Recently, several issues related to autonomous vehicle accidents have garnered significant public attention. The industry is undergoing rapid transformation, marked by actual accidents involving autonomous robotaxis, governmental discussions on new legislation, and the establishment of advanced accident investigation and response systems.
Leveraging our specialized expertise in the full range of autonomous vehicle matters, from accident response to legal advisory, LIN herein summarizes the latest trends and their practical implications

First Accident Involving an Autonomous Vehicle Certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Occurs
Increasing Interest in Determining the Cause and Handling of Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

On May 29, 2025, an autonomous vehicle collided with a passenger car in Suwon. It was reported that the autonomous vehicle was making a left turn on a green signal at an intersection when it struck a passenger car that was stopped at a crosswalk. At the time of the accident, the vehicle was traveling at 20 km/h and was occupied by one safety manager and four passengers. There were no casualties resulting from the accident. The vehicle involved was reportedly  certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) in accordance with the Autonomous Vehicles Act.

The number of autonomous vehicles operating under temporary permits in South Korea has increased from 279 at the end of 2022 to 471 at the end of 2024. Consequently, the likelihood of accidents involving autonomous vehicles is rising, leading to heightened interest in investigating the causes and managing the aftermath of such accidents.

Moves to Legislate Liability for Autonomous Vehicle Accidents and Strengthen Public Protection Measures
The Traffic Accident Compensation Supervisory Service Signs MOU with the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice

The Traffic Accident Compensation Supervisory Service and the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance policy research and legislative improvements  concerning  traffic  accidents. Through  this  MOU,  the  two organizations will conduct joint research to prepare for future changes in the transportation system, including the legislation of liability for autonomous vehicle accidents. They will also collaborate to enhance public protection measures aimed at safeguarding the rights of traffic accident victims and facilitating their swift recovery.

Such initiatives are of critical importance at this juncture as the commercialization of autonomous vehicles gains momentum. Unlike conventional car accidents, incidents involving autonomous vehicles present a complex web of potentially liable parties, including the driver, manufacturer, and software developer, which can result in legal gaps. Therefore, to  ensure swift and fair protection for victims, it is imperative to establish not only clear definitions of liable parties but also a multi-layered public protection framework that includes systems for data acquisition, accident investigation, and insurance and compensation.

LIN’s Mobility Team, in Collaboration with SWM and CP6, Conducts Mock Drill for an Autonomous Vehicle Accident Response System

LIN’s Mobility Team, in partnership with automotive forensics firm CP6 and SWM, has conducted a mock drill to  establish a response system for traffic accidents involving autonomous robotaxis. This drill simulated the entire accident response process in a realistic manner, covering:▲ Accident recognition and data acquisition, ▲ A five-tiered response system based on accident severity, ▲ Technical support and data forensics, ▲ Legal strategy consultation, ▲ Joint investigation with police and insurance companies, ▲ Accident analysis and compensation procedures.

By benchmarking global best practices from companies like Waymo, the drill was designed to enhance the objectivity and reliability of accident investigations. LIN’s Mobility Team played a crucial role by, inter alia, securing data from external agencies, preserving evidence, and providing legal counsel to stakeholders, thereby strengthening the professionalism and systematic nature of the on-site response.

This type of practical collaboration and a standardized accident investigation process are essential for enhancing the safety and consumer trust in the autonomous vehicle industry. As accidents involving autonomous vehicles present complex legal issues due to the multiple parties potentially at fault—including the driver, manufacturer, and software developer—the role of law firms like LIN, which possess specialized expertise in the mobility sector, is becoming increasingly vital.

Moving forward, LIN’s Mobility Team will continue to lead the way in building a foundation of trust for the future  mobility industry, leveraging our legal expertise and accident response capabilities that align with global standards.
 

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LIN has extensive advisory and litigation experience in the mobility industry, including administrative regulations, patents, and trade secret disputes. Our Mobility Team is comprised of attorneys and experts who share a distinct passion for and interest in the automotive field.
Should you wish to learn more about this newsletter or have any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact LIN’s Mobility Team at any time:

Tae Joon Bae (tjbae@law-lin.com, +82 10 8237 8123)
Min Gu Kang (mgkang@law-lin.com, +82 10 3907 9217)
Ho Yeon Kim (hykim@law-lin.com, +82 2 3477 6300)
Han Joon Jung (hjjung@law-lin.com, +82 2 3477 8695)
Jeong Pil Oh (jpoh@law-lin.com, +82 2 3477 8695)