Waymo has begun early groundwork to bring its autonomous ride-hailing service to St. Louis.
The company started manually driving a fleet of all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles in downtown St. Louis in December 2025, mapping streets and studying traffic patterns as part of its preparation for future public service.
St. Louis is one of four new cities Waymo is adding to its expansion plans, alongside Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. The company is currently in its very early testing phase, with human drivers operating the vehicles before gradually validating the autonomous system.
Waymo has not announced a specific timeline for launching driverless service in St. Louis, as each market varies based on infrastructure needs and fleet scaling requirements.
Where Do Waymo Driverless Taxis Operate?
Waymo currently runs commercial robotaxi services in four major cities. A robotaxi is a self-driving car you can hire for rides without a human driver inside.
The company typically starts with limited areas before expanding coverage. They test extensively before offering rides to the public.
Current Waymo cities include:
- Phoenix, Arizona: The first major launch area with full commercial service throughout most of the metro area.
- San Francisco, California: Expanded service covering the majority of the city with ongoing growth.
- Los Angeles, California: Recently launched with limited coverage areas that continue to expand.
- Austin, Texas: The newest market with rapidly growing service zones.
Each city started small and grew over time. This pattern suggests St. Louis will likely see a similar gradual rollout.
Are Driverless Taxis Legal in Missouri?
Missouri law allows driverless taxis to operate on public roads. The state has created a legal framework specifically for autonomous vehicles.
Missouri requires companies to register with the state before testing or operating self-driving cars. They must also carry minimum insurance coverage to protect passengers and other road users.
The law ensures someone is always legally responsible for the vehicle’s actions. Even without a human driver, the company operating the car must be held accountable for what happens during your ride.
These regulations make Missouri attractive to autonomous vehicle companies. The clear legal structure gives them confidence to invest in bringing their services here.
How Do Waymo Driverless Taxis Work?
Waymo vehicles use advanced technology to see and navigate the world around them. The cars use multiple types of sensors that work together to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signals, and road conditions.
These sensors include cameras that work like human eyes, radar that measures distance and speed, and LiDAR that creates detailed 3D maps of surroundings. All this information feeds into computer systems that make driving decisions.
The passenger experience is straightforward:
- Request a ride: Use the Waymo app on your phone to call a car.
- Vehicle arrival: An empty car automatically drives to your location.
- Enter safely: Unlock the doors using your phone and get in.
- Monitor your trip: Watch your route on screens inside the vehicle.
- Get support: Remote operators are available if you need help during the ride.
The cars can handle most driving situations on their own. Remote human operators monitor trips and can take control if something unexpected happens.
Who Pays After a Driverless Taxi Crash in Missouri?
Liability in robotaxi accidents is more complex than regular car crashes. In a typical accident, you deal with the other driver’s insurance company. With autonomous vehicles, multiple parties might be responsible.
Determining fault requires investigating the vehicle’s technology, maintenance records, and operating procedures. This makes these cases more challenging than traditional auto accidents.
The key difference is that no human driver is making split-second decisions. Instead, computer systems and company policies control the vehicle’s actions.
Who Can Be Liable in a Robotaxi Crash?
Several different parties could be held responsible when a driverless taxi causes an accident. The complexity comes from the various systems and companies involved in making these vehicles work.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Autonomous vehicle companies, such as Waymo, can be held vicariously liable for software failures, inadequate safety systems, or poor decision-making by their driving algorithms.
- Vehicle manufacturer: Car companies like Chrysler or Jaguar might be responsible for mechanical defects, brake failures, or sensor malfunctions that contribute to crashes.
- Other human drivers: Traditional drivers who cause collisions with robotaxis through speeding, distracted driving, or traffic violations.
- Third-party software providers: Companies that supply mapping data, navigation systems, or other software components used by the autonomous vehicle.
- Maintenance companies: Businesses responsible for servicing, cleaning, or repairing the vehicles if improper maintenance leads to failures.
Multiple parties often share responsibility in these accidents. Your attorney needs to investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your compensation.
Preserving evidence quickly is crucial because digital data can be overwritten or deleted. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of building a strong case.
Do Insurance Policies Cover Robotaxi Injuries in Missouri?
Your insurance coverage depends on your role in the accident. Missouri law requires autonomous vehicle companies to carry substantial liability insurance, but understanding all your options protects your financial interests.
The good news is that multiple insurance sources might be available to cover your injuries. The challenge is knowing which ones apply to your specific situation.
Am I Covered if I Was a Passenger?
If you’re injured while riding in a Waymo vehicle, the company’s commercial insurance policy should cover your damages. These policies are specifically designed to protect passengers and typically provide millions of dollars in coverage.
Your own health insurance might pay your initial medical bills. However, your health insurer will likely seek reimbursement from any settlement you receive from the autonomous vehicle company.
Don’t let the robotaxi company or their insurance company pressure you into a quick settlement. These cases often involve serious injuries that require ongoing medical care, and you deserve full compensation.
Am I Covered if a Robotaxi Hits Me?
If you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver hit by a robotaxi, the autonomous vehicle company’s liability insurance should cover your injuries and property damage. These companies carry high-limit policies specifically for these situations.
Missouri’s pure comparative negligence rules still apply to these accidents. If you were partially at fault, your compensation might be reduced, but you can still recover damages even if you share some blame.
The key is to prove that the robotaxi or its operator was negligent. This might involve showing that the vehicle’s sensors failed, the software made poor decisions, or the company didn’t properly maintain the car.
