San Francisco has become the testing ground for self-driving cars, with Waymo and other autonomous vehicle companies filling the streets. While these vehicles promise a safer future with fewer accidents, 2025 has told a different story. Crashes involving self-driving cars are on the rise, raising concerns about whether the technology is ready for the real world and whether victims are left unprotected.

The Numbers in 2025

Reports from San Francisco officials show that self-driving car collisions have increased by 30% compared to 2023. While many of these are minor fender benders, several serious accidents in 2025 have involved pedestrians and cyclists. Critics argue that autonomous vehicles are struggling to adapt to San Francisco’s steep hills, unpredictable traffic, and dense urban environment.

Why Waymo Crashes Are Rising

Confusion at Intersections, Self-driving cars often hesitate at four-way stops, confusing human drivers and leading to collisions.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Risks, Waymo cars have been involved in several incidents where the vehicle failed to detect pedestrians or cyclists in time.
Software Errors, In 2025, reports surfaced of self-driving vehicles braking suddenly without cause, creating rear-end crashes.
Driver Over-Reliance, Passengers sometimes misuse “autonomous mode,” assuming the car requires no human oversight.

High-Profile Accidents in San Francisco

In February 2025, a Waymo vehicle struck a cyclist near Mission District when its sensors failed to register a sudden lane change. In April, a pedestrian in Chinatown was injured after a self-driving car rolled into a crosswalk during a red light glitch. These incidents made headlines and fueled public debate over whether San Francisco residents are guinea pigs for unproven technology.

The Legal Grey Area

Self-driving car accidents raise complex legal questions. Who is responsible—the vehicle owner, the manufacturer, or the software company? In 2025, lawsuits in San Francisco courts are already targeting Waymo and other companies for negligence. Victims often face delays and corporate pushback as these companies fight to limit liability.

Why San Francisco Is a Hotspot

The city’s steep hills, tight intersections, and unpredictable mix of cars, bikes, and pedestrians create conditions that challenge even the most advanced self-driving systems. Unlike suburban test areas, San Francisco’s chaotic streets expose the flaws of autonomous technology on a daily basis.

What Victims Should Do After a Self-Driving Car Crash

Call 911 immediately and document the scene thoroughly with photos and video. Collect witness statements and request access to vehicle data logs, which may reveal software or sensor errors. Because these cases involve large corporations, it’s critical to work with an attorney experienced in handling complex liability disputes.

Conclusion

The rise of Waymo and self-driving car crashes in San Francisco in 2025 highlights the risks of rushing new technology onto public roads. While autonomous vehicles may one day make driving safer, today they are leaving too many victims behind. At Hillstone Law, we fight for those injured in self-driving car accidents, holding companies accountable and ensuring victims get the justice they deserve.