cars
April 18, 2025- Categories: Personal Injury
You might remember this story that made worldwide headlines: In 2018, a self-driving Uber SUV hit and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona. It was thought to be the first pedestrian fatality involving a fully self-driving car. The incident sparked concerns about the many potential dangers of self-driving cars. And while it did drastically slow Uber’s expansion into the world of self-driving cars, the rideshare brand is planning to introduce driverless vehicles in some cities in 2025. As these vehicles become more common, it is possible we could see more serious accidents in Southern California. If you or a loved one is affected, consulting with a pedestrian accident lawyer can provide guidance on your rights and potential remedies.
Although autonomous vehicles are convenient, they still come with considerable risk. If you have been hurt in an accident with an autonomous vehicle, the Neale & Fhima team is here for you.
What Happened in Arizona?
A self-driving Uber Volvo SUV killed Elaine Herzberg, a 49-year-old woman, as she walked her bike across the street in Tempe in mid-March 2018. Based on information provided by the Tempe Police Department, the Uber vehicle was traveling at 40 mph in a 35 mph zone. There was no indication the vehicle slowed before fatally striking the woman. The SUV was in autonomous mode when the crash occurred, but there was a driver behind the wheel as a safeguard. Uber ceased testing for self-driving vehicles throughout the U.S. and Canada while it was investigating the crash.
What’s Happening Now?
Autonomous Rideshares Are Back
Car accident lawyers have long helped victims recover compensation from negligent drivers, but they might soon have to fight against autonomous car companies, too. In 2025, Uber will be partnering with Cruise, an autonomous vehicle company, to offer driverless cars in 2025. The move isn’t one that inspires confidence: Just last year, Cruise lost its operating license in California due to safety concerns. A San Francisco pedestrian was badly injured after being pinned and dragged under a Cruise driverless vehicle.
Potential Dangers of Self-Driving Vehicles
Introducing New Risks to the Road
Some argue that self-driving vehicles will be safer than regular drivers; computers, after all, do not get distracted by cell phones and do not fall asleep behind the wheel. However, there are potential dangers of these vehicles worth examining. First, self-driving vehicles must use existing roads. The infrastructure of the U.S. has not been built to support autonomous vehicles. This could lead to accidents. The reason is that every self-driving vehicle must have everything built into its software. It cannot rely on wires buried in the street, smart speed limit and turn lane signs, or special paint that would help the self-driven car find its way. This could pose serious risks, because roads are unpredictable by nature and the vehicle may not respond appropriately.
Second, unexpected things can occur on the road at any time, such as a pedestrian coming out of nowhere and entering the street. The Tempe accident shows that the Uber vehicle was not designed to handle this type of sudden incident effectively. It remains to be seen whether future developments with autonomous vehicles will prevent these types of tragic accidents from occurring. Regardless, if a person is injured by a driverless vehicle, it will still be possible to file a personal injury or product liability lawsuit so that the person can be compensated for their injuries.
Have you been injured by an autonomous vehicle? Call us at 888-407-2955 to book a free consultation.
Who Is at Fault in Self-Driving Car Accidents?
When Ms. Herzberg’s death happened in 2018, people everywhere were speculating: Was Uber responsible? The car manufacturer? The driver?
In 2023, an Arizona court answered definitively: Even if the car is “self-driving,” the person behind the wheel is at fault when things go wrong. Rafaela Vasquez, the operator of the self-driving Uber at the time of the crash, pleaded guilty to endangerment. That’s a lesser charge than vehicular manslaughter, but it still sets an important legal precedent.
Liability is always complex in rideshare accidents, but self-driving vehicles add a new layer of confusion. If you’re hurt in a car accident — with a self-driving car or otherwise — a car accident attorney can help you determine who may be at fault.
Were You In a Car Accident? Talk to a Southern California Personal Injury Attorney Today.
There are many car accidents every day in busy Orange County, California. Many drivers are distracted, speed, fail to yield, and cause serious accidents. If you suffered serious injuries because of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
For a complimentary consultation about your car accident, call Neale & Fhima at 888-407-2955 today.
Attorney Aaron Fhima
Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights. [ Attorney Bio ]
