Civil Liability Arising from Autonomous Vehicle Accidents: A Comparative Legal Study

Authors

Othman Mohammed Ahmed Al-Amin Hamad

 

Abstract

This research aims to examine the civil liability arising from accidents involving autonomous vehicles by analyzing the legal position under the Saudi legal system and comparing it with selected foreign systems, particularly the German and American models, as well as the UAE legal framework. The study is driven by a central question: To what extent can current legal rules— particularly in Saudi Arabia—accommodate the technological advancements associated with artificial intelligence in the field of transportation, especially in determining liability for damages caused by such vehicles? The research explores the concept and levels of autonomous driving, the nature of civil liability involved, the challenges of proving fault and damage, and a comparative legal analysis. The findings reveal that, despite the flexibility and richness of the Saudi legal system, there is still a notable legislative gap in addressing this modern type of liability. In contrast, jurisdictions such as Germany have enacted detailed legislation, while the UAE has introduced one of the first specialized laws on autonomous vehicles in the Arab region. The research concludes that there is an urgent need for a dedicated legal framework in Saudi Arabia to govern accidents involving autonomous vehicles and clearly delineates the responsibility among manufacturers, programmers, and vehicle owners. It advocates for adaptable legal solutions that ensure justice for affected parties without hindering technological advancement. The study ends with practical recommendations to help the Saudi legal system evolve in line with global technological transformations.