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Updated: October 10, 2025
Published: October 10, 2025

Who Is Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident in Mississippi?

Man Operating a Self-Driving Car

Self-driving cars are becoming more common in Mississippi and across the United States. These vehicles are designed to improve safety, but accidents can still occur when technology fails or when drivers neglect to take control. Such crashes can leave victims uncertain about who is responsible, and liability for autonomous car accidents often depends on evolving state laws.

Understanding Mississippi self-driving car accident liability is critical for protecting your rights. For over 35 years, NST Law has provided compassionate guidance and secured meaningful results for injured victims throughout the Mid-South.

After a collision involving advanced technology, it is natural to have questions about fault, insurance, and next steps. Below are some questions many Mississippi self-driving car crash victims have asked. We aim to answer these common concerns clearly and explain how an experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyer can help you move forward.

Key Takeaways
  • In Mississippi self-driving car accidents, liability may involve drivers, owners, manufacturers, technology companies, rideshare providers, or other third parties.
  • Mississippi law on autonomous vehicles is evolving, so cases can involve multiple legal theories.
  • Proving liability often requires reviewing black box data, analyzing driver actions, and addressing insurance company tactics.
  • Victims may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • With over 35 years of experience and billions won, NST Law offers compassionate, trial-ready representation for crash victims across Mississippi.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Mississippi Self-Driving Car Accident?

Depending on the facts of the crash, one or more parties may be liable. Possible defendants include the driver or vehicle owner, the car manufacturer, the software developer, or a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft.

Questions about who is liable in a self-driving car accident often come down to a detailed review of evidence, including driver actions, vehicle data, and potential technology errors. Because Mississippi law is still evolving around autonomous vehicles, claims may also involve multiple legal theories, from negligence to product liability.

Is the Human Driver Still Responsible in a Self-Driving Car?

Even with autonomous mode engaged, drivers must stay alert and ready to take control. Courts may still hold them responsible for a crash if they fail to intervene, drive distracted, or ignore safety warnings.

There is also a key difference between driver assist features and fully autonomous systems. Most vehicles on Mississippi roads fall into the driver assist category, where technology supports but does not replace the driver.

By contrast, fully autonomous systems are designed to operate on their own. If those systems fail, liability may fall on the manufacturer or software developer, though courts often still review whether the driver should have stepped in, such as through driver alerts, hand-off prompts, and response timing captured in the car’s data.

Can Manufacturers or Tech Companies Be Liable?

Manufacturers and software developers can be held accountable if a defective design, faulty code, or system malfunction causes a self-driving car accident. These situations may fall under product liability law. If technology from companies like Tesla, Waymo, or other autonomous vehicle makers fails and leads to injuries, victims may have a claim against them.

What Compensation Can Victims Recover After a Self-Driving Car Accident?

After a self-driving technology malfunction accident, compensation often comes through verdicts or settlement payouts. Victims may be entitled to damages covering a wide range of losses, including:

  • Medical expenses: coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
  • Lost wages: recovery for time away from work and reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your future employment.
  • Pain and suffering: recognition of the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
  • Wrongful death damages: financial and emotional support for families who lose a loved one in an accident.

Common Injuries in Mississippi Self-Driving Car Accidents

Despite advanced technology, injuries from autonomous vehicle crashes can be just as severe as in traditional collisions. Some car accident injuries appear hours or days later, making medical evaluation critical. Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries, which can lead to cognitive challenges, memory issues, or permanent disability.
  • Broken bones and fractures, which may require surgery or months of recovery.
  • Spinal cord damage, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
  • Internal organ injuries, while often difficult to detect, can be life-threatening if untreated.
  • Whiplash, which often develops gradually and may require ongoing treatment.
  • Wrongful death, leaving families with devastating loss when injuries prove fatal.
  • Emotional trauma, which can result in anxiety, PTSD, or depression, impacting an individual’s daily life and long-term well-being.

How NST Law Can Help After a Self-Driving Car Accident

NST Law has represented thousands of accident victims in Mississippi and across the Mid-South. Our record of car accident verdicts and settlements shows both our trial readiness and our determination to hold insurers and corporations accountable.

We make the legal process as accessible as possible. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer questions, travel to meet clients, and provide personal attention. Every case begins with a free consultation, and with our contingency fee structure, you never pay out of pocket.

Our work is guided by the Six Pillars of NST Law: compassionate care, accessibility, resourcefulness, trust, personalized service, and maximized pursuit. That same dedication extends to our community involvement, where we invest time and resources into supporting the people we serve.

Hear From Our Satisfied Clients

Countless clients have shared their experiences with NST Law, highlighting our compassion, persistence, and results:

NST was the best choice I could have went with for my case!!! Very professional and I felt like they really cared about me and my case, they kept me as updated as possible with every small detail and they handled everything perfect!

- Amir B.

NST law has been amazing, trustworthy and caring every step of the way. I called them for both of my accidents that I had back to back and they reassured me throughout the whole process and called me to give me updates about how things are going and do not mind answering any of my questions. They made sure that I got back the maximum amount that was owed to me. They have truly been a blessing

- Breann M.

Contact a Mississippi Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer Today

After a serious crash, you should not have to face medical bills or navigate insurance alone. With more than 35 years of experience, our attorneys have guided thousands of clients through the legal process with compassion and care.

We offer free consultations and handle every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront cost or attorney fee unless we win compensation for you.

Call 662-856-1000 or complete our online form today. We are ready to listen, answer your questions, and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Our Mississippi Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Driving Car Accidents

Yes. Depending on what caused the crash, liability may be shared between a human driver, vehicle owner, manufacturer, software developer, or rideshare company. Mississippi follows a pure comparative fault system, which means each party, including the injured victim, may recover damages reduced by their percentage of responsibility.

Seek medical care immediately, document the accident scene, gather witness information, and avoid giving statements to insurers before consulting a lawyer. Doing so helps protect your rights and prevents unfair pressure to talk to the insurance company without legal guidance.

Mississippi law generally allows three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation, so it is important to act quickly.

NST Law works on a contingency fee basis and only collects a fee if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

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parker trotz
Content Legally Reviewed by:
Attorney A. Parker Trotz

Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2024 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee.