Review and analysis of the importance of autonomous vehicles liability: a systematic literature review

The introduction of autonomous vehicles (AVs) has led to a shift in liability from driver to AV. This paper is a systematic review of the literature on liability with AVs. Articles were selected from EBSCO, SCOPUS and PROQUEST and then sorted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings reveal that most such articles have been published in law journals and transport journals. The articles mainly discuss the steps being taken by developed countries, such as the US, the UK and Germany; the modification of existing laws; and the formulation of new laws. The articles also address the shift in liability from humans to AVs and affirm that there is no general rule on liability for AVs. Researchers conclude that liability would depend on the particular details of a situation, the role of the driver, the level of autonomy exercised by the vehicle, and the environmental factors among other considerations. Earlier papers have also suggested that ethical considerations should be studied when dealing with liability. Further research needs to be done on how users perceive liability and how liability evolves with the considerable changes in the law.