Exploring a Suitable Legal Framework of Civil Liability for Automated Vehicle Accidents

This chapter aims to examine an appropriate nationwide legal framework for civil liability in automated vehicle accidents under Chinese law, with the goal of balancing safety enhancement and the promotion of automated vehicle usage. Based on the varying levels of automation in vehicles, the discussion on civil liability for car accidents is divided into two main sections: one focuses on defining and determining the scope of civil liability for a user-in-charge, while the other delves into the potential parties who may be held accountable for civil liability in cases where a highly automated vehicle is involved in an accident. Additionally, the chapter explores liability insurance models that align with the legal framework of civil liability for automated vehicle accidents and effectively allocate legal risks. It offers timely insights for Chinese legislative reforms concerning civil liability in automated vehicle accidents. © 2025 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.