Legal Experts Weigh in on Autonomous Trucks and Accident Risks

Much like futuristic tv shows and movies once predicted, modern advancement has paved the way for self-driving cars to hit the road along with the typical traffic. Autonomous commercial freight vehicles are also gradually being introduced on the road in an effort to increase efficiency and answer commercial driver shortages.

However, these self-navigating trucks can also come with a fair share of risks. Keep reading to learn more about what changes autonomous trucks may bring, as well as the accident risks that may come with the convenience of this budding technology, according to San Jose commercial vehicle accident attorneys.

How Do Autonomous Trucks Work?  

At the end of April 2026, the California DMV adopted new regulations for the oversight of autonomous freight vehicles. One of the most notable regulations was the allowance of operation of autonomous vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds and up on California roads.

So, what is an autonomous truck, and how does it work? An autonomous truck or other commercial vehicle is meant to transport cargo from one point to another without the need for human intervention.

Autonomous trucks are considered autonomous by relying on:  

• Radar and optical cameras 

• LiDAR systems (Use laser pulses to map the environment) 

• AI software to make driving decisions 

• Advanced driver-assistance systems for braking and human override 

• Tracking and route updating systems 

• GPS and V2X communication

Levels of Automation in Commercial Vehicles 

There are standard levels of automation for commercial trucks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) breaks these levels down for smaller vehicles, but they are also referenced and tweaked for commercial trucks:

Level 0 - The driver fully operates the car while the vehicle provides momentary assistance, like warnings and alerts.

Level 1 and Level 2- The driver fully operates the vehicle while it provides assistance with acceleration, braking, and/or steering.

Level 3- Safety and critical functions are automated, but the driver is present to operate in certain weather and environment conditions.

Level 4- The vehicle drives within limited services areas, with no need for a human operator, but drivers may still be present for specific scenarios concerning commercial trucks.  

Level 5- The vehicle drivers under all road conditions and in all areas, with no need for a human operator.

Commercial trucks (and vehicles in general) are not at the last level of automation as of yet and are still being monitored by humans. All vehicles require a driver to be present and monitoring the road.

Risks of Self-Driving Trucks  

Like with any technology, there’s plenty of room for error when it comes to autonomous trucks that use technology to detect the environment, monitor routes, etc. It's safe to say the size of large commercial trucks and the cargo they’re carrying can increase the dangers in the case of an accident.

San Jose commercial vehicle accident attorneys note some of the following risks when it comes to autonomous trucks traveling on the road with other vehicles:  

• Software errors 

• Malfunctions due to weather conditions 

• Missed detection of debris, cars, and other things on the road 

• Failure due to lack of system maintenance 

• Human error while monitoring vehicle systems 

• Unpredictable situations that AI can’t comprehend, leading to failure within the automation systems of a vehicle 

While automated driving systems seem convenient and revolutionary, it’s important to recognize they’re still in the process of being monitored and further developed. Within large commercial industries, automated system implementation is still being tested.

One NHTSA report on automated driving systems emphasized that California had the largest number of crashes associated with these technologies.

Common Commercial Truck Accidents 

Large truck accidents are nothing new. Some of the most common commercial truck accidents that happen in San Jose and surrounding areas may include:  

• Rear-end truck accidents 

• Head-on collisions 

• Wide turn accidents, which typically involve a part of the truck striking another vehicle while angling to make a turn  

• Spilled cargo accidents 

• Jackknife accidents 

Large freight trucks are wider and with bigger blind spots than regular passenger cars, making for higher risks of accidents. Combine the size of a truck, blind spots, cargo, and the risk of AI system malfunctions and other technological errors, and you may have a recipe for disaster.

Fortunately, completely autonomous trucks are still not cleared for significant commercial travel at this point in time. If and when completely autonomous commercial vehicles make it on the roads with other drivers, safe driving habits will be key for other drivers in the event of technological errors.

What Do San Jose Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys Do After an Accident?  

While self-driving commercial trucks and other vehicles are still being tested, commercial vehicle accidents continue happening in San Jose and throughout California. Technology, human error, and factors like the environment and weather can all play a role when it comes to a sudden accident.

San Jose commercial vehicle accident attorneys, like the truck accident team at BD&J, are here to help drivers understand their legal options after an accident. Even with the use of advanced driving systems in trucks, there can always be errors and negligence that result in accidents.  

Learning more about the legal possibilities after a commercial vehicle accident can help you possibly recover money and ease your recovery journey in the meantime.