Can Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage Apply in Autonomous Vehicle Crashes?
Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects you when at-fault parties don’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. This coverage is part of your own auto insurance policy.
While autonomous vehicle companies must carry substantial insurance, your UM/UIM coverage could potentially apply if your damages exceed their policy limits. This might happen in cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
Review your auto insurance policy to understand your coverage limits. Some insurance companies are updating their policies to specifically address autonomous vehicle scenarios, so check with your agent about any recent changes.
What to Do After a Driverless Taxi Crash in Missouri?
The steps you take immediately after a robotaxi accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Since there’s no human driver to exchange information with, documenting everything becomes even more important.
Your actions in the first few minutes and hours after the crash can make or break your case. Don’t assume the robotaxi company will preserve all the evidence you need.
Steps to Protect Your Health and Claim
Taking the right steps after a driverless taxi accident protects both your health and your legal rights. These cases require different actions than typical car crashes.
Follow these steps immediately after the accident:
- Call 911 immediately: Report any injuries and request police response to create an official accident report.
- Document everything thoroughly: Take photos of the robotaxi’s vehicle ID number, license plate, damage to all vehicles, and the entire accident scene.
- Collect witness information: Get names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the accident happen.
- Seek medical attention promptly: Get evaluated by a doctor even if you feel fine, as some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately.
- Report to the AV company: Use the company’s app or emergency number to notify them of the accident.
- Preserve your trip data: Screenshot all trip details in the app before the information disappears
- Contact an attorney immediately: The complex liability in these cases makes legal guidance from our skilled St. Louis car accident attorneys essential from the start.
Don’t give any statements to insurance companies or sign any documents without speaking to an attorney first. These companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability.
What Evidence Helps a Driverless Taxi Claim?
Autonomous vehicle accident cases rely heavily on digital evidence that doesn’t exist in traditional car crashes. The vehicle’s own sensors and computers often provide the clearest picture of what happened.
This digital evidence can be much more detailed and accurate than human testimony. However, it can also be deleted or overwritten quickly if not preserved properly.
Evidence to Secure Right Away
Time is critical when gathering evidence in robotaxi accidents. Much of the most important evidence exists only in digital form and can disappear within days or even hours.
Essential evidence includes:
- Trip data from the app: Shows your route, pickup and drop-off times, any issues you reported, and the vehicle’s identification information.
- Vehicle sensor data: Includes video footage, speed data, braking information, and steering inputs from the car’s multiple sensor systems.
- Traffic and security camera footage: Nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or residential security systems may have captured the accident.
- Emergency response records: Official police reports, 911 call recordings, and emergency medical service reports.
- Medical documentation: Hospital records, diagnostic tests, and treatment notes that link your injuries to the accident.
- Witness statements: Accounts from people who saw the accident or observed the vehicle’s behavior before the crash.
The robotaxi company may have policies that automatically delete data after a certain period. Getting our attorneys at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers involved quickly can help preserve this crucial evidence through legal demands.
How Long Do I Have to File in Missouri?
Missouri’s statute of limitations gives you five years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to most robotaxi accident cases.
Missing this deadline means losing your right to seek compensation forever. Courts rarely make exceptions, even for good reasons.
However, waiting until the last minute is dangerous. Complex robotaxi cases require extensive investigation and expert analysis that takes months to complete properly.
Some situations have shorter deadlines, especially if government entities are involved. Getting legal help early ensures you meet all applicable deadlines and preserve your rights.
Car Accident Law Firm in St. Louis, Missouri, with 35+ Years of Experience
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we’re the only law firm in Missouri that focuses exclusively on auto accident law. Since 1990, we’ve been helping people injured in motor vehicle accidents recover the compensation they deserve.
Our extensive experience recovering compensation for clients gives us unique insight into complex liability cases. We understand how to investigate crashes involving new technology and prove fault against well-funded corporations.
As robotaxis become more common, we’re staying ahead of the legal challenges they present, applying the same investigative expertise we use in regular car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, to these emerging technologies.
We work with technology experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and digital forensics professionals to build the strongest possible cases.
Our family-run approach means you work directly with experienced attorneys, not case managers or paralegals. We handle every aspect of your case personally, from initial investigation through final settlement or trial verdict.
We’re available 24/7 for free consultations because we know accidents don’t happen on a schedule. You’ll never pay attorney fees unless we win your case, and we advance all costs during the legal process.
If you’re injured in any type of motor vehicle accident in Missouri, we’re here to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
FAQs About Waymo in St. Louis
Is Waymo Currently Operating in St. Louis?
Waymo is currently manually testing their driverless taxis in St. Louis. Numerous residents have reported sightings of the vehicles since testing began in December 2025. There is no set scheduled date for the service to officially roll out.
Which Cities Currently Have Waymo Service?
Waymo offers commercial robotaxi services in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. The company also conducts testing programs in several other major cities including Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.
Can Police Officers Pull Over a Robotaxi in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri law allows police to stop autonomous vehicles just like any other car. Remote operators must be able to communicate with law enforcement and pull over safely when directed.
Who Covers My Medical Bills if I’m Injured as a Passenger?
The autonomous vehicle company’s commercial insurance policy covers passenger injuries and medical expenses. These companies carry substantial liability insurance specifically for this purpose.
How Do I Preserve Important Trip Data After an Accident?
Contact the robotaxi company immediately through their app or customer service to report the accident and request that data be preserved. Take a screenshot of all trip information in your app before it disappears, and get legal help quickly to ensure all evidence is secured.
