> The difference is that very few accidents are the result of defective automobile.
Doesn't really change anything fundamental to how the system works.
> In the hypothetical world where most(all) people ride in drive-less cars, the car manufacturer would be theoretically liable for EVERY car accident.
Probably not; maintenance is going to still be a big part of correct operation, and owners are almost certainly still going to be liable for accidents caused by the vehicle not being maintained in a safe operating condition, and likely the person giving commands to the car, as the legal "driver" whether in direct control every second or not, will remain initially liable for harms caused by the vehicle operating outside of legal rules for speed, direction of travel, etc. Especially, as is likely for the first very many years of self-driving-capable cars, the car allows manual operation as well as automatic operation.
They may have the opportunity to <i>prove</i> that the improper operation resulted from a manufacturer's defect, and shift liability to (or seek contribution from) the manufacturer. But, again, that's true, now, too.
Doesn't really change anything fundamental to how the system works.
> In the hypothetical world where most(all) people ride in drive-less cars, the car manufacturer would be theoretically liable for EVERY car accident.
Probably not; maintenance is going to still be a big part of correct operation, and owners are almost certainly still going to be liable for accidents caused by the vehicle not being maintained in a safe operating condition, and likely the person giving commands to the car, as the legal "driver" whether in direct control every second or not, will remain initially liable for harms caused by the vehicle operating outside of legal rules for speed, direction of travel, etc. Especially, as is likely for the first very many years of self-driving-capable cars, the car allows manual operation as well as automatic operation.
They may have the opportunity to <i>prove</i> that the improper operation resulted from a manufacturer's defect, and shift liability to (or seek contribution from) the manufacturer. But, again, that's true, now, too.