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The Rise of Autonomous Vehicles in Oregon

Posted on October 10, 2025 in

Self-driving cars—once a futuristic concept—are now a reality on Portland’s roads. With tech giants and car manufacturers investing heavily in autonomous vehicle (AV) development, the number of semi-automated and fully automated vehicles is growing rapidly. But with innovation comes uncertainty—especially when accidents happen. Who’s liable when no one is technically “driving”? The answer isn’t always clear. In this post, we’ll explore how Oregon law applies to self-driving car collisions and what you should do if you’re involved in one.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident? Determining fault in a self-driving car crash is more complex than a typical car accident. Several parties may be responsible, including:

The Vehicle Manufacturer
If the crash was caused by a flaw in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing—such as faulty sensors or malfunctioning software—then the automaker may be liable under product liability laws.
The Software Developer
Autonomous vehicles rely on advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence. If the software makes a poor decision (e.g., misidentifies a pedestrian), the tech company responsible could be held accountable.
The Human “Driver”
* Most AVs today still require some human oversight. If the operator fails to take over when necessary or is distracted, they may be partially or fully at fault.
Third Parties
Other drivers, city governments (for poor road maintenance), or fleet operators may also share responsibility depending on the situation.

Oregon Law and Comparative Negligence
Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning more than one party can be at fault—and still liable.
If you’re less than 51% responsible for the crash, you can recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you’ll receive $80,000.
This is particularly important in self-driving cases, where multiple actors (human and machine) could have contributed to the crash.

What to Do After a Self-Driving Car Crash
If you’re involved in a collision with a self-driving or semi-autonomous vehicle, here’s what you should do:
Get Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, always seek medical help. It documents your condition for insurance and legal claims.
Document the Scene
Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, signage, and visible injuries.
File a Police Report
Always have law enforcement document the incident. This becomes key evidence later.
Collect Info
Get contact and insurance details from all parties, including witnesses.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer
Self-driving car accidents involve complex legal and technical issues. An attorney familiar with AV technology and liability can protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

At Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the legal gray areas surrounding emerging transportation technologies. Our team:

Investigates crashes with accident reconstruction experts
Analyzes vehicle data logs and software systems
Holds manufacturers and tech companies accountable
Pursues maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

We’ve handled a variety of cutting-edge accident cases and offer a free consultation to help you understand your legal options.

Don’t Navigate It Alone

As autonomous vehicles become more common, so will the legal challenges that come with them. If you or a loved one were hurt in a self-driving car crash in Oregon, it’s essential to act fast.

Let Tillmann Law fight for your future. We’re here to help you make sense of a complicated situation—and get the justice you deserve.

Contact us today for a free case review