↓ Skip to main content
  1. Find Attorneys by City/

Baltimore Robotaxi & Robot Injury Claims

Baltimore: Robotaxi & Robot Injury Legal Resources
#

Baltimore is poised to become Waymo’s newest East Coast robotaxi market. In December 2025, Waymo announced it would begin manual test driving in Baltimore as preparation for eventual autonomous ride-hailing service. With Maryland lawmakers actively debating autonomous vehicle regulations, understanding the legal landscape is essential for Baltimore residents.

The Robotaxi Landscape in Baltimore
#

Baltimore represents a strategic expansion for Waymo, bringing robotaxi technology to the Mid-Atlantic region for the first time.

Waymo’s Baltimore Expansion
#

In December 2025, Waymo announced Baltimore as one of four new cities in its expansion plans:

  • Manual driving phase begins immediately to map roads and gather data
  • Autonomous testing with safety operators will follow
  • Initial operations expected in downtown core before expanding metropolitan-wide
  • Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles equipped with Waymo’s sensor suite
  • No firm date announced for fully driverless public service

According to Waymo, the company will engage with “first responders, local and state officials to ensure a safe and successful deployment” of the technology.

Governor’s Support
#

Maryland Governor Wes Moore welcomed the announcement, stating: “Maryland has a long, proud tradition of embracing innovation and driving discovery. This new partnership with Waymo marks the next chapter in that story—and it’s going to help spur growth, make our roads safer and get more Marylanders from where they live to where opportunity lies.”

Current Status
#

As of December 2025:

  • Waymo vehicles are conducting manual mapping drives on Baltimore streets
  • No autonomous rides are yet available to the public
  • Testing is focused on Baltimore’s urban core
  • Timeline for public service launch remains undetermined

Maryland Autonomous Vehicle Law
#

Maryland is actively developing its regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles through pending legislation.

Current Legal Framework#

Maryland’s existing AV statute is limited:

  • Authorizes conversion of traditional vehicles into autonomous vehicles
  • Permits the sale of converted AVs
  • Does not comprehensively regulate autonomous vehicle operation

Pending Legislation: HB1256 and SB0949
#

Maryland lawmakers introduced cross-filed bills in 2025 to establish comprehensive autonomous vehicle regulations:

HB1256 / SB0949 Key Provisions:

  • Establishes standards and requirements for fully autonomous vehicles on Maryland highways
  • Requires submission of a law enforcement interaction plan to the Motor Vehicle Administration before operation
  • Prohibits state agencies or local governments from banning autonomous vehicles on highways under their jurisdiction
  • Effective date: October 1, 2025

The legislation covers multiple areas including:

  • For-hire driving and ridesharing
  • Motor vehicle operation and registration
  • Highway safety standards
  • Law enforcement protocols
  • Electronic government systems

Liability Principles Under Maryland Law
#

Maryland follows principles that will apply to autonomous vehicle injury claims:

Contributory Negligence: Maryland is one of only four states using pure contributory negligence. This means:

  • If you’re found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovery
  • This strict standard makes documenting the autonomous vehicle’s fault critical
  • Evidence preservation is especially important in Maryland cases

Product Liability: Maryland recognizes claims for:

  • Design defects in autonomous driving systems
  • Manufacturing defects in sensors and hardware
  • Failure to warn about system limitations

Vicarious Liability: Companies may be liable for:

  • Actions of vehicles they deploy and control
  • Negligent maintenance or software updates
  • Failure to respond to known safety issues

Statute of Limitations
#

In Maryland, personal injury claims generally must be filed within three years of the injury date. However, specific circumstances may affect this deadline, so prompt action is advisable.

Who Can Be Held Liable?
#

Baltimore robotaxi incidents may involve multiple potentially liable parties:

Waymo (Autonomous Vehicle Operator)
#

As the company deploying and controlling the vehicles, Waymo may be liable for:

  • Defective autonomous driving software
  • Sensor failures that cause accidents
  • Inadequate testing before deployment
  • Failure to warn about system limitations
  • Negligent maintenance of vehicles

Vehicle Manufacturer (Jaguar/Land Rover)
#

The manufacturer of the physical vehicle may be liable for:

  • Defects in vehicle hardware unrelated to autonomous systems
  • Integration failures between the vehicle and autonomous equipment
  • Manufacturing defects in specific units

Safety Operators (During Testing Phase)
#

When safety operators are present in vehicles:

  • They may be liable for failure to intervene when the system fails
  • Their employer (Waymo) may be vicariously liable
  • Inadequate training may create additional claims

Third Parties
#

Other potentially liable parties include:

  • Component manufacturers (sensors, LiDAR, cameras)
  • Software contractors involved in system development
  • Maintenance providers who service vehicles

Common Incident Types in Baltimore
#

Based on the city’s characteristics and nationwide autonomous vehicle data, expect these incident scenarios:

Urban Traffic Challenges
#

Baltimore’s dense urban environment creates challenges:

  • Narrow streets in historic neighborhoods like Fells Point and Federal Hill
  • Complex intersections downtown and near the Inner Harbor
  • Construction zones from ongoing development projects
  • Double-parked vehicles on busy commercial streets

Pedestrian Areas
#

High foot traffic areas require careful navigation:

  • Inner Harbor tourist district
  • Fells Point nightlife area
  • Johns Hopkins University and hospital campuses
  • University of Maryland, Baltimore campus
  • Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium event traffic

Weather Events
#

Maryland weather can challenge autonomous systems:

  • Snow and ice during winter months
  • Heavy rain and flooding during storms
  • Fog near the harbor and waterways
  • Sun glare affecting sensors

Baltimore-Specific Factors
#

  • Potholes and road surface damage
  • Aggressive driving culture common to the region
  • Confusing traffic patterns around the harbor
  • Emergency vehicle traffic near major hospitals

Steps to Take After a Robotaxi Incident in Baltimore
#

1. Ensure Safety
#

Move to safety if possible. Baltimore’s busy streets make secondary accidents a significant risk.

2. Call 911
#

Contact Baltimore Police Department. An official police report is valuable evidence.

3. Identify the Vehicle
#

During testing phase, Waymo vehicles will have:

  • Distinctive Jaguar I-PACE body style
  • Prominent sensor array on the roof
  • Safety operator behind the wheel (during testing)
  • Waymo branding on the vehicle

4. Document the Scene
#

  • Photograph all vehicles, damage, and surroundings
  • Note the exact location (street names, landmarks)
  • Record time, weather, and traffic conditions
  • Get witness names and contact information
  • Check for security cameras at nearby businesses

5. Preserve Digital Evidence
#

  • Screenshot any ride-hailing app data if you were a passenger
  • Save all notifications or messages from the app
  • Note whether the vehicle had a safety operator present

6. File Reports
#

  • Police report with Baltimore PD
  • Report to NHTSA (888-327-4236) for autonomous vehicle incidents
  • Consider filing with Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
  • Retain copies of all reports

7. Seek Medical Attention
#

Get evaluated even if injuries seem minor. Maryland’s contributory negligence standard makes documenting your injuries thoroughly essential.

8. Consult an Attorney
#

Given Maryland’s strict contributory negligence rule, early legal consultation is critical. Cases involving:

  • Multiple potentially liable parties
  • Technical evidence requiring expert analysis
  • Corporate legal teams with substantial resources
  • Evolving regulatory frameworks

Challenges Specific to Baltimore AV Cases
#

Contributory Negligence
#

Maryland’s pure contributory negligence rule creates unique challenges:

  • Any fault on your part may bar recovery entirely
  • Defense attorneys will scrutinize your actions before the incident
  • Comprehensive documentation of the autonomous system’s failure is critical
  • Expert testimony may be necessary to establish the vehicle’s sole fault

Testing Phase Complexity
#

During the testing phase with safety operators:

  • Multiple potential defendants: Waymo, safety operator, vehicle manufacturer
  • Questions about when the safety operator should have intervened
  • Different liability theories for operator negligence vs. product defect

Evolving Regulations
#

With HB1256/SB0949 taking effect:

  • Legal requirements are actively changing
  • Companies and courts are interpreting new rules
  • Case outcomes may depend on timing relative to regulatory changes

Data Preservation
#

Autonomous vehicles generate crucial data:

  • Sensor logs showing what the vehicle detected
  • Decision-making records showing system responses
  • Trip records and operational data
  • Request preservation immediately—data may be overwritten quickly

Baltimore Resources
#

  • Baltimore Police Department: File accident reports, obtain copies
  • Circuit Court for Baltimore City: Civil litigation venue
  • Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration: State vehicle records and AV permits
  • Maryland Office of Highway Safety: Traffic safety information
  • NHTSA Eastern Region: Federal vehicle safety concerns

Related Information#

This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Maryland autonomous vehicle law is actively evolving with pending legislation. Maryland’s pure contributory negligence rule creates unique challenges that make early legal consultation especially important. Consult with qualified legal professionals to understand your rights